April 29, 2021

Dear Industry Partner,

As the optimism for a better 2021 began to grow, we were quickly reminded with this week's news, that we are not through COVID-19. The growing restrictions and surge in cases is a stark reminder that we are not out of the woods yet.  We are hopeful that the next 30 days, with current rules and growing vaccinations, will get Nova Scotia back on track.  Even when that takes place, what happens outside our borders matters as well.

We need to continue to plan for provincial and regional travel in the months to come as other Canadian provinces grapple with control.  In 2019, pre-pandemic, over 63% of visitation was generated from Atlantic Canadians, representing 45% of all tourism revenue.  Nova Scotians travelling within the province represented over 30% of revenue and we have an opportunity for this to be much more significant as we encourage Nova Scotians to explore their home province and rebuild the tourism economy.  We need to ensure we leverage opportunities in a much more robust way.  We need to stay the course, focus on what we can control and prepare our businesses for the eventual reopening.  

TIANS has continued to provide input regarding business supports.  We are working with our Atlantic Colleagues to push for a further extension and adjusted formula on the federal wage and rent subsidy programs that were extended, as part of the federal budget.  After some analysis of the wage programs announced, it appears the hardest hit businesses (70%+ revenue decline) will receive substantially less under the new programs.  We are also tackling issues around regional air access and support for our motorcoach sector.  We will need our infrastructure secured for both residents and visitors to the region.  TIANS is lending its support to the businesses affected by the cancelled Woman’s World Hockey event and we will continue to advocate for a fair and reasonable approach to supports.  We are working with the regional travel trade operators on an Atlantic Reopening Strategy, and while this week’s events are discouraging, we will soon be on the other side and we need to be ready. 

TIANS has met with the government and has confirmation that both the Minister and Deputy Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth will continue to support the Tourism Stabilization and Recovery Working Group co-chaired by TIANS Chair and the Minister.  The intent is to ensure short-term supports are in place, along with a strategic and robust agenda for tourism growth.  Going forward air access, intermodal travel, labour, quality, seasonality, environment and product development are all priority areas of focus that need to be considered for the fulsome recovery of Nova Scotia's tourism economy.  Our Helpdesk remains open, if you need support to navigate government programs or have a business need, we can help match you to a professional. 

In speaking with many operators over the past few days, TIANS can attest to the weariness, concerns and reluctant acceptance of the situation we find ourselves in.  At the same time, we are hearing an incredible resiliency and optimism that there are better days ahead and we believe that! 

Thank you for what you are doing in your communities, with your staff; and for working with us to ensure that Nova Scotia’s Tourism Industry is well positioned for future success.  

For the latest information, updates and support information, please visit Tourism Strong, or join the conversation at the TIANS Together Discussion Group on Facebook.

Stay Safe and Stay Strong

Your TIANS TEAM

INKEEPERS GUILD OF NS SUPPORTS TIANS SCHOLARSHIPS

Following the passing of long-term President, Peter Sheehan, the Innkeepers Guild of Nova Scotia formally folded in 2018.  Recently, the Guild Executive reached out to TIANS to use their remaining funds to endow TIANS tourism scholarships. Many of their past members benefitted from TIANS support over the years, especially in the area of people development, and they wanted to contribute to the cause.

This generous donation will enable us to continue to support industry directly.  We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Guild Executive for this remarkable gesture and look forward to working with them on development of new Scholarship details.  

The Innkeepers Guild of Nova Scotia played an important role in the development of the current day tourism industry and we are indebted to them for their vision and leadership over the years.

INDUSTRY NEWS AND ADVOCACY

Tourist Accommodations Registration Act - Inclusion of Campgrounds

TIANS continues to push the provincial government for inclusion of Campgrounds in the Tourist Accommodation Registry (TARA).  With the system now in place for a year, the camping sector has requested this be revisited to allow their registration.  The government is reviewing options and TIANS will keep industry informed as the process evolves.  

Receptive Tour Operators Working Group

TIANS is working with a pan-Maritime, industry and government working group to align benchmark protocols that would ease movement of visitors and travel trade operators across provincial borders.  In 2019, over 85,000 room nights sold were attributed to receptive tour operators, they play a crucial role in selling our product.  Guidelines are under final review and will then be submitted to Public Health Officials in all three Maritime provinces for consideration.  

Federal Budget 2021

The 2021 Federal Budget included $1 Billion in commitments over three years to the Canadian Tourism Industry. TIANS acknowledges the federal supports which were put in place, and is currently working with our Atlantic Canada partners to push for adjustments and extension for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).    

Environment

TIANS Applauds the recent Earth Day Announcement from Nova Scotia Government who intends to designate 61 more wilderness areas, nature reserves and provincial parks across the province; included are Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area and Herring Cove Provincial Park.  Correspondence has been sent to the Premier and a Release issued.

Helpdesk

The TIANS Helpdesk is available to assist operators navigate programs and resources.  This support may include financial assistance and guidance, relevant training resources and other sector specific tools and programs. Please contact us at 902.423.4480 or reach out to us at  tians@tourism.ca 

View the latest Restrictions FAQ resource document from the Government of Nova Scotia.

TRAINING, SCHOLARSHIPS, LABOURMARKET RESOURCES

NSTHRC Annual Tourism Scholarship Opportunities. The Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council offers three Tourism Scholarships for graduating high school students pursuing post-secondary education in tourism.  A scholarship for Tourism Professionals working in the Industry and interested in pursuing a professional development opportunity to enhance their career, is also available. For more information on these and other scholarships and bursaries, please visit: Tourism Scholarships - Tourism Human Resource Council (tourismhrc.com) 

Johnson Insurance -  2021 Scholarship Program.  Open to TIANS Members. Our supplier, Johnson Insurance is pleased to offer 50 scholarships worth $1,000 each to eligible students completing high school in 2021 and starting post-secondary education in the fall of 2021.  For more information or to apply visit Johnson.ca/scholarship  Deadline: July 15, 2021.

TNS INDUSTRY PROGRAMS 2021

Tourism Nova Scotia opened three industry programs for applications on April 14th - offering over $2 Million in support for tourism businesses and organizations. The Radiate Tourism Program and Digital Content Marketing application processes has now closed, however you have until May 5th to apply for the Tourism Digital Assistance Program. Full program information, guidelines and applications are available online.     

Tourism Digital Assistance Program Deadline to Apply: May 5th at 4pm

Offered in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia, the Tourism Digital Assistance Program offers eligible tourism businesses up to $5,000 in services from qualified digital consultants to help improve their online presence. The program covers website development, digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, ecommerce, and online booking systems. Contact Cindy Wade, Quality Advisor, cindy.wade@novascotia.ca 

TOURISM WEBINARS

Promoting Health and Safety During Your Spring Ramp-up 
April 29th Webinar Recording will be made available online
As tourism businesses prepare to welcome visitors this Spring and Summer, health and safety are top of mind. Join TNS and TIANS for a webinar presented by Joe Treen, OH&S Director at Safety Services NS. The webinar will review the basics of health and safety and how business leaders can create a safe and welcoming environment for your staff and customers by understanding your obligations, providing training, and clear communication.

Capturing Great Photos with a Smartphone
May 6 at 10am  Register Now
Get expert advice from Dave Culligan, Founder and CEO, threesixfive Media Inc. to capture great photos with a smartphone to market your tourism business. Dave will discuss best practices for planning, shooting, editing, and post-producing photo content by using smart phones and free (or low cost) software and tools. Learn how to capture and create world-class marketing content while keeping things simple and staying within budget.

COVID-19 Safe Event Planning Webinar Series
Register for May 6th, 2021  @ 3PM  LAST SESSION IN SERIES!
If you are planning to host an event this spring and summer, Events Nova Scotia staff are here to help!  This webinar series, COVID-19 Safe Event Planning, is focused on helping you plan safe events under current event guidelines.  Webinar content will provide tips on planning your event. 

INDUSTRY RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS

We provide ongoing resources and updates for tourism operators through the Tourism Strong digital hub. Use Tourism Strong as your source for timely and relevant Industry news, government supports, research, health & wellness, and rebuilding into the future. 

We want to hear from you. Join the FB conversation at the TIANS Together Discussion Group 

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

Sign up now to earn your CIR business designation and gain the competitive edge while providing a safe environment for your visitors and staff.  Online registration is quick and easy - simply fill in your contact information and select from the three training modules: 1. Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts; 2. Restaurants and Food Services; 3. Retail Businesses