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
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.