First impressions can mean a lot. That’s why the provincial government is investing in ours.
Tourism Minister John Ames was on hand in St. Stephen to announce the provincial government will spend $600,000 on the installation of a welcoming gateway at each of the six entry points in New Brunswick: St. Stephen, Aulac, Edmundston, Cape Jourimain, Campbellton, and Woodstock.
Everyone entering NB at the six entry points will soon see these “Welcome Gateway” signs. #ststephen #981news pic.twitter.com/bqN4HMKftA
— @981News (@981news) July 5, 2018
Ames says tourism is a major economic driver, accounting for approximately 2.6% of New Brunswick’s GDP. He says in late 2017, the New Brunswick Tourism Growth Strategy was launched, focusing on every aspect of the sector, and the welcoming gateways will make sure New Brunswick leaves an impression on visitors.
“We understand that New Brunswick’s roads, ports and airways not only bring visitors and residents to and from the province, they also serve as our province’s first impression for many. The six new gateways are essential to showing pride in our province, and as for the St. Stephen gateway, not only will it welcome visitors to the province, it will also be welcoming sign for New Brunswickers and fellow Canadians on their way home. “
Executive Director of the Charlotte Coastal Region Tourism Association, Abby Pond says this effort is a great first step in improving our welcome and showing that we are proud of what we have.
Pond closed the announcement by saying every single one of us works in tourism, “Every single interaction we have from the moment you cross the border, when you stop for lunch, when somebody waves at you, when someone lets you cross the street so you can go buy delicious chocolate, all of those individual interactions is what makes or breaks a visit to New Brunswick.”
(Picture: from left, St. Stephen Deputy Mayor Jason Carr; Charlotte Coastal Region Tourism Association Executive Director Abby Pond; and Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames)
