Rescue Our Ferry: Transportation link between Yarmouth, NS and New England
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Rescue our Ferry
The economic and tourism future of the province of Nova Scotia has been dealt a severe blow. Transportation access and the tourism industry within our province will be critically damaged by the loss of ferry service via the CAT, out of the port of Yarmouth. This will result in province-wide job loss, a weakened economy and a reduction of Nova Scotia's ability to compete in the global tourism industry.
Tourism in Nova Scotia accounted for $1.3 billion in revenues in 2008, and contributed nearly $204 million in tax revenues. It is one of the largest industries in the world, and Nova Scotia needs to be able to compete.
On December 15, 2009, the Government of Nova Scotia informed Bay Ferries Limited there would not be an extension of financial support for ferry service out of Yarmouth for the 2010 operating season.As a result, the high-speed ferry service delivered by our vessel "The CAT" will end.
The CAT ferry is an ambassador for all of Nova Scotia in our largest tourism market. Travelers on the ferry explore the entire province, visiting large and small communities, and spend new dollars.
An investment in New England ferry service represents an investment in the future of Nova Scotia. We need to continue building markets and connections throughout the USA, and provide opportunities for our visitors to reach our province.
We the undersigned support an investment in the CAT Ferry, to ensure continued service for 2010. Please Rescue our Ferry.
67 per cent year over year increase in room nights sold through our company into the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region of Nova Scotia, a 38 per cent overall increase in Nova Scotia room nights sold and also a massive increase in room nights sold into the State of Maine.
Tourism is
International tourism receipts represented in 2003 approximately 6 per cent of worldwide exports of goods and services (as expressed in US$). When considering service exports exclusively, the share of tourism exports increases to nearly 30 per cent.
The tourism industry of Atlantic Canada relies upon access to multiple markets, including the New England and the USA. The CAT ferry service is key to accessing and servicing this marketing. Tourism in Nova Scotia rep econ stats
New England and the USA represent the market of greatest potential for the Nova Scotia tourism industry. A dense population corridor combined with high income levels and liklihood to travel represents opportunity for this province.
The Town of Yarmouth is the regional centre of South Western Nova Scotia. The Town's population of 7200 people literally doubles on weekdays with the influx of workers and students from surrounding areas. Yarmouth is the financial, business, education, and lifestyle centre for the 70,000 people who live in the tri-counties of Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne.
The port of Yarmouth, located in the heart of the world's largest lobster fishing grounds, is central to Yarmouth's history and development. With Canada's most lucrative fishing industry, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores have a culture and economy historically tied to fishing and related industries.
As you look back through Yarmouth's history one can't help but notice that Yarmouth's citizens and businesses have always seen the importance of taking pride in their community and how it is presented to those who live and visit here. The distinctive architecture within Yarmouth, old and new, and the parks and trails in Yarmouth show the pride we take in our community. Yarmouth has taken this one step further over the last several years by participating in Communities in Bloom.
Sponsor
Town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Contact:
Julie Walters, Tourism Development Officer
South West Shore Development Authority
Tel: 902-742-0497
Fax: 902-742-3107
Email: jgrandy@swsda.com
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