Stronger Measures Needed To Help Yarmouth Tourism Industry – Raymond

Wednesday April 30, 2008

Halifax – NDP Tourism and Culture Critic, Michele Raymond, today asked the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Bill Dooks, why his department hasn’t taken stronger measures to help the tourism sector in Yarmouth.

“The tourism economy in Yarmouth is reeling after a series of setbacks including the loss of the Scotia Prince ferry and changes to the hours of the other ferry run,” says Raymond. “I met with operators in the area and they paint an alarming picture. Many operators are getting down to 30 per cent occupancy in the peak season. It’s no longer a break even situation.”

One Yarmouth operator told Raymond recently that she had to tear down rooms because she could no longer afford to have them sitting vacant. This operator also said she didn’t hate her family enough to leave the business to them when she retires.

“It’s heartbreaking,” says Raymond. “This community needs to rebrand itself, improve the operations of the visitor information centre, and market the region as a destination of choice, but it needs support to do it. Where is this help for Yarmouth tourism operators?”

Raymond says there is no rail, bus or air service to Yarmouth. And neither Highway 101 or 103 are twinned. The Cat schedule changed and the future of the Digby Ferry is once again in question.

“When will the Minister sit down with the Minister of Transportation and work out a plan to give Yarmouth tourism operators a fighting chance?” asks Raymond.

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