Friday, June 4, 2021

Dear Members,    

It has been a significant week as the Province of Nova Scotia has provided further clarity around its five-phase approach to an economic re-opening plan.  While we acknowledge the ongoing concerns around the health priority and applaud the efforts to keep Nova Scotia safe, we are asking that government escalate efforts around the tourism economic crisis and support the sector’s rebuild in a cohesive and coordinated way.  Last week TIANS responded to the proposed re-opening, and earlier today, hosted a broad sector call with Tourism Nova Scotia, to ensure the government was considering the challenges of all five tourism sectors. View May 31 Letter to Premier Rankin.

TIANS continues to receive many questions from operators seeking clarity and we are updating the Tourism Strong portal daily with the latest information.   

TIANS has been working with its Atlantic Partners on a number of coordinated initiatives to support a cohesive reopening plan.  Last month on behalf of the Travel Trade Industry, TIANS submitted draft Re-opening Guidelines for the Maritime Provinces to the Chief Medical Officers and relevant Ministers.  Having a coordinated and consistent approach will enable tour operators and suppliers to confidently sell the region and support local businesses. View May 7 Correspondence.

TIANS believes that as we emerge from this extraordinary time, it is time to build pride and confidence for consumers and businesses alike. We believe that Nova Scotians will step up and help the tourism economy recover and we fully support Tourism Nova Scotia's upcoming launch of their new "Shine On" Confidence Campaign.  As noted below, you are invited by TNS to a June 10th Webinar to update industry on marketing efforts and opportunities. 

We continues to advocate for a Made in Nova Scotia Activation program that will support every Nova Scotia community and get Main Streets going again! 

On a labour front we are hearing from operators regarding rights related to vaccination adherence.  Businesses need guidance on changes to regulations and laws that will ensure a safe re-opening.  We are working with the department of Labour & Advanced Education and anticipate information webinars in the coming days and weeks to support you.  We have a number of programs to assist in your reopening needs, related to the tourism workforce; please connect with us on your specific needs, email tians@tourism.ca.  We know many operators are having difficulty as they begin recruitment and adjustments need to be made to the labour policy and TIANS has reached out to the federal government around employment supports that are disruptive to a fulsome reopening of the economy.  

While there is optimism as industry looks forward to the phased re-opening, TIANS knows that over the coming weeks there is much more work still ahead. Targeted supports for the industry, which recognizes the unique needs of the 5 sectors of Tourism is crucial.  We have shared feedback and recommended solutions on how to best support those who are currently ineligible. We have asked the federal government to adjust key support programs, like CEWS and CERS, and continue support for Tourism, specifically, until December 2022. We will continue to fiercely advocate, on your behalf, publicly and behind the scenes to ensure your interests are protected.

As always, we invite you to stay connected through Tourism Strong and by joining the conversation at the TIANS Together Discussion Group on Facebook.

We extend our support as you get ready to welcome customers back and also acknowledge the significant loss faced by many Nova Scotians, from both a health and economic perspective.  We are reminded daily.

On behalf of the TIANS Board and Staff, thank you, for your continued support and for stepping up in your communities.  We look forward to better days ahead.

Darlene Grant Fiander, TIANS President & Judy Saunders, TIANS Chair 

The resilience and importance of the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry was highlighted during Tourism Week in Canada. Numerous social and traditional media platforms were used this year, as COVID-19 had us all doing things differently. Part of a broader national campaign in partnership with TIAC, Tourism Week highlights the importance of the Tourism Industry in our economy; the value of the tax dollars it generates for social supports such as health care and education along with infrastructure and role it plays to foster and support our culture and heritage.

This year, Tourism Week amplified “Tourism Counts” and TIANS leveraged this with a call to action for Nova Scotians to take the pledge to travel at home, as restrictions ease.   Collectively we need to support the tourism industry as operators rebuild their businesses and communities. 

TIANS elevated the discussion with media releases (one national and two provincial), a national media conference kickoff on May 21 and a series of media interviews over the week.  Focusing on the tourism sector and emphasizing the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the industry; but also, on how Tourism will play a crucial role in the rebuild of the economy post-pandemic. Meetings took place with the Federal Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Cabinet Minister for Tourism and the Tourism Recovery Committee, and TIANS participated on CBC Maritime Connection, to highlight importance of consistent, aligned re-opening plans for the Maritimes.

TIANS Social platforms experienced significant activity during the week, reaching nearly 40,000 viewers between FB and twitter in response to a series of postings focused on the incredible tourism product in the province as well as key messaging around supporting local and traveling close to home. Industry took up the challenge to use the #TourismCounts and #TourismStrong and both hashtags were trending on social throughout the week.  TIANS continues to be a leader in the social realm, with more followers than any other Tourism Association in Canada.

The challenge to “light up in green” as a sign of readiness to welcome guests again was taken up by our colleagues from the Sou’Wester in Peggy’s Cove. They coordinated the illumination of the iconic lighthouse - with stunning results. During the week, the TIANS team was humbled by the enthusiasm and support from the industry to help amplify the campaign.  

For all the likes, shares, comments and engagement – a sincere Thank You.

LABOUR AND SKILLS SURVEY - CALL FOR FEEDBACK

What Does Your Staffing Situation Look Like Moving Into this Summer Season?

We want to hear from you.

As Nova Scotia begins to open up and start rebuilding its Tourism sector, of utmost importance will be access to qualified and skilled labour. To that end, The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia is working with Narrative Research - an independent research firm - to conduct a survey designed to identify strategies to address current labour market shortages and accessibility. The survey will take only approximately 10 minutes and we ask that you please have it completed by June 13th.

Your input is valuable and we thank you in advance for taking the time to participate. Your individual responses will be kept completely confidential, and only overall results will be shared with TIANS.

Upated National Labour Data from Tourism HR Canada – May 2021

Despite ongoing restrictions, tourism gained employment in May, adding 45,800 workers. There were gains in full-time employment offset to a degree by declines in part-time employment. Tourism employment increased in all provinces except for Nova Scotia, where employment fell by 2,200

Seasonally unadjusted employment across all industries increased by 288,700. Once again there is a large discrepancy between the unadjusted and adjusted data. Despite these gains, the seasonally adjusted data shows an employment loss of 68,000. Essentially, because the economy did not add as many jobs as it usually does in May. Applying seasonal adjustments results in a decrease. The data collected was for the week of May 9th to 15th.   View Full Update on Tourism Strong.

The Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) is a volunteer based, not for profit cultural tourism organization working to support the growth of authentic and cultural tourism businesses and community enterprises in Nova Scotia.

The 2021 Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Conference will be hosted Virtually on Zoom on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021.  The event gets under way at 9:00am and wraps up at 4:00pm, with a closing prayer from Elder Joe Michael.

For a full listing of sessions and keynotes, and to Register for FREE, please visit the NSITEN Conference Website.   

Co-Hosted by:  NSITEN & KMKNO Tourism

TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA UPDATES

NEW - SKILLSPASS TRAINING CENTRE FROM NSTHRC

The Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council is excited to roll out a new way for our industry to train and upskill; a way to incorporate technology and continued learning to help our Industry through this difficult time.

Introducing SkillsPass – a training management platform offering a catalogue of online courses, training, and webinars specific to our industry. Funded by Labour and Advance Education (LAE) and the Tourism Sector Council (NSTHRC) the training is accessible to all people in our industry, and at no cost.

We invite Employers and Employees to take advantage of this training to advance your skillset. Visit the Nova Scotia Tourism Sector Council SkillsPass Training Centre above to find the course for you!

For additional courses, workshop and online programs, please visit NSTHRC's Training Programs.

RE-OPENING SAFELY