Dear Industry Partner,

As Nova Scotia enters into the eighth week of the COVID-19 pandemic, TIANS continues to advocate for specific and robust supports for the tourism sector. 

Our feedback to the government is being heard as we maintain regular lines of communication with cabinet officials and policymakers, both provincially and federally.  We have been advised that a national tourism support package is being developed and will be announced soon.  Also, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Atlantic will be deploying a regional program in the coming days to support tourism businesses.

We have been sharing with relevant government representatives where gaps have been identified by industry with existing programs and measures.  To that end, we were pleased with today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that the Wage Subsidy Program will be extended beyond June.  This will be a crucial support as seasonal operators begin to open their doors.  Additional concerns around the practicality of the Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program, access to favourable loan conditions,  interest rate deferrals and reduced credit card rates continue to be raised as key points of concern.  As new data released by Stats Can today reports that over 880,000 tourism jobs in Canada were lost since the pandemic started,  the need for strong and flexible supports for industry are critically evident.

TIANS continues to have sectoral discussions around the province to provide input for models around reopening the economy.  We understand it will be a phased approach and TIANS will ensure sector information  and current efforts are shared to influence policy around this.   As businesses prepare to reopen, commitments to cleanliness and standards around disinfection processes will be crucial in building visitor and staff confidence.  We are working with our national partners and have secured a program for Nova Scotia that we will be launching for industry use in the days ahead.

Training and education remain paramount for the tourism industry, as we prepare for a gradual reopening.  TIANS and the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council have been working to provide you with the latest information via Webinars, online training and free access to a number of emerit Occupation specific modules.

Please remember,  you will find many relevant resources and updates on our Tourism Strong digital hub.  We hope you continue to make Tourism Strong your source of current COVID-19 data.   Join your fellow industry members in a real-time discussion. Do you have a  question another operator may be able to help with?  A feel-good story to share from your community? How are you managing your business; your customers? What are you doing now to plan for the future.  Join the TIANS Discussion Forum.

TIANS remains committed to our Members and Industry Stakeholders during these unprecedented times.   Office staff can be reached at 902.423.4480 during the week from 9-4.  Or you can choose to email us at [email protected]. 

Stay Well.  Stay Tourism Strong.

Sincerely,
The TIANS Team