April 16, 2021

Dear Members,

Earlier this week the Council of Atlantic Premiers delayed the reopening of the Atlantic Bubble until May 3rd. This is a reminder that the tourism industry must remain steadfast, yet flexible, in dealing with the Pandemic.  

TIANS recognizes that many operators are facing growing challenges, in light of the constantly changing restrictions and guidelines.  We thank you for your diligence in doing your part to keep our province safe, we are so fortunate to be afforded the freedoms in this province, that many others do not have.  However, this does not mean we can become complacent.  As we await the reopening of our borders with Atlantic provinces and eventually, Canada and beyond, there is an opportunity to leverage our hard work and adherence to Public Health directives. 

Now is the time to prepare…to have product in the ready, to have trained staff in place, to market your business and plan for future business levels.  TIANS and the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council work hard to provide industry with services and training opportunities; we encourage you to be in contact regarding your specific needs.  Clean It Right online training information is provided below and continues to be available at no cost; as we strive to rebuild consumer confidence going forward.  Also, this week Tourism Nova Scotia opened up applications to three programs to assist operators. The RADIATE Tourism Program, Digital Content Marketing Program, and Tourism Digital Assistance Program Guidelines and Applications are all available online and you are encouraged to apply before the upcoming deadline.

TIANS has been your VOICE to shape a number of policy supports during this Global Pandemic.  Our work with partners across Canada has resulted in a number of federal programs to assist operators weather the significant disruption to business.  You have our commitment that we will continue with these efforts.  On Monday, we will find out what the federal budget will include to support Canada’s Tourism Industry.  TIANS has been working with our National partners to push for a recovery plan for tourism - in particular to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for the tourism industry.  We will update you on details on soon as they are released.

Last year we launched TIANS Cares, a program designed to build consumer confidence and demonstrate our gratitude to all first responders, health care and front-line workers who stepped up during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  We are currently in the process of expanding this program and encourage you to take part and show your gratitude - details can be found below.

As always, for the latest news, research and updates on COVID-19 recovery supports, we encourage you to visit Tourism Strong, or join the conversation at the TIANS Together Discussion Group on Facebook.

Thank you,

TIANS Staff

PROGRAM AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

A Program to Support the Rebuilding of Nova Scotia’s Tourism Industry 

Clean It Right is a training program provided through TIANS to provide awareness and education on cleaning your establishment with the goal of regaining consumer confidence. The program was designed to increase the safety of guests, visitors and the workforce in the Tourism industry. This will help reassure customers that may be hesitant to travel, shop and eat out during the post COVID-19 period. Businesses who put all of their cleaning staff through the training will be provided with Clean It Right business designation, with CIR branding and recognition on NovaScotia.com listing.

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 available through Clean It Right:

1. Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts
2. Restaurants and Food Services
3. Retail Businesses

Serve Right - Responsible Service Training for the Tourism Industry

The Serve Right Program examines modern views on alcohol service in the tourism/hospitality industry. The goal of the program is to help participants develop the skills necessary to implement Responsible Beverage Service Policies and Procedures. The Serve Right Program was enhanced to provide training elements for serving staff to address cannabis use. This important and relevant training is available online for both Servers and Managers. ​The Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council gratefully acknowledges support from Labatt Breweries of Canada for the Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service Program.

Do your part.  Be Responsible.  Sign up for Serve Right Training online.

View the full suite of online training offered by the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING

New Biodiversity Act Passed

Following a lengthy process of development and amendments, Nova Scotia’s new Biodiversity Act has been passed by the Provincial Legislature. Although Bill No. 4 has passed, it will not come into force until regulations are developed. Minister Chuck Porter has pledged an extensive public consultation before the regulations are formalized.

Tourism will be an important voice as part of that process and TIANS will inform industry regarding the opportunity to share perspective and feed into the process. 

Review the Biodiversity Act Online

TNS INDUSTRY PROGRAMS 2021 - OPEN  FOR APPLICATIONS

On April 14th, Tourism Nova Scotia opened three industry programs for applications - offering over $2 Million in support for tourism businesses and organizations. Full program information, guidelines and applications are available online.     

RADIATE Tourism Program Deadline: April 28 at 4pm. 

• Tourism businesses and attractions can work with Tourism Nova Scotia advisors to develop and promote travel packages that can increase appeal and awareness with local and Maritime travellers year-round.
• Receive insights on regional markets, package development, positioning, digital ads and sales, as well as digital marketing support valued up to $5,000.
• Please note, the program is not open to tourism organizations or business consortiums in 2021. The goal is to work directly with partners who deliver packages.

Digital Content Marketing Program Deadline: April 28 at 4pm. 

• Tourism businesses and organizations can co-invest with Tourism Nova Scotia to create tailored marketing campaigns and high-quality photos and video assets. Submit one application for digital marketing, content creation, or both.
• Tourism Nova Scotia will match partners’ investments. The minimum partner investment for digital marketing is $7,500 plus a 15 per cent media building fee (total $8,625). The minimum partner investment for content creation is $10,000.
• Photos and videos featuring participating businesses and communities may be used in Tourism Nova Scotia’s marketing campaigns, giving them more visibility.

Tourism Digital Assistance Program Deadline: May 5 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 things like website development, digital marketing strategy, social media marketing, ecommerce, and online booking systems.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

TNS SPRING TUNE-UP WEBINAR SERIES

Package Up with Tourism Nova Scotia
April 22 10am
Register Now

As the busy travel season approaches, now is a great time to review your online profile to help promote your business to visitors planning their Nova Scotia vacations. Have you updated your business listing, packages, events, or experiences on NovaScotia.com? Is your website up-to-date? What else should you be considering? Michelle Sears, Digital Marketing Advisor at TNS, will provide a quick recap of how you can market your business on NovaScotia.com. Judy Lynch, Tourism Development Advisor at TNS, will also share tips to help you create compelling packages to attract customers.

Promoting Health and Safety During Your Spring Ramp-up (TNS in partnership with TIANS)
April 29, 2021 at 10 am
Register Now

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.

The webinar will cover:
Obligations of employers and where to learn more; Spring checklists and reviewing your health and safety plan, and orientation of new staff and re-adjusting to the workplace; Planning communications with customers on-site to ensure continued compliance with COVID safety measures; Planning for guests completing a two-week self-isolation; Building confidence by promoting your safety plan to potential customers; Training/certification available in Nova Scotia for the tourism industry on cleaning practices, including Clean it Right and follow-up audits available through Safety Services of NS.

Eligible webinar participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for an audit with Safety Services of Nova Scotia. More details will be provided during the webinar. To be eligible for an audit, participants must be a tourism business currently in operation in Nova Scotia.

EVENTS NOVA SCOTIA

COVID-19 Safe Event Planning Webinar 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.  Though guidelines are in place ENS knows that interpreting those guidelines can sometimes be daunting.  They’re bringing together staff from a variety of government departments to provide you with advice and answer your questions around the types of activities allowed, gathering limits, food service or COVID-19 protocols, and more. 

Webinar content will provide tips on planning your event; ENS will be joined by the departments of Labour and Advanced Education, Environment, and Alcohol & Gaming, answering any questions you may have.  Sessions will take place Thursdays on the following dates at 3:00 PM:

• Register for April 22nd, 2021 
• Register for May 6th, 2021

NATIONAL INDUSTRY UPDATE

NEW CAMPAIGN FROM LAE SAFETY BRANCH

Labour and Advanced Education - Safety Branch have launched a new campaign: MAKE THE RIGHT CALL. 1-800-9LABOUR is an information line you can call to get safety information or to report a safety concern you see at work. You can  report safety concerns you see in public if they relate to technical equipment (like elevators and lifts, fuel equipment and cranes). Calls will be priorized based on how serious and urgent the subject is. Calls that involve imminent danger or serious incidents will be given high priority. If calling about a workplace, you should follow the workplace’s internal safety protocols. This could mean talking to your supervisor or safety committee.

All calls are confidential. If you’re reporting an incident or concern, it’s helpful if you provide as much information as possible, including the 4 W’s: who was involved, what happened, when did it happen and where?  View Full 'Make the Right Call' Campaign Details

Safety Branch
Toll-free: 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
email: LAESafetyBranch@novascotia.ca

INDUSTRY RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS

TIANS continues to work closely with our partners and stakeholders to support the Industry during this challenging time. 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. While we may be exploring unchartered territory, we are on this journey together. We are confident in the Industry’s resiliency and capacity to rebuild.

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

Tourism Strong #TIANStogether

Be sure to follow along and engage with us on social media: Facebook Twitter

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS AT-A-GLANCE FACT SHEET

For a summary Snapshot of the most up-to-date Federal and Provincial Supports and Resources, please see Tourism Nova Scotia's COVID-19 Fact Sheet. 

This resource includes the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP).