March 17, 2011

MIAMI, Fla. (CNB) – The Port of Saint John has received commendations for being one of the most improved port facilities in the world and for being a destination featuring the best tour guides.

Saint John, meanwhile, has been recognized as one of the best organized destination experiences worldwide. For the second year in a row, Aquila Tours Inc. of Saint John has received commendations for companies recognized for outstanding service to passengers, crew and ships.

"Today our port, city and the services we offer tourists are being recognized at the international level," said Tourism and Parks Minister Trevor Holder. "I am proud of what these three partners are accomplishing together. Truly, being recognized as a destination providing excellent experiences and a port that has an excellent reputation and for the experiences we provide to travellers shows we have the whole picture covered."

Dreamworld Cruise Destinations, a highly acclaimed publication, offered these accolades as a delegation from New Brunswick attended Cruise Shipping Miami, the world’s largest annual cruise trade show. The four-day event concludes today.

"Receiving this honour from such a prestigious magazine is highly gratifying," said Betty MacMillan, manager of cruise development, Saint John Port Authority. "Our industry partners in Saint John and the hospitality of our people in southern New Brunswick have become legendary in the cruise world. This is an accolade we share with everyone in our region."

"The award of best destination experience is a recognition of the great work done by all of our private operators, guides and volunteers who make Saint John and the province a truly amazing experience for the visitor,” said Ross Jefferson of Saint John Destination Marketing Inc. “We are proud of them, our port authority, Aquila Tours Inc. and the province in achieving this recognition."

"Saint John's success has been the result of a tremendous team effort, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our service and our dedicated outstanding tour guides," said Beth Kelly Hatt of Aquila Tours Inc. "These types of awards continue to showcase Saint John as a leader in the cruise industry."
 

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Media Contacts:

Jane Matthews-Clark, communications, Department of Tourism and Parks, 506-440-2716, jane.matthews-clark@gnb.ca.
 
Paula Small, Saint John Port Authority, 506-636-4674, psmall@sjport.com