Yarmouth residents were on hand to greet passengers and welcome the Nova Star cruise ferry that arrived with its first passengers from the United States today, May 16.
“It’s been a sheer pleasure to spend the last few days spreading the word about Yarmouth and Nova Scotia in New England.
I had the wonderful experience of sailing into my hometown on the Nova Star’s maiden voyage this morning. What a great voyage it was,” said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. “As a town, we’ve worked very hard to get ready to welcome visitors. Stepping off the ship with the first passengers, and joining in the celebration with my fellow community members in welcoming our visitors, is truly a moment I will never forget.”
The Nova Star began its first crossing Thursday, leaving Portland at 9 p.m. local time. It arrived in Yarmouth at 8 a.m. and will leave at 10 a.m., to return to Portland. It will arrive at 7 p.m. local time.
“The Nova Star’s maiden voyage is a huge milestone for our community, government and our province. I’m honoured to be in Yarmouth to welcome the ferry’s first passengers,” said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. “Today is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together. Our goal now is to ensure that visitors have a memorable experience that makes them want to come back time and time again.”
The new ferry service re-establishes the transportation link between the province and the northeastern United States that stopped in 2009.
“After four difficult years, we are very excited to see the arrival of the Nova Star in Yarmouth. It is now up to all of us to give our visitors a warm welcome to Nova Scotia and a reason to come back,” said Esther Dares, co-owner of the Harbour’s Edge Bed and Breakfast in Yarmouth. “As a local business owner, I’m thrilled about the prospect of new visitors arriving each day, more activity in our town, and what that will mean for our business and our community.”
To attract more first-time visitors from the northeastern United States, the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency has a marketing campaign with TV, print and online ads, and billboards in the greater Boston area. Today through Sunday, there is a three-day Nova Scotia festival at Boston’s Faneuil Hall. One of the highlights is a 28-foot scale model of the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse.
“With our marketing campaign targeting the millions of people in the northeastern U.S., we’re creating awareness of where Nova Scotia is and all we have to offer visitors,” said Patrick Sullivan, CEO of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency. “The Boston events this weekend will help generate excitement about the Nova Scotia brand as an authentic and quality destination. Our goal is to attract more first-time visitors who stay longer and spend more.”
The new, 161-metre cruise ferry offers amenities such as restaurants, retail and duty-free shopping, spa, casino and fitness facility, and is scheduled to make daily round-trip crossings until Nov. 2.
Source: Release
