Six years ago members of local government and tourism stakeholders took part in a symposium to examine the assets of potential tourism development in the Digby area. One of the main findings of that report was that no collective voice spoke on behalf of the area to tourism organizations and government departments. There was a need to meet common goals for a better “visitor experience”. A steering committee was formed and the challenging work began to establish a consensus among stakeholders and create a plan of action that would lead to an area tourism organization that would work for the better good of all stakeholders in the Digby area. In November 2006 the Digby Area Tourism Association was officially formed and has since been busy bringing operators and government together to work towards making this area truly a jewel of the Fundy.

The Digby Area Tourism Showcase was one of the first initiatives undertaken to start a closer relationship between stakeholders. The showcase has become an important gathering event for operators and industry drivers in the area. DATA also developed a five year plan that includes two major phases. The first phase is to implement community interpretive signage so visitors have a better understanding of what there is to see and do in our communities. Phase two will include benches, Kiosks and washroom facilities and work with other agencies to establish highway signage for the area. Also, a community group will be formed to determine the best location for the Bay of Fundy Interpretive Centre.

There is so much here to experience in a genuine way. DATA’s goal is to help communities enhance this experience and develop a sustainable vision for the future.