TIANS Urges Nova Scotia Government to Reconsider Border Solution that Supports Regional Tourism Economy

Halifax, N.S. (June 23, 2021) – The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) calls for Nova Scotia government to reverse their decision and work with New Brunswick government on protocols that will not penalize the Tourism Sector.

TIANS has grave concerns regarding changes to the Atlantic Bubble Guidelines for New Brunswick/Nova Scotia travel, announced on June 22, one day before the regional re-opening.  “The Tourism Industry was planning, expecting and selling Nova Scotia vacations based on the June 23rd re-opening date,” says Judy Saunders, TIANS Chair.  “The Industry has been decimated and we worked in good faith on the announced re-opening of the Atlantic Bubble. To announce new restrictions, with no notice, has had a significant negative economic impact on Nova Scotia’s hardest hit sector.”

While TIANS has appreciated the government’s approach on re-opening and respect the guidance of Public Health, the Atlantic Bubble was announced for June 23rd with no indication of additional changes to protocols for New Brunswick.  Operators have been preparing for the regional re-opening and taking bookings.  Since the announcement yesterday, hundreds of cancellations have been made by New Brunswickers planning their Nova Scotia vacation.

“New Brunswick’s plans were announced weeks ago, and there was no indication this would affect cross border travel.  In fact, the opposite, with the promotion of regional re-opening.  The Tourism Industry invested in re-opening plans and marketing and as a result secured high volume reservations, that are now being cancelled,” says Darlene Grant Fiander, TIANS President.  “Tourism lost $1.6 Billion in 2020, this abrupt change matters significantly to businesses that need to leverage the lucrative summer months. TIANS urges the Premier to reconsider the parameters and work with the New Brunswick government to come up with a solution that supports the Nova Scotia’s Tourism Economy.

TIANS is the provincial advocate for Nova Scotia’s Tourism Industry with a mandate to lead, support, represent and enhance the sector. TIANS strives to enhance the Industry’s competitiveness and prosperity through increased professionalism and product development, and fostering good public policy.

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For more information, please contact:

Tanice Mundle
Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 423-4480 | tanice@tourism.ca
www.tians.org