July 23, 2021

Dear Industry Partner,

As re-opening ramps up, Nova Scotians are eager to get out and explore the many sites, attractions and hidden gems our province has to offer.  TIANS encourages everyone to staycation this summer and support local operators and businesses.  We can all do our part to boost the entrepreneurial spirit in the hardest-hit communities this summer - get off the beaten path and try something new.  The list of innovative products and services available to residents and visitors alike is endless; there is so much to see and do in Nova Scotia.  

This past week has been chock-full of announcements and key re-opening dates...A provincial election announced for August 17th; Halifax Stanfield International Airport re-opening for International travel; Canada's Border opening to US travellers effective August 9th and International travellers on September 7th.  There is much excitement in the air as each day brings us a step closer to business as we once knew it to be.  Yet, cautious optimism is the constant, as Nova Scotians strive to re-open safely and maintain our prime position as a  destination of choice.  We have demonstrated that by following public health guidelines and recommendations, we can get back to many of the things we loved to do, pre-pandemic.  Thank you to everyone for your commitment and resilience.

TIANS remains active in advocating for continued government supports, knowing all too well that businesses need a helping hand into the fall of 2021.  As part of the national Hardest Hit Coalition we are pushing for extension of the Rent and Wage Subsidy programs beyond September.  Provincially, we will be reaching out to the three Candidates, in advance of the 2021 Election - emphasizing the significant economic impact of the Tourism Sector.  TIANS will share responses from the three Candidates with Membership, in subsequent communications.

Regarding Tourism Funding, please note that the Tourism Restart Program Grant Applications Deadline is today, July 23rd. The Online application process is quick and easy and you are encouraged you to apply; full details are provided below.

As well, we have provided you with information regarding the national Tourism Relief Fund and two new provincial programs being offered by Tourism Nova Scotia (Receptive Tour Operator International Market Recovery and ANCHOR Long-Stay Package Program).

As we continue our gradual return to the new normal, TIANS is here for you. Please contact our helpdesk for any assistance you may need at 902.423.4480 or tians@tians.ca.

The TIANS Team

DEADLINE TODAY!!  TOURISM FUNDING SUPPORTS 

TOURISM RESTART PROGRAM - Grant Application Deadline Today, July 23rd 

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.

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.  Apply Here.

TOURISM RELIEF FUND

Tourism Relief Fund - Applications Now Being Accepted

The Federal Government's Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), announced earlier this month, is open for applications. The TRF will provide $500 Million in support for the tourism sector over a two-year period. The majority of the funding, $485 million, will be delivered by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) directly to tourism businesses and organizations to help aide in the creation of new tourism experiences, or enhance existing ones. Of this $485 million, a minimum of 10% will be invested in Indigenous tourism projects.

Additionally, $15 million will be delivered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to support destination development, seasonal and local attractions, human resources and skills development. Funds delivered to businesses will be either non-repayable (contributions up to $100,000) or repayable (contributions up to $500,000). Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous organizations (not generating profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Atlantic Canadian businesses can visit Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency webpage for more information and to determine eligibility. 

View the official July 12th Press Release for full program information.

PROVINCIAL ELECTION 2021

Nova Scotia Provincial Election - 2021

Did you know? All eligible voters in Nova Scotia can vote by mail in the 2021 Provincial Election using a write-in ballot. Voting by mail using a write-in ballot is safe and easy. ​Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elections Nova Scotia anticipates more voters than ever before may choose to vote by mail using a write-in ballot during the 41st Provincial General Election.

What you need to know about voting by Write-in Ballot
- You must be an eligible voter in Nova Scotia - 18 years or older by election day, August 17, 2021, a Canadian citizen, and have lived in Nova Scotia for six month or more from the day the election was called (since January 17, 2021)
- You must first apply in order to vote by write-in ballot. Once your application has been processed by Elections Nova Scotia, you will receive your write-in ballot kit with instructions on how to fill it out and return it.
- You must vote by write-in ballot (instead of at an in-person voting location) once your kit has been issued.       

Click here if you would like to apply for a write-in ballot to be sent to you.

TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA PROGRAMS AND WEBINARS

Tourism Nova Scotia, is accepting applications for the new Receptive Tour Operator International Market Recovery (RTOIMR) partnership program. This new program will help Nova Scotia-based receptive tour operator businesses implement marketing and business development activities to support the sale of Nova Scotia travel packages and experiences in international markets as borders reopen. View program guidelines, including eligibility criteria.

Eligible partners must be in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stocks and have a focus on developing and marketing Nova Scotia tourism product to international travel trade partners. Full eligibility criteria is available in the program guidelines. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, July 26, 2021 at 4pm. 

Interested Receptive Tour Operators are invited to contact Peter Johnson, Manager, Market Development for an application form. peter.johnson@novascotia.ca. 

Anchor Long-Stay Package Program

Collaborate with Tourism Nova Scotia to develop and market uniquely Nova Scotia packages for long-stay pleasure travellers and digital nomads.  Applications are currently open for 2021-22.

Apply with a proposed package of minimum 6-nights to appeal to Canadian long-stay travellers. Applicants may submit up to two packages for the target markets of long-stay pleasure travellers or digital nomads. The Anchor Long-stay Package Program is open to Nova Scotia tourism businesses that have been in operation for at least one year and have the ability to develop and deliver experiences and packages. Applicants must have a current listing on novascotia.com
Read the Program Guidelines The deadline to apply is August 9 at 4pm. Apply Online

Program  Contact: Melanie Lowe, Tourism Development Advisor, melanie.lowe@novascotia.ca

Videography: Bringing New Life to Your Social Media Presence

Date: Thursday, Aug. 5 @10am Register Now

Join Matt and Ryker from Rove Productions for a lesson in videography for social media marketing. Find out what kind of videos you can create yourself and what is best to outsource to professionals. See how a website video, key product launch or an evergreen video can be seen and used over and over again. Many Instagram posts, reels and stories can be easily created on the fly with an iPhone! Learn about the apps you can use to create and edit videos and the basics you need to know to ensure you are ready to hit play and bring new life to your social media presence.

SEASONAL TOURIST BUSINESS DESIGNATION

2022 SBT Designation - Application Reminder

Property Valuation Services has sent out the 2022 Application reminder letters.  Program information and application forms were included in the mail out, and are also conveniently available online at the PVSC website.  Application Deadline is September 1, 2021.

Please contact PVS staff at directly with any questions - 1.800.380.7775  

INDIGENOUS TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

Forward Together: A Strategic Recovery Plan for the Indigenous Tourism Industry in Canada 2020-24

ITAC has launched a four-year, $50 million strategic recovery plan with the goal to respond, recover and rebuild the Indigenous tourism industry across Canada to levels experienced in 2019. ITAC’s 2020-24 Recovery Plan will ensure investment in provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism associations and its members through stimulus development grants—starting with a revised investment of an estimated $14 million directly to eligible Indigenous tourism businesses, which ITAC began distributing last month.  

The three main priorities of ITAC’s strategic recovery plan are:
- Ensuring the sustainability of ITAC member businesses across the country. 
- Ensuring the sustainability of the provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism associations. 
- Ensuring the sustainability of ITAC’s national operations. 

Visit the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada website for additional information.

DESTINATION CANADA - LATEST RESEARCH

COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Report – Travel Related Measures

TIANS partners at Destination Canada have just released new research confirming that people are feeling more comfortable travelling domestically and that residents are now more prepared to welcome visitors from within Canada. This is a positive trend for the tourism industry as we look forward to a more comprehensive reopening.

View Latest COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Report:
https://www.destinationcanada.com/…/COVID-19%20Canada%20Tra…

Resident Sentiment Opinion:
https://www.destinationcanada.com/…/Resident%20Sentiment%20…

Check out the interactive Keep Exploring Canada Map for unique experiences, unforgettable adventures and travel inspiration.

TOURISM TALENT JOB RECRUITMENT SITE

Tourism Talent – Keeping Nova Scotia Talent in Nova Scotia

Brought to you by the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council and the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Tourism Talent is a provincially focused tourism recruitment site developed to attract top Tourism Talent to our industry and our province.  

Looking for staff? Contact us to post your job on our exclusive, tourism recruitment site.  

Looking for a job? Check out our front line, supervisory and management positions online today.  There are currently postings for Guest Services Agents, Supervisors, Managers; Housekeeping; F&B Servers, Managers; Shuttle Drivers; Cooks; Banquet Staff; Marketing Coordinators and more.

TourismTalent.com – Tourism Attraction, Tourism Employment, Tourism Careers 

CLEAN IT RIGHT TRAINING

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 - Accommodations, Food Services, Retail.

COMING SOON - NEW Transportation Module for Clean it Right!