The campaign launched last year with two billboards posted for four weeks in Halifax. Its purpose this year is to draw nearby urban tourists from Halifax, Saint John and Moncton.
“This campaign is directed for those who want to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” said ADEDA marketing and communications officer Kathleen Shea. “We did research and found by the end of March people in HRM and Saint John are itching to get out of the city. They have cabin fever.”
Two billboards are to go up today, April 5, in Halifax and Moncton, and on April 12 in Saint John.
The eight-week campaign will have an upgraded golf and gardens website made easy for people to book specific packages, Shea said.
One example is a package called ‘Bailey’s and balls’ which includes golf at Annapolis Royal Golf and Country Club, a welcoming drink of Bailey’s Irish Cream, along with a gourmet breakfast and a water view room.
“In addition to the golf and gardens offerings, we have a section for other amazing experiences,” Shea said. “Those are not necessarily related to golf and gardens but we wanted to give some visibility to some packaging in the region.”
Two advantages Annapolis and Digby counties have to draw tourists are an early golf season and an early bloom season. Although the campaign is designed to attract urban visitors, Shea said local residents can take advantage as well.
“We would love to have local tourists really understand what it is they can do. It’s like a little getaway in their backyard,” said Shea.
One example is a ‘canoe-dling’ weekend for couples with two nights at Harbourview Inn and a full day of canoeing.
She also noted Bay Ferries is a partner this year in the billboard campaign.
“It’s really a means to get local tourism operators working together cooperatively on packages,” Shea said.
Along with billboards, ADEDA economic development officer Joy O’Neill will take to the road promoting the campaign at trade shows, two in Moncton and one in Halifax. Seven weekend getaway prize packages will be given out during the three shows.
The golf and gardens website was launched Monday at www.annapolisdigby.com
ldelong@digbycourier.ca
