Aug 9, 2005,

"Independent" Tourism Booming: Massey Wants More Support For Operators

Halifax - NDP Tourism Critic Joan Massey wants the Minister of Tourism, Rodney MacDonald, to instruct his department to learn from and encourage the booming "independent travel" sector.

"Before we all decide that this is a lousy tourist season and that it's all beyond our control let's look at what's working and make sure that public investment is giving these sectors full support," says Massey.

"Independent travelers are adventurous people that travel regardless of market conditions or international events, like rising oil prices."

"When operators in this sector tell us 'business is booming' we should sit up and pay attention and say 'let's do more of this, let's promote this'."

"That's smart business and what we all expect to see from this Minister."

She notes that independent travelers stay in local accommodations like hostels, buy food and meals locally, use local services, and aren't on the same kind of fixed schedule as the typical visitor to Nova Scotia so they can stay in the area as long as they want.

"These are tourism success stories and we need to celebrate that by supporting this part of the industry any way we can."

The Independent Travelers Association of Nova Scotia was formed recently to address standards and practices for this market. The association consists of businesses who cater to the independent traveler, like Halifax Backpackers Hostel, Halifax Heritage House Hostel, Island Backpackers Hostel on Brier Island, and Salty Bear Adventure Travel.