Summer Update No Images? Click here Greetings ! On behalf of the entire team of TIANS and the NSTHRC, we hope your summer has been wonderful. With the warm weather and multitude of activities this year, we have seen a great deal of travel in and around Nova Scotia. In that regard, we would love to hear from tourism operators across the province regarding business activity. Below you will find a link to the 2019 TIANS Business Confidence Survey; we encourage your participation as it is a true barometer of business levels for the sector. Also, provided below is a link to Property Valuation Services Corporation website, where you can apply for your Seasonal Tourism Business Designation. Remember you must apply each year – the 2019 Deadline is September 1st. An innovative Seasonal Labour Project (SLP) was launched this year, in an effort to help operators extend their operating season and increase the professionalism of the workforce through skills training. The project is outlined at length in today’s bulletin and we have provided you with regional project SLP contacts, in addition to TIANS/NSTHRC staff who can assist. On a continuing Labour and Education front, Cape Breton University recently announced the World Tourism Institute to position CBU as a centre for tourism excellence. TIANS has been a long-time supporter and collaborator with CBU and we sincerely look forward to seeing the success of the WTI on a provincial, national and international level. Short Term Rental issues continue to dominate the tourism industry. A full update has been provided and TIANS commits to keeping our Members and industry stakeholders abreast, as the Department of Business rolls out the legislative changes and regulatory advancements. A level playing field for operators remains a primary advocacy goal for TIANS, and as Nova Scotia moves toward a new way of doing business, we will continue to provide perspective and insight. Environmentally, there have been some solid inroads made in recent weeks. We applaud the Nova Scotia Trails Strategy announcement earlier this month; providing trail infrastructure improvements through access to Recreational Trail Expansion Grants. Acknowledgements to the Department Lands and Forestry as well as Communities, Culture and Heritage for this great work. This week’s announcement of the Seal Island Conservation Lands, followed by the Halifax Wilderness Park, are a testament to the increase in public demand for ongoing commitment to land preservation and sustainability. In closing, we would like to wish you all a fantastic remainder of your summer. Remember - we have moved – offices are now located at the corner of Chebucto Road and Connaught Avenue. A reminder to please be sure to Mark Your Calendars…The 2019 Tourism Summit – Charting the Future, will take place December 1-3 at The Westin Nova Scotia. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, 2019 TIANS Business Confidence Survey In our ongoing efforts to ensure tourism operators in Nova Scotia have their voices heard on Business Activity Levels, TIANS asks that you take a few minutes and complete a short survey. Please click on the Link below and you will be directed to the 2019 TIANS Business Confidence Survey. We thank you in advance for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Results will be communicated back following survey close. Seasonal Tourist Business DesignationProperty Valuation Services Corporation states, that: “If the property on which you operate your seasonal tourist business contains more than one business, the property shall be identified by the kind of business that is that property's main business. Businesses must apply every year and a separate application must be completed for each seasonal tourist business.” Be sure to apply prior to the September 1st Deadline, as you may receive a reduced tax rate on your municipal tax bill.Seasonal Labour Project OverviewThis project is a provincial human resource initiative to support seasonal tourism businesses focused on increasing skills for tourism workers in Nova Scotia. Seasonality remains a key industry challenges to tourism’s ability to meet the economic target of $4 Billion by 2024. TIANS is working with regional industry partners to help provide businesses with opportunities to help extend the 2019 operating season and further develop the skills of the workforce. We are reaching out to tourism businesses to help provide complimentary training, wage subsidies, HR resources and industry support. Some of the free opportunities include, but are not limited to: We look forward to assisting with whatever level you are able to participate in these offerings. For a season extension wage subsidy, the time is now to put plans in place for the fall. Interested in getting more information contact your regional partner.Cape Breton PartnershipTyler Mattheis Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Association (YASTA)Elizabeth Lore South Shore Tourism Co-Operative (SSTC)Stephanie Miller Vincent Destination Eastern & Northumberland Shores (DEANS)Cindy MacKinnon Don't See Your Region Here?Contact Lydia Williams for training opportunities Upcoming TrainingAdvocacy UpdatesShort Term Rentals Update Earlier this year the provincial government announced the repeal of the Tourist Accommodation Act (TAA) and new regulations to address the Short Term Rentals (STR) issue. Since then, the Department of Business (DOB) has been working with municipalities across the province and starting development of a new registration portal through Access Nova Scotia. Accommodation providers who register through the portal will be extended opportunity to have a business presence on Tourism Nova Scotia’s marketing channels such as listings on novascotia.com; Doers and Dreamers Guide etc., as well as be able to access Partnership or Development Opportunities with TNS. The new registration portal will also have a specific gateway for Business Portals (AirBnB, Expedia, etc.) as they will be required to register with the province and keep financial and user records for seven years. It is anticipated that the system will be part of Nova Scotia Open Data, allowing for further research and data analysis around the industry. It is important to note that the provincial registration system will not supersede any municipal laws, in fact, the registration will allow municipalities to manage the growth of STR and apply appropriate -regulations. For those that do not register their short term rental (principle residence exempt), fines will be levied. TIANS will be working with the DOB to provide feedback on the preliminary version of the portal which is expected to be launched in early 2020. Funding and Nova Scotia Trails Strategy LaunchedTIANS was pleased to attend the launch of the Nova Scotia Trails Strategy and funding support for the trails associations across Nova Scotia to improve trail infrastructure.Minister Iain Rankin, MLA Timberlea-Prospect made the announcement today at the BLT LAKESIDE-trail head investment in trails is an important part of tourism infrastructure and provides opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore Nova Scotia in its natural, pristine environment. Recreational Trail Expansion Grants were announced on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine
Cape Breton University Announces World Tourism Institute Earlier this Summer, the World Tourism Institute (WTI) Advisory Board was recently established at Cape Breton University. Tourism is a crucial sector for the Cape Breton Economy and plays a critical role CB and Nova Scotia as a whole. Cape Breton University contributes talent to this expanding sector, which through collaboration and partnership can be shared locally, nationally and internationally through the WTI. TIANS President, Darlene Grant Fiander, has been asked to sit on the Board of the new WTI, along with a number of other knowledgeable and experienced representatives from the tourism sector. As labour issues continue to dominate the Tourism Agenda, TIANS looks forward to supporting efforts to position Cape Breton University as a centre for tourism excellence in Nova Scotia. HOST HOTEL The Westin Nova Scotian has graciously offered a reduced rated for all Tourism Summit delegates. Be sure to request the TIANS Conference rate when booking. Call 1-888-627-8553 CRYSTAL TOURISM AWARDS OF EXCELLENCENominations are now open for the 2019 Crystal Tourism Awards of Excellence. Recognize your Industry peers who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate excellence. Nominate online, download a form to mail or scan, or contact TIANS at 902.423.4480 with your nomination. Nominations accepted until October 11, 2019. Stay in the Know - Check out These Industry ArticlesHalifax Wilderness Park moves closer to reality with federal government’s $1-million commitmentProtection of remote N.S. island ‘major win’ for birds'Opening up' Georges Island: New wharf, better facilities coming for 2020Nova Scotia to improve, develop new trails across the provinceFIN Atlantic International Film Festival announces full festival program for event, |