Experience the trip of a lifetime when Tall Ships Festival sails into Halifax Nova Scotia in 2009

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA–(EMWNews – July 22, 2008) – In July 2009, Halifax Nova Scotia will welcome Tall Ships from around the world along with vessels from Canada’s own fleet – and you could be at the centre of it all.

Destination Halifax, together with partners, including Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009, are offering one lucky winner and guest the opportunity to be flown to Halifax, Nova Scotia to participate in everything the festival has to offer.

The contest grand prize is a 7-day vacation in Nova Scotia, starting with the Tall Ship festivities at the Halifax Harbour and other Halifax attractions. The winner and guest will journey along the southern seafaring coast of Nova Scotia, experiencing local hospitality, food and entertainment and gracing two of the ports of call with the Halifax Tall Ships fleet. To enter the Destination Halifax Tall Ships contest, go to www.destinationhalifax.com.

“This is going to be the largest gathering of Tall Ships in North America in a decade,” said Leanne Strathdee, Event Director for Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009. “We will welcome between 50 and 70 ships, representing 30 countries and bringing 4500 international crew into our province. The Tall Ships will arrive July 16th, 2009, and visit Halifax, Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury, Sydney and Pictou during the 10 day provincial event.”

Halifax has a strong connection to the history and tradition of Tall Ships, which continues today as the homeport for the Caledonia, the largest tall ship to be built in Canada during the last century. Canadian Sailing Expeditions, which operates the Caledonia as an experiential cruise ship, sails both internationally and throughout Atlantic Canada. “We’re proud to make Halifax their homeport for their fall colours cruises and other cruises within the Maritimes,” says Doug Prothero, President. “Halifax’s historic harbour is an ideal point to set off on an exciting journey at sea.”

For your opportunity to be part of the action and excitement of Halifax Tall Ships 2009, enter the Destination Halifax Tall Ships contest at www.destinationhalifax.com, or check out other experience-based Halifax vacation packages. Destination Halifax is a partnership of the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia, the World Trade and Convention Centre, and participating industry members. Since its inception in 2002, Destination Halifax has operated with a goal of promoting the Halifax Regional Municipality as a year-round destination of choice for business and leisure travelers.