One of the biggest publications in the world is focusing its attention on the southwest corner of the Maritimes.
The New York Times sent a writer to explore the Saint John area, and the result is a generally positive article that will be available both online and in print.
The article describes an uptown of Victorian buildings, charming pubs and quirky shops. Ehab Radwan’s restaurant A Taste of Egypt was recommended as a place to eat in Saint John.
“It's (an) incredible feeling,” says Radwan. “I can't even describe it."
Gallery owners say the city has scored a public relations coup.
“There are very few newspapers that would be better for coverage. The New York Times has such an incredible reach," says shop owner Peter Buckland.
Readers will learn a bit about the local history, landmarks and character – including how city tends to be under the radar.
"Saint John – indeed all of New Brunswick is, let us say, low profile, even by Canadian standards," the article reads.
Tourism season has pretty much wrapped up for this year, but people in the business say the article comes at a pretty good time for next year as many travellers are now making plans for 2017.
"It's a large article, which is really good. It mentioned a lot of different places in Saint John. It has beautiful pictures which, you know, many, many people won’t read the article but those pictures will be enticing," says tour operator Beth Kelly Hatt.
Radwan says this unannounced visit from The New York Times is a reminder to everyone in the Maritimes about the importance of service.
"We always mention to our server to serve every person like it’s the most important person on the earth," says Radwan.
The print version of the article appears in the next New York Sunday Times.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.
