Dear Industry Partner,

TIANS is working diligently on your behalf to provide you with support, resources and a voice during this challenging time.  Our recent survey results are being shared with government officials and we are in regular contact with agencies as they discern best support options for our sector.  As policy is being developed to support business needs, we are ensuring the unique reality of seasonal operators is part of the dialogue.  Changes to unemployment insurance is one example that needs to better address those seasonal workers, and we are continuing to work with our national partner, Tourism HR Canada, to ensure the latest data on employment numbers and workplace supports are communicated to Federal and Provincial policy makers.

Today we are launching TOURISMSTRONG.  This digital Hub will be an information portal for tourism operators.  With numerous media channels sending content almost hourly, we will strive to curate relevant information for the tourism sector.  The site will include tourism research, sector updates from our partners and an opportunity to talk to each other through discussion forums.  We encourage your suggestions for content and have made available a BLOG space for helpful articles - we encourage you to submit.  As well, the Face Book Discussion Group announced last week has had a large number of subscribers; it is another way to have your say – and hear what others are experiencing.  Best practices can be shared, challenges discussed, and solutions found.

We will also be updating on Rebuilding activities as they get launched by our Provincial, Regional and Canadian tourism partners – because we will get through this and we need to be ready.

We remain open to serve you. You can reach us directly at 902.423.4480 or by email at lisa@tourism.ca.  Many of you have asked us to call you direct through the survey, to discuss a specific challenge and we will be doing that in the coming days.

We look forward to your feedback on the TOURISMSTRONG Hub as we strive to ensure it meets your needs and brings the best product to the tourism Industry in Nova Scotia.

As we move forward in this unprecedented time, TIANS remains committed to helping you – stay safe and tourism strong.

Sincerely,

The TIANS TEAM