June 30, 2021

Dear Industry Partner,

This is a significant week for Tourism operators as Nova Scotia entered into Phase 3 of re-opening and we begin to welcome visitors from outside the Atlantic Bubble - with some modified isolation requirements.  As summer gets underway and travel begins to ramp up, we are hearing cautious optimism from operators regarding increased inquiries and bookings.   

Earlier this week, the Canadian Senate voted in favour of the federal government’s Budget Bill C-30, the final step in extending COVID-19 supports through the summer months. This is a significant win for Industry operators who are relying on these programs for survival. TIANS continues to work with partners from across the country to have these measures extended and targeted on tourism as the hardest hit sector.  We are also hearing from many operators who have applied for the new provincial Tourism Restart Program funding, and we remain committed to assisting those still seeking access to the funding.

Canada Day and the end of a school year are often calendar highlights and a signal of summer vacations to begin.  As we all look forward to increased opportunities for travel, we urge each of you to continue supporting local and plan to staycation in Nova Scotia this year.  Now more than ever, Tourism Counts!

We continue to be here for you. Please contact our helpdesk for any assistance you may need at 902.423.4480 or tians@tians.ca.

The TIANS Team

VIRTUAL TOWN HALL WITH PREMIER RANKIN

TIANS Invited to Virtual Town Hall 

On June 28th, TIANS President was an invited participant on a Virtual Town Hall with Premier Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang. Mayor Mike Savage moderated the information exchange and posed questions from viewers.  The one-hour session was recorded and is available for viewing on various social media streams.  View Here.

During the conversation, it was stressed that Tourism is critical to Nova Scotia's economic and cultural well being.  As we look forward to reopening and exploring our own province, we each have an opportunity, and a responsibility to support the many tourism operators in communities across the province.  

View previous June 10th Town Hall With Premier Rankin  featuring Dr. Lisa Barrett, Dalhousie Infectious Disease Expert, Luc Erjavec, Restaurants Canada & Mayor Amanda McDougall, Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

FUNDING SUPPORT GRANTS - APPLY NOW

TOURISM RESTART PROGRAM - Applications Now Being Accepted

As of June 23rd, the applications process for the two funding programs announced by the province are open.  These Grant supports are intended to assist Tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19, as Nova Scotia continues to rebuild.

The Tourism Accommodations Restart Customer Attraction Program will help registered tourism accommodations with marketing activities to attract customers and bring tourism dollars to Nova Scotia businesses. Eligible operators will receive a grant of $1,000 per room for their first 10 rooms and $500 per room for each additional room.  Complete the online application form before the July 23rd deadline.

The Small Tourism Operators Restart Program provides a 1-time grant of $5,000 to help tourism businesses that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions. The funding can be used for advertising or other restart expenses like personal protective equipment or cleaning supplies. The deadline to apply is July 23rd - Apply Here.

PATIO EXTENSIONS GRANT - Applications Now Being Accepted

The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) is offering grants to support the seasonal extension of patios for dine-in restaurants across Nova Scotia thanks to a contribution from the federal government. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a $200,000 non-repayable contribution to RANS, through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), towards this initiative.

The Patio Extension Project will offer grants up to $1500 to support the extension of patio seasons in the specific areas (1) overhead awnings/ coverings (2) side walls/ weather buffers and (3) propane/gas/electrical heaters. This project will be available across Nova Scotia for eligible restaurants (small, medium, and large) and be distributed fairly across the seven tourism regions of the province. View RANS June 28th Media Release for Full Details.  

Contact Natasha Chestnut or Gordon Stewart for Application Information:  
natasha@RANS.ca   
gordon@RANS.ca
902-429-5343 

TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA WEBINAR SERIES

DESIGN THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY

Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021
Time: 10am
Register Now

The latest Webinar from Tourism Nova Scotia. Join Noelle McGough from Monk and Nun Interiors for a webinar on how to design the ultimate getaway for travellers. Noelle will share tips on how to design your tourism accommodation for big appeal on a shoe-string budget. Find out what your guests are looking for, how to declutter for a simple, attractive design, and how to add value to your guest experience through low-cost design options.

Noelle McGough is the Co-Owner of Monk & Nun Interiors with her husband, Micah. Monk & Nun Interiors is a unique fusion of design, renovation, and short-term rental management. Noelle, Micah & their team help accommodation owners transform their properties into their greatest potential and provide management assistance where needed. Their goal is to increase the booking rates for property owners while providing an excellent guest experience for those visiting the Annapolis Valley.

 SURVEY - DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS & FUNDING

Digital NS Technology Innovation Initiative

The Department of Labour and Advanced Education are looking for your perspective and insight sector’s needs for specific and directed support where most needed.  The survey is assessing focused resources for innovation solutions and opportunities that create tangible and practical outcomes for your business, particularly regarding digital and technologies.

The use-of-technology survey takes approx. 3 minutes to complete, is confidential, and can be answered on a mobile device or computer. This project is focused on bringing back technology resources for you quickly - your feedback will really make a difference.

The survey Deadline is July 8th.  For every response, a $10 contribution to Caregivers Nova Scotia will be made.  Please take a moment to complete the survey – your responses matter.

NATIONAL RESEARCH

Latest Update and Research from Destination Canada

June 2021 - The Canadian visitor economy is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that research is required to guide our collective response so we can make evidence-based decisions.

Destination Canada regularly provides intelligence, tools and insights to our partners—equipping them to optimize their business and maximize their reach. As a result of COVID-19, this work is needed more than ever.

The research will quantify the impacts of COVID-19 on an ongoing basis—check back often for updated products. It will help us understand when recovery will start and how effectively and quickly we are recovering to inform our go-forward marketing. It also seeks to understand the non-quantifiable effects, such as structural changes in tourism and lasting changes in consumer preferences.

This information will inform evidence-based decisions throughout all three phases of Response, Recovery and Resilience. To learn more about Destination Canada’s phased approach, visit here. 

TRAINING

Tourism SkillsPass Portal - Courses and Webinars

In addition to the catalogue of online courses and training for industry, the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council has recently added a number of previously recorded webinars to the Tourism SkillsPass Portal – View the many offerings here.

For other online training, check out the Council’s Service Excellence online campus and emerit.ca for National Certification.  For questions on training or any of our courses,  please contact us at nsthrc@tourism.ca / 902.423.4480.

INDUSTRY SUPPORTS

Tourism Strong - Your source for timely and relevant Industry news, government supports, research, health & wellness, and rebuilding into the future. 

Join the FB conversation at the TIANS Together Discussion Group 

CLEAN IT RIGHT - Helping Rebuild Consumer Confidence for the Tourism Industry 

Sign up now - Online registration is quick and easy - simply fill in your contact information and select from the three training modules.