14 May 2009 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Halifax Tall Ships Festival will change the shape of Halifax's skyline from July 16 – July 20, as Tall Ships from around the world gather in the city's historic harbour. The newest contest from Destination Halifax offers Canadians a chance to take part in the Halifax Tall Ships 2009 celebrations.

On May 13, Destination Halifax launched the Halifax Tall Ships Contest, which runs from May 13 until June 12, featuring a prize vacation package for two, including airfare provided by www.flyhalifax.com , four nights Halifax hotel accommodations at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, an Avis rental car for the duration of the stay, dinner and VIP passes to the Tall Ships, plus tickets to other great Halifax attractions. Entrants to the Tall Ships contest can earn bonus entries by playing the interactive web game, where they can race Tall Ships across the Halifax Harbour.

"We're thrilled to be welcoming back the Tall Ships to the Halifax Harbour this summer," says Lynn Ledwidge, Destination Halifax Director of Marketing. "People come from all over Canada to experience the excitement. We wanted to share that by offering these Halifax vacations packages. The online game, where people can race one of the actual ships that will be in the Halifax Harbour during the Tall Ships festival, adds some excitement and also helps people get to know the ships that will be in Halifax."

Those who live closer to the action won't be left out – a lucky winner from the Maritime Provinces and their guest will have a truly unique Halifax bed and breakfast experience aboard the Tall Ship Caledonia, docked alongside the Halifax boardwalk, with two nights accommodation in a private cabin and breakfast.

For more information on Halifax vacations or the Tall Ships festival, visit www.destinationhalifax.com.

About Destination Halifax:

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/metro , 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.

Emily Kimber
Communications Manager
902-423-1133
Destination Halifax