nova scotia tourism economy

TOURISM SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NOVA SCOTIA

A FRAMEWORK FOR TOURISM GROWTH

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) and Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) are co-leading the development of a tourism sector strategic plan that will inspire a broader approach to economic growth and quality of life in Nova Scotia. The plan will establish a new vision for tourism, taking into consideration the needs of businesses and organizations, Nova Scotians and their communities, and traveller preferences and expectations.

Through engagement with industry, government, and community representatives, the strategic plan will be a framework everyone can use to guide their actions and investments in the coming years to build a strong and sustainable tourism industry. The plan will consider factors such as seasonality, product, people, quality, and the interconnectivity between tourism and the social, cultural, and economic health of the province.

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The development of the strategic plan will be led by a project team made up of representatives from TIANS and TNS and guided by an Oversight Committee comprised of government and industry representatives. There will be broad engagement with the tourism industry and communities with multiple opportunities to provide input throughout the development process.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

Summer-Fall 2022 Development of Terms of Reference and Establishment of Oversight Committee

NOVEMBER 2022 RFP Issued for Project Consultant

MARCH 2023 Onboarding of Project Consultant

APRIL 2023 Analysis of Current Industry Research

MAY 2023 Individual Interviews with Industry Experts

MAY 30-31, 2023 Engagement Session at TIANS Annual General Meeting

JUNE 6-9, 2023 Tourism Sector Focus Groups (Virtual)

FALL 2023 – Winter 2024 In-person Regional Meetings

WINTER 2024 Online Survey

SPRING 2024 Announcement of Sector Strategic Plan

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Tourism businesses and organizations, as well as community members, will have the opportunity to provide input into the sector strategic plan in a variety of ways. Engagement will be conducted online and in person to offer many options to participate. They include :

INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS

The project team identified Industry Experts representing all sectors within the tourism industry as well as government, finance, and workforce development. Interviews were completed in spring 2023.

VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUPS

Virtual focus groups were held with representatives from each sector within the tourism industry:

• Accommodations (hotels, resorts, cottages, B&B’s, campgrounds, etc.): Tuesday, June 6
• Food and Beverage (restaurants, fine dining, café’s, coffee shops, food trucks, pubs, bars, wineries, craft brewers, etc.): Tuesday, June 6
• Transportation and Travel Services (airports, air carriers, ferries, car rental, bus/coach, rail, tour operators, step-on guides, visitor information services, tourism organizations, etc.): Wednesday, June 7
• Government & Infrastructure (various municipal, provincial, and federal agencies and representatives): Wednesday, June 7
• Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Sport and Recreation (parks, boat tours, golfing, sport fishing, biking, hiking, trails, whale watching, etc.): Thursday, June 8
• Arts, Culture, Heritage and Events (museums, theatres, performing arts, galleries, festivals, events, cultural experiences and attractions, etc.): Thursday, June 8

IN PERSON REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS

Industry and community members participated in seven in-person regionals engagement sessions and three Mi’kmaw engagement sessions:

Yarmouth Thursday, December 7, 2023 Tru Hotel, 10588 Starrs Rd, Yarmouth

Wolfville Thursday, January 18, 2024 Old Orchard Inn 153 Greenwich Rd S, Wolfville

Truro Friday, January 19, 2024 Inn On Prince Hotel & Conference Centre 437 Prince St, Truro

Baddeck Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Inverary Resort 368 Shore Rd, Baddeck

Antigonish Thursday, January 25, 2024 Claymore Inn and Suites 137 Church St, Antigonish

Halifax Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Halifax Convention Centre 1650 Argyle St, Halifax

Bridgewater Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Best Western Plus 527 Nova Scotia Trunk 10, Bridgewater

Mi’kmaw Engagement Sessions

Niktuipukwek (Millbrook) Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre 65 Treaty Trail

Weskewinaq (Digby) Thursday, March 21, 2024 10am – 3pm Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa 103 Shore Road

Maupeltu (Membertou) Wednesday, April 3, 2024 10am-3pm Membertou Trade & Convention Centre 50 Maillard Street

The online survey

An online survey was conducted in March and April 2024 to assess perceptions of Nova Scotia’s current performance as a travel destination and identify the top priorities to be addressed within the strategic plan.

THE PROJECT TEAM

• Darlene Grant Fiander , President, TIANS
• Darlene MacDonald , Executive Director, TNS, a division of Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH)

OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE

• Tanice Mundle , Executive Assistant, TIANS
• Lisa Dahr , Director of Industry Relations and Professional Development, TIANS
• Anna Moran , Director of Research, Planning & Decision Support, TNS
• Afton Doubleday , Acting Director of Outreach and Engagement, TNS

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

In addition to the Project Team, a small Oversight Committee will work with TIANS and TNS to provide guidance for the development of the plan. This group provides feedback and direction to approach and development; reviews and provides feedback on the draft framework; and conducts ongoing consultation and check-ins as required.

• Joyce Carter , President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority
• Glenn Squires , CEO, Pacrim Hospitality Services
• Chuck Maillet , Vice President, ACOA
• Justin Huston , Deputy Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Chief Executive Officer, Office of L’nu Affairs

Latest News

See news releases and articles for information about the strategy.

• Province Partnering with Industry on Strategic Plan for Tourism Growth

Economic Impacts of Tourism in Rural Nova Scotia

• First Online: 01 May 2016

Cite this chapter

• Nancy Chesworth 4  

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This chapter discusses the economic impact of rural tourism in the province of Nova Scotia, located in eastern Canada. Consisting of 55, 283 km 2 , with no point more than 67 km from the Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia realizes an economic benefit from tourism of approximately $2 billion annually. Nearly evenly divided between rural and urban tourism forms, rural areas of the province feature most of the historic, culture and heritage assets that attract tourists to the province and specifically to rural areas. This case study discusses some of the problems facing tourism in rural parts of the province and solutions currently under consideration.

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Department of Business and Tourism and Hospitality Management, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada

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Peter Nijkamp

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Chesworth, N. (2016). Economic Impacts of Tourism in Rural Nova Scotia. In: Matias, Á., Nijkamp, P., Romão, J. (eds) Impact Assessment in Tourism Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14920-2_6

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A resource for news, support, research and rebuilding for Nova Scotia’s tourism operators.

Tourism sector strategic plan for nova scotia, tians and tns are co-leading the development of a tourism sector strategic plan that will inspire a broader approach to economic growth and quality of life in nova scotia., visit the newly launched microsite for information, registration details for engagement sessions and online feedback form., https://nstourismstrategy.ca/.

BUILDING UP - Tourism Employer Investment Fund Scholarship Opportunity

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) and the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC) are pleased to announce a new addition to their scholarship program, with the launch of the Tourism Employer Investment Fund. This support fund will accept applications from a business owner or senior employee of the company, as they look to enhance their skills and knowledge through a wide variety of training and learning opportunities. As we encourage employers to invest in their staff, it is equally important that we support employers themselves – to help build essential skills to operate in a dynamic and innovative global marketplace. Whether a course, conference, accreditations - we want to support building the leadership of the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry. Funding support will be up to $2500 per applicant. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA In order to be eligible for the Tourism Employer Investment Fund applicants must be: - 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

Apply Online - a member of TIANS/NSTHRC will be in touch following Application Review.

Webinar Series

TIANS and our partners are hosting a series of specialized free webinars to tackle the challenges faced by small COVID-19. These webinars are geared at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to survive the new realities of our COVID economy.

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Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) aims to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop local tourism products and experiences that position Canada as an all-seasons destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies , the TGP provides $108 million, over 3 years, directly to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies by investing in tourism products and experiences that will encourage visitation to and within Canada.

The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy , which charts a course for long-term growth, investment and stability in Canada’s tourism industry, from coast-to-coast-to-coast.  

$10.6 million for Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry

Tourism drives economic development and diversification for many communities across Atlantic Canada. Through the Tourism Growth Program, ACOA will provide support to help grow and develop the region’s tourism industry.

ACOA will work in collaboration with provincial governments and tourism partners to ensure the program is complementary to other supports for Atlantic Canada’s tourism industry.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
• Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietorships) or Indigenous tourism organizations
• non-profit organizations (NPOs), including tourism associations and organizations, and post-secondary institutions
• governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)

Eligible activities

Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

• increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban centres to rural areas
• support the Indigenous tourism industry
• support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
• support active outdoor experiences 
• extend the tourism season (projects that promote and/or develop product, services or experiences, with an aim to increase tourism activity outside the traditional high season or to extend their services year-round)
• complement supports provided through provincial/territorial programs

Other activities could be eligible.  For further information, please contact us directly.

Financial assistance

For small and medium-sized enterprises

• contributions will normally be repayable

For non-profit organizations

• contributions will normally be non-repayable

Indigenous applicants

Indigenous tourism is vital to the economic development and growth of Canada’s tourism industry and is a priority under the TGP. Through the $108 million TGP, approximately 15% will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives across Canada. Indigenous applicants are invited to apply through the process below.

How to apply

To find out if the Tourism Growth Program fits your needs, contact ACOA Business Information Services (BIS) at 1-888-576-4444 and then complete the relevant application form . The agents at BIS can help you submit your project or find other available solutions.

Or reach us by email:

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic time)

How funding works

The TGP supports communities, SMEs and non-profit organizations in developing local tourism projects that will position Canada as a destination of choice for domestic and international travellers.

If you are a tourism business, examples of project activities could include:

• improving/creating innovative tourism offerings or products
• investing in digitization or technology integration to enhance your productivity, sustainability, efficiency and/or competitiveness
• developing and delivering new products, services or experiences to increase tourism activity outside of the traditional high season or to extend services year-round 
• enhancing accessibility, creating a welcoming environment for diverse clientele

If you are a non-profit tourism organization, examples of project activities could include:

• developing/implementing sustainable tourism plans in the community you serve based on research and market analysis
• improving local assets, facilities, and/or planning for key active outdoor tourism experiences (for example projects that provide more opportunities for physically active tourism offerings)
• facilitating the growth of off-season tourism (such as promoting tourism products, services and experiences outside of the traditional high season, supporting the expansion of seasonal tourism to year-round services)
• supporting the delivery of festivals and events that attract tourists to a destination
• developing/increasing capacity for tourism businesses to provide inclusive tourism experiences

Contact us today!

For more information, get in touch with ACOA Business Information Services . Contact one of our bilingual agents now at 1-888-576-4444.

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The 7 Best New and Affordable Places To Travel in 2024

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Planning your 2024 vacation? If your wanderlust has you eager to go where you've never been, consider one of these new and affordable destinations for 2024.

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Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Most safari vacations offer rustic accommodations, and a stay at Angama Amboseli does mean you'll be sleeping in a tent. But you'll also be able to gaze on the majesty of African elephants in the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro. The resort celebrates the local indigenous community in its architecture and its culinary offerings.

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Busan, South Korea

While the K-pop stars BTS may have put Busan on the map, an influx of new resorts keeps it there. A new Windham property joins many beachfront resorts on the Sea of Japan. Foodies will want to consider Busan as it will welcome a new Michelin guide this year.

Check Out: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Ocean views and a thriving maritime economy have long been associated with Nova Scotia, but this seaport now boasts an emerging technology industry. The newly redeveloped waterfront area features the Queen's Marque, with restaurants, art galleries and a five-star hotel.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This Australian destination has rebuilt much of its lost in bushfires in 2020, and several new resorts will open this year. Cabn X is an affordable option, with small homes with a modern feel, and Southern Ocean Lodge, destroyed in the fires, has been rebuilt and is now open.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The DR has long been known as an affordable Caribbean destination, but it is now being recognized for luxury as well. Several new resorts in Punta Cana will open this year, including the St. Regis Cap Cana, the Sanctuary Cap Cana, and a new W hotel. Many resorts are all-inclusive, and some only welcome adults.

Find Out: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Quito, Ecuador

Most travelers visit Quito on their way to the Galapagos Islands, but the Ecuadorian capital has undergone a recent renaissance that makes it a destination in and of itself. An expanded subway has reduced traffic congestion and made it easier for non-locals to get around. New shops, galleries and restaurants have much to offer visitors, and its weather is mild year-round.

Transylvania, Romania

Beautiful castles and a rich history will prove that Transylvania is known for more than just vampires. Try Bethlen Estates near many historical sites, including Dracula's Bran Castle, for luxury. For a retreat experience, Matca offers walking safaris and praying with monks, all with views of the Carpathian Mountains.

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