What's the Buzz

Nova Scotia is getting ready to welcome visitors for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15.

Nova Scotians and visitors are encouraged to participate in two commemorative events: an evening procession and presentation April 14; and an afternoon interfaith memorial service April 15.

"This April, Nova Scotia will welcome people from around the world, who are fascinated by the Titanic story," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris.

"Our Maritime heritage and culture make us uniquely able to mark this historic, solemn occasion, and tell the world about our important role in the tragic story."

As part of Titanic Eve - Night of the Bells, a walking procession will make its way at 8:30 p.m. from the waterfront side of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to the Grand Parade. Some of the city's Titanic-related landmarks will be acknowledged along the procession route.

When the procession reaches the Grand Parade at 9:30 p.m., the evening will focus on interpretative presentations and live performances. At 12:20 a.m., a moment of silence will be held in honour of the moment the Titanic began to sink. Flares will be set off to symbolize the ship's call for help.

"I encourage HRM residents to attend the commemorative events. We are forever linked to the Titanic and what happened on that terrible night," said Peter Kelly, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality. "By paying solemn tribute to those who lost their lives, we are also honouring the men and women of our own community who did not hesitate to answer the call for assistance."

The Titanic Spiritual Ceremony, an interfaith memorial service, will take place at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery at 3 p.m. The ceremony will include a wreath laying and musical performances. One hundred and twenty-one victims of the Titanic sinking are buried at the cemetery.

"It is our hope that these events will bring Halifax, Nova Scotia and Canada together to honour the sinking of Titanic, 100 years after the ill-fated voyage," said Ken Pinto, executive director of Titanic 100. "Everyone is welcomed to take part as we embrace our province's place in the Titanic's history."

A visitor information centre, called Titanic Central, will be set up at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The centre will allow people to learn more about Halifax's connection to Titanic and the activities planned to commemorate the anniversary.

For more information on Titanic Eve - Night of the Bells, the Titanic Spiritual Ceremony and other Titanic-related events, visit www.novascotia.com.

Presented by Icelandair, the tradeshow provided a great opportunity to strengthen ties and to create new business opportunities between travel professionals in Iceland, Europe, the United States and Canada. Over 550 delegates took part in the 2012 Seminar, which coincided with Icelandair's 75th anniversary.

Atlantic Tours, Destination Halifax, Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Fox Harb'r Golf Resort & Spa also attended the show. The Nova Scotia partners hosted a joint coffee break to network with staff at Icelandair's head office on February 1.