Tourist and Host Perspectives on Mi'kmaw Cultural Tourism in Nova Scotia [Dalhousie University]

"This research examines the Mi'kmaw cultural tourism industry in Nova Scotia and identifies how it is meeting the demands and- needs of both tourists and the Mi'kmaw people. Surveys assessed tourist interests, motivations, expectations, and satisfaction in participating in authentic Mi'kmaw tourism. Subsequently, interviews with Mi'kmaw people involved or interested in Mi'kmaw cultural tourism elicited ideas about cultural tourism development and its future sustainability. The results indicate a high interest in Mi'kmaw cultural tourism activities and that tourists' age, education level and place of origin influenced their level of interest in these activities. Both tourists and Mi'kmaw people saw educational and authentic experiences as the most important features of Mi'kmaw cultural tourism and interview participants spoke about the positive effects of tourism in terms of greater economic development, cultural awareness, and pride. Although in its infancy, there was a positive vision for the sustainability of the Mi'kmaw cultural tourism sector.