Launch of Argyle tourism plan, website Feb. 19; officials to talk about Yarmouth & Acadian Shores brand

The event, which will include a presentation on the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores tourism brand, will begin at 11 a.m.

It will take place at the Argyle Township Court House Archives in Tusket.

The Argyle tourism plan – prepared by Brenda LeGrandeur, the municipality’s tourism development officer, through an evaluation of existing tourism studies and programs and in consultation with community stakeholders and a tourism advisory committee – identifies various initiatives of a short, medium or long-term nature.

It makes recommendations with regard to product development, visitor services, marketing and community awareness.

The strategy cites the importance of Acadian culture and heritage to the local tourism industry and calls for a united effort to help improve the area’s transportation services, particularly to preserve and enhance the ferry link with the U.S. and to secure a passenger flight service for the Yarmouth airport.

The plan points out a variety of things viewed as having tourism potential, including the Tusket Islands (an example of what the strategy cites as among the Municipality of Argyle’s “natural advantages”) and the local arts/entertainment scene (the strategy suggesting, for instance, the development of a performance calendar that would partner artists with venues like restaurants and museums).

The plan notes that Argyle is part of Yarmouth and Acadian Shores, a tourism designation unveiled last year that includes Yarmouth County and Clare.

The launch of the Municipality of Argyle’s tourism plan and website will be held in the former church next to the Tusket courthouse, a facility that was refurbished and expanded and made into an archival centre.