FOUR TIMES THE FUN A
Atlantic Canada
Just a fi ve or six-hour fl ight from the UK, the four provinces of Atlantic Canada share stunning coastal scenery, top dining and a charming maritime culture, says Andy Hoskins
s visitor numbers continue to rise and tour operators expand their product offering,
the allure of Atlantic Canada is proving increasingly popular with a discerning UK market. The region has a distinct maritime identity of its own, with its history, culture and cuisine all heavily influenced by its enviable location on Canada’s scenic east coast. The region's First Nations people, French Acadians and settlers from the UK have also helped shape its unique heritage as they arrived in the area over the centuries. The four provinces that comprise Atlantic Canada – New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island – each with its own appeal and attractions, have
14 SPRING 2011 • SELLING CANADA
more than enough variety to appeal to all kinds of travellers. From whale-watching, kayaking or
a round of golf, to charming fishing villages, picturesque lighthouses, lively music festivals and dining on the finest lobster, visitors are guaranteed a well- rounded experience of the great outdoors and homely hotels and restaurants. And although the region is best-known as a summer destination, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn should not be overlooked. Getting your clients out to Atlantic Canada is straightforward, with direct flights to both Halifax and St. John’s, while virtually all leading UK tour operators to North America feature the region in their programmes, with
fly-drive itineraries particularly prevalent. When it comes to hotel product, meanwhile, there is a proliferation of cosy inns, lodges and small, family-run properties, as well as an abundance of familiar international hotel chains. Which came first, supply or demand,
is irrelevant, but what’s clear is that the UK market is quickly waking up to Atlantic Canada’s appeal. Visitor numbers rose by 17 per cent in 2009 – with market share rising by 42 per cent – while individual spending has increased by 30 per cent. So if your hard-to-please clients are looking for something a bit different, or if first- timers are back for more, Atlantic Canada could be the answer.
Atlantic Canada NEW BRUNSWICK New Brunswick is bordered by fellow Atlantic provinces Prince Edward Island to the east and Nova Scotia to the south, by Québec to the northwest and the US state of Maine to the west. Its
NEW BRUNSWICK
NEW BRUNSWICK
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
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