Nova Scotia to spend $18.2 million to support struggling tourism, accommodation industries
The Nova Scotia government announced support for the province’s struggling tourism and accommodation sector on Tuesday, in hopes that it will help the industry prepare to welcome visitors back to Nova Scotia.
Labi Kousoulis, the Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth and Minister responsible for Tourism Nova Scotia, says the $18.2 million tourism restart package will provide operators with new grant programs and marketing support.
It will also offer tourists more outdoor public attractions and free admission to the 28 sites included in the Nova Scotia Museum system, and the two sites of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia un July and August.
“We want Nova Scotians and visitors to choose to spend their vacation time and dollars here,” said Kousoulis. “We’ve worked with the sector and developed a restart package that will re-energize communities and help our operators prepare to open their doors and attract customers to the many unique experiences that Nova Scotia has to offer.”
"On the other hand, it's a great jolt that we can get from this to do some targeted advertising to get some people here and hopefully save our summer," said Ron Miller, a hotel general manager.
Two grant programs were announced Tuesday, which include:
TOURISM ACCOMODATIONS RESTART CUSTOMER ATTRACTION PROGRAM
The province’s Tourism Accommodations Restart Customer Attraction Program aims to help registered tourism accommodations develop and implement tailored marketing activities to encourage overnight stays. Eligible operators will receive a grant of $1,000 per room for the first 10 room, and $500 per room for each additional room.
THE SMALL TOURISM OPERATORS RESTART PROGRAM
The Small Tourism Operators Restart Program offers a one-time grant payment of $5,000 to tourism businesses that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions, but did not qualify for previous provincial programs.
Government says the grant will help operators with advertising and other restart expenses, such as purchasing personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
An additional $3 million will also be used for Nova Scotia's marketing campaigns, which are "designed to attract visitors through television advertising, videos, radio sports, social media, billboards, display ads and search marketing tactics.”
One of those campaigns includes the Do More campaign, launched by the province on Tuesday. The province says the goal of the campaign is to “remind Atlantic Canadians that Nova Scotia has much to offer, and deserves more than one trip.”
"We have so much to offer people of all ages," said Darlene MacDonald, the acting CEO for Tourism Nova Scotia. "From tidal bore rafting to winery tours, to our beautiful Halifax waterfront to the Cabot Trail, and all of the amazing arts, culture, and outdoor experiences in between. There is no shortage of things to do in Nova Scotia."
According to the province, prior to the pandemic, Nova Scotia’s tourism industry generated $2.6 billion in tourism revenues, and supported 40,000 jobs across every region of the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.