Nova Scotia Tourism Agency CEO Patrick Sullivan stands in the agency’s new office in Windsor, holding a “Visit Nova Scotia” sign made out of dimes with the Bluenose facing out.
Nova Scotia Tourism Agency employees are settling in attheir new office space in Windsor.
Formerly based in Halifax, the agency has been operating outside of the former Black Bear Tavern on Water Street since Dec. 2.
There’s no sign of a draft tap in sight inside of the completely renovated building. The large, open concept office space predominantly features the bright blue and green colours found on the tourism agency’s website.
CEO Patrick Sullivan says the design and layout of the office, which will house 37 staff at full complement, is meant to fuel creativity.
After all, creativity is key in their business.
“Our primary goal is to get people to visit Nova Scotia. That is the most important thing we can do,” explained Sullivan.
He says the Windsor office is a central location that will make destinations in areas like the Annapolis Valley and the South Shore more accessible from the workplace, and many of the businesses in the Windsor area will benefit from having nearly 40 new government employees in town.
“For the local community having the addition of 37 jobs in the area is a good one.”
Sullivan describes the provincial tourism agency as a marketing, sales and product development group.
There was little time to rest on one’s laurels once the move to Windsor was complete. Proper timing is crucial in any tourism campaign.
“Our major product right now is to build our marketing programs for next spring and summer,” said Sullivan, noting that the tourism information targeting the United Kingdom and Germany must be ready for as early as January and February.
He says the majority of the tourists visiting Nova Scotia come from other provinces in Canada.
“We get about 550,000 of our visitors from Ontario and Quebec. We get about 30-40,000 people from Europe and we get about 160,000 from the United States.”
The Bedford resident says the agency must also ensure residents of the United States are aware of Nova Scotia in time for the revival of the Yarmouth ferry in 2014.
“I think, realistically, it’s going to take some time to reawaken the knowledge of Nova Scotia and kind of create that desire for Nova Scotia — and I know we can do it.”
Sullivan says residents of Nova Scotia can do their part to boost tourism throughout the province by treating tourists to the kind of down-home hospitality he’s witnessed in Windsor so far.
“Everyone seems very welcoming and I think that’s great.”
