#NSNEEDSTOURISM

Dear TIANS Members and Industry Partners,

As global uncertainty swirls around, we need to remain focused on the things we can control in our lives, with our businesses, in our communities, and continue to demonstrate the resiliency that Tourism represents.

While the threat of expanding tariffs leading to a trade war is unsettling to say the least, earlier this week we reached out to the government and cautioned them on messaging that in any way would indicate that our American friends and colleagues are not welcomed to Nova Scotia.

Tourism is a unifying industry and all around the world it has been used as not only an economic development tool, but a tool for peace, civility and understanding.  The US market is incredibly important to Nova Scotia and significant investments have us well positioned for continued growth.  We need to do what we do well and demonstrate the incredible hospitality we are known for.  The political discourse need not extend to how we interact with each other.  What we can do is learn from what we did during the pandemic, and future-proof our businesses.  Which means we ensure our targeted tourism markets are well taken care of, our existing partnerships are supported, we innovate with our current programs and adjust our in-province and regional marketing efforts.   

The following Newsletter highlights a few of the advocacy areas we are engaged on.

We are also highlighting our robust scholarship program and encourage you to share with your networks.  Do you have a student in your life that is graduating and thinking about Tourism; if you have an employee that would like to take a course or any other professional development related to their work, please share.

Our latest Scholarship program is for owners and senior managers to help expand business ideas, pursue professional development or enhance skills  – you tell us how  we can help and apply today to the Building Up – Tourism Employer Investment Fund.  

Finally, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 AGM will be hosted at Fox Harb’r Resort on May 26 & 27.  The Program is being put together now and we look forward to hosting our TIANS members for this event.  Additional details to follow in coming weeks.

Sincerely,

Darlene Grant Fiander
TIANS President
 

ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS

TOURISM is Nova Scotia’s BEST Natural Resource
- TIANS Response to Renewed Focus on Resource Extraction 

The renewed focus by the Government of Nova Scotia on resource extraction needs to consider the importance of Nova Scotia’s tourism sector.  Messaging that encourages division and minimizes concerns on broad environmental challenges, could result in poor public policy. 
Nova Scotia has an enviable natural product and a balanced approach to these discussions will be critical if we truly desire Nova Scotia to leverage its natural resources and assets in the most responsible way.  Looking at best practices will help us ensure public benefit is maximized for the province and our tourism sector is protected.  

If we are being honest, Nova Scotia has failed to fully benefit from its natural resource wealth, respond to public welfare needs and foster environmentally sustainable economic growth.

Tourism generates $3.2 billion in revenue annually, disbursed throughout every Nova Scotia community.  Over 50,000 Nova Scotians work in tourism and the sector generates approximately $500 million in tax revenue for governments to support health care, education and infrastructure.  
We want the best version of Nova Scotia and we will do our part to ensure any policy discussions considers the significant impact of tourism as part of the due diligence on issues as they arise.

TIANS will ensure that NS #1 Service Export is part of the conversation!

Business Advocacy - TIANS Urges Government to Support Season Extension
TIANS has requested the Nova Scotia Government support a Seasonal Tourism Business Designation Pilot Project that would encourage businesses to extend their operating season without commercial penalty for a defined period of time. 

To view a no cost, practical solution to support Season extension click here.

Built Heritage Advocacy - Support for Heritage Trust
TIANS continues to support the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia in the call for government to enhance the current Provincial Heritage Act.  Recent media around the planned demolition of 1717 Brunswick Street, one of the last structures from the historic Halifax Upper Streets is highlighting the need to enhance our heritage protection.  The current legislation in NS is one of the weakest in Canada, even though we are one of the oldest city in the Country.  Built Heritage is very important and Nova Scotia’s story is told through our culture, our environment, our people and our buildings.   

Visit https://www.htns.ca/ to learn more and reach out to your local MLA to urge modernizing the legislation and protecting our built heritage.

SCHOLARSHIPS

SUPPORTING YOUTH. SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES. SUPPORTING THE FUTURE.

Tourism Scholarships Program
NSTHRC/TIANS have a number of Scholarships available for both Students and Employees/Employers. You are encouraged to share the information with peers to help raise awareness of the funding support available to High School students entering a Tourism Program in Nova Scotia; as well to those Tourism Employees looking to advance their professional development. 

The Building Up -Tourism Employer Investment Fund was recently launched, to support those: Pursuing a professional development opportunity to enhance their skills or career path within the tourism industry; Employed in a Senior Position or an Owner in the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry, or; Pursuing Business Expansion Opportunities. 

Visit  https://tourismhrc.com/tourism-scholarships/ for additional information on all of our Scholarships. Questions - please contact us at 902.423.4480 or lynn@tourism.ca

UPCOMING TRAINING

Accessibility Webinar by ReThink Ability
Join TIANS/NSTHRC on March 28 at 10a.m. for a 90 minute Accessibility Webinar

Topics covered will include:
-What is disability?
-Impacts of disability on daily life
-Disability in Canada
-Equity and inclusion
-How can I make a difference?

Learning objectives for the webinar: Disability terminology and language; Types, prevalence and degree of disability; Disability is a human rights issue; Beliefs and stereotypes; Interaction and communication; Barriers and accessibility; Leveling the playing field

Registration is Now Open. Click button below or visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81547730825 

Mental Health Resilience Training
We are presenting two upcoming workshops on Mental Health Resilience Training in the coming months. Employing the principles of stress management, goal setting, and "The Big 4", this training will be offered as two half-day, in-person workshops for leaders and front-line staff.
Each course will be an interactive, half-day format.  There is no cost for these training opportunities, provided by TIANS/NSTHRC in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia.

Management Session – Thursday, February 27 │ 9:30am-12pm │ The Prince George Hotel
Employee Session – Thursday, March 6 │ 9:30am-12pm │ Cambridge Suites Hotel

Both are in-person workshops and will be facilitated by Chris O'Brien with Ridgeback Security
For more information or to register – contact Lynn at lynn@tourism.ca / 902.423.4480 
 

TIANS SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMUNITY 

Local Sport - Impact on Community!
TIANS has entered into a unique partnership with Firm Foundation Media to provide live broadcast coverage of local sporting events over the coming months. Community sports drives a significant amount of travel across the province and generates economic activity, particularly in non-peak seasons.  Listen to a recent broadcast highlighting TIANS and a Player of the Game interview and check out some of the exciting ways we are showcasing talent and local sporting events through this venture.

STAY TUNED TO TIANS SOCIALS .... for upcoming broadcasts, interviews and more.

Communities In Bloom
TIANS is pleased to support the Atlantic Edition of Communities in Bloom for yet another blooming year.  If your community is interested in learning more about this wonderful program, please reach out to our partners at the link below.  Be sure to check out the Invitation to participate in the 2025 Program - See the Latest Newsletter for Full Details on how to become involved.  Growing Flowers, Pride and Volunteerism - One Community at a time. 
JANUARY ATLANTIC EDITION INVITE

Contact: Sonia Parrino, Program Specialist | bloom@cib-cef.com

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

TUNE IN - ENVIRONMENT & BUILT HERITAGE

Tune in to this Podcast for insights on Nova Scotia's Environment and Built Heritage, as it relates to Tourism.