Halifax a must-visit city: Expedia

Halifax was recently named one of the 10 Canadian Cities You Must Visit in 2016 by Expedia, a distinction that tourist organizations feel enhances the city’s offerings.

Along with being named to the list, Halifax’s mention also included a small description of the city that highlighted features like the Public Gardens, museums and its proximity to the ocean.

While not all of Halifax’s attractions were included in the write-up, Marie Chapman, CEO of the Canadian Museum for Immigration at Pier 21, feels the list will still help tourists make a decision on whether or not visit the area.

“I think they did a nice job of hitting some of the city’s highlights in a few words and getting to the essence of what to expect here,” she says. “There’s so many happenings in the summer in the downtown core, so they’ll [tourists] experience so many layers.”

One of the features that Chapman was happy to see included on the list was the idea that Halifax is a “walkable city.” She also noted that this feature connects to the city’s history, as people have always been able to easily walk from one place to another.

“I love the idea of people being able to walk in the footsteps of others who in the lived city; it’s good experiential tourism,” she says. “You get to experience Halifax as it is and as it was.”

Ross Jefferson, president and CEO of Destination Halifax, found the list showcased more than just what Halifax offers visitors. It also highlighted Nova Scotia and Halifax’s dedication to the tourism industry.

“Halifax and Nova Scotia are wonderful products we should all be proud of,” says Jefferson.

Being mentioned on this type of list also shows a tourism research trend that is becoming increasingly popular. Chapman says that more and more visitors are saying something about the Internet when asked by staff how they heard about Pier 21.

“Online searching is something people engage in now before they make a decision to travel,” says Chapman. “It’s just a quick and snappy way of helping people consider what other place to put on their own [travel] list.”

Jefferson acknowledges this isn’t the first travel article to feature the HRM, as Halifax, its neighbouring communities and their landmarks are often mentioned in tourism and travel publications. However, the fact that there were only 10 places on the list and Halifax was included was an accomplishment in itself.

“It’s great awareness … but also getting on the top 10 is really important and valued [by us],” says Jefferson.

After all, anything that helps tourism and brings more business to the Halifax area is welcomed by organizations within that industry.

“Tourism is a very important part of the Nova Scotia economy and the economy here in Halifax,” says Jefferson. “54 per cent of the tourism revenue for the province is actually generated here in Halifax, so tourism is big business.”

To see what was written about Halifax and other Canadian cities, visit http://travelblog.expedia.ca/10-canadian-cities-you-must-visit-in-2016.