News Release Archive
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM--FUNDING BOOST-TALL SHIPS SOCIETY
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The society overseeing the Tall Ships 2000 visit to Nova Scotia
has received a funding boost.
Premier John Savage, Richie Mann, economic development and
tourism minister, and Halifax Mayor Walter Fitzgerald today
announced a combined contribution of $617,000, about half the
society's proposed budget. Just over $411,000 of the $617,000
will be provided through the Canada-Nova Scotia COOPERATION
Agreement on Economic Diversification. The funding will be made
available over three years.
"We're proud to be part of an event that highlights the
province's strong links with the sea," said Premier Savage in
announcing the funding. "Sailing is an important part of our
heritage and culture. We look forward to sharing that heritage as
we welcome the world to our shores."
Tall Ships 2000 is expected to bring together a fleet of more
than 150 square-rigged and other sail training vessels from
across Europe, South America and the United States. Thousands of
young people from around the world will take part in the
four-month transatlantic adventure. The event is being organized
by the British-based International Sail Training Association with
the American Sail Training Association for North American ports.
Halifax joins six other ports in Europe and North America to
become an official race port. King Juan Carlos of Spain is the
overall patron of the Tall Ships 2000 series.
"We expect to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors during
the Tall Ships visit in July, 2000," said Mr. Mann. "The
resulting economic benefits will extend to our hotels,
restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, and that means jobs
for Nova Scotians."
Said Mr. Fitzgerald: "The 1984 Parade of Sail was one of the most
spectacular events our region has ever witnessed. We are
fortunate to once again be welcoming these Tall Ships of the
world to Halifax. They will add tremendously to the excitement
and anticipation of our Millennium Celebrations."
Alan Abraham, chair of the Tall Ships Nova Scotia Society,
welcomed the funding on behalf of the board. "This money will go
a long way toward ensuring the success of this event. We're
leading a corporate sponsorship drive to raise the other half of
our proposed $1.2 million budget."
Costs include a $220,000 entry fee for exclusive Canadian rights
for Tall Ship 2000 events and promotion; project management;
administrative support; pre-event planning and negotiations with
selected ships; marketing; and expenses associated while the
ships are in port, including security, insurance and services.
While the society is principally responsible for the year 2000
visit, it will also play a part in other tall ship visits
scheduled between now and 2000. For example, the Matthew, a
22-metre reproduction of John Cabot's ship, will sail Nova Scotia
waters Aug. 17-29 to commemorate the famous explorer's landing in
North America 500 years ago. Some tall ships are also expected in
1999 for Halifax's 250th anniversary celebrations.
"The impact of these events will be extremely significant," said
Mr. Mann. "Nova Scotians will have plenty of opportunities to
enjoy our maritime heritage. At the same time, we're helping Nova
Scotia gain an even stronger presence in the international
tourism marketplace."
The Canada-Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic
Diversification is managed by Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. on behalf of the federal
government, and by Nova Scotia departments of Economic
Development and Tourism and Finance on behalf of the provincial
government.
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Contact: Angela Poirier
Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism
902-424-1593
Fred Were
Waterfront Development Corp.
902-422-6591
John O'Brien
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-6431
trp May 21, 1997 - 10 p.m.
