Acadian cultural promotion, transportation improvements etc. among objectives of Argyle tourism strategy

Noting the need for southwestern Nova Scotia’s Acadian festivals to continue taking a coordinated approach to the planning of their summertime events – an approach used in 2007, when the Municipality of Argyle’s festivals, in combination with Clare, created a five-week-long series of festival-related activities – the strategy calls for a cooperative effort “to protect and enhance the ongoing ferry service” in and out of Yarmouth and “towards establishing a passenger flight service for the Yarmouth airport.”

The strategy – prepared by Brenda LaGrandeur, the Municipality of Argyle’s tourism development officer, through an evaluation of existing tourism studies and programs and through consultation with community stakeholders and a tourism advisory committee – cites the importance of marketing, spreading the word about what the area has to offer through traditional media and via the Internet.

The strategy, which identifies priorities as short, medium or long-term initiatives, lists various items deemed to have tourism potential, from the Tusket Islands to the Little River duck dog to rappie pie (the strategy suggesting that visitors might be interested in seeing demonstrations of how to make the popular Acadian dish).

Aside from the Tusket Islands in particular, the strategy points to the municipality’s “many natural advantages” and cites other nature-oriented things that could brighten the area’s tourism picture if developed and marketed properly, including birding opportunities and walking trails.

With regard to entertainment, the strategy suggests developing a performance calendar that would partner local artists with venues such as restaurants and museums.

As for what tourists are saying, the strategy refers to a 2006 survey distributed to tourism operators by the South West Development Authority that showed most complaints about the area had to do with roads, some people citing a need for better signage, others pointing out the poor physical condition of the roads.

The strategy says the Municipality of Argyle “has made a clear commitment to tourism.”

In keeping with its emphasis on working cooperatively with other municipalities and other partners (different levels of government etc.), the strategy takes into account that Argyle is part of the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region, a designation announced in 2007.

Meanwhile, with regard to the goal of attracting more tourists, the strategy stresses the need to think about what visitors are looking for.

“What they want is a memorable trip to our region and getting the most value for their money,” the strategy says. “They are here to experience the finest vacation possible.”