Nova Scotia Invests $18.2-Million In Tourism ‘Restart Package’
HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government announced on Tuesday an $18.2-million tourism restart package to provide operators with new grant programs and marketing support as well as offering free admission to provincial museums.
The restart package will help the tourism industry prepare to welcome visitors to Nova Scotia as part of the province’s phased reopening strategy.
“We want Nova Scotians and visitors to choose to spend their vacation time and dollars here,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth and Minister responsible for Tourism Nova Scotia.
“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.”
The Tourism Accommodations Restart Customer Attraction Program will 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 rooms and $500 per room for each additional room.
“Tourism lost $1.6-billion in revenue in 2020 and this strategic investment in the tourism industry will get main streets moving around the province,” said Judy Saunders, board chair, Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS).
“TIANS has been working with Minister Kousoulis and his team and they have moved decisively on this broad framework that supports all five sectors of the industry and addresses a number of areas that will foster growth and accelerate recovery.”
The Small Tourism Operators Restart Program will offer a one-time grant payment of $5,000 to help tourism businesses that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions but were not eligible for earlier provincial programs.
The grant will help operators with advertising and other restart expenses such as purchasing personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
The province will invest an additional $3-million this year in its marketing campaigns, designed to attract visitors through television advertising, videos, radio spots, social media, billboards, display ads and search marketing tactics.
The Atlantic Canada campaign, called Do More, launched on June 15.
Investments will also be made to attract the public to communities across the province. Visitors will enjoy free admission to the 28 sites included in the Nova Scotia Museum system and the two sites of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in July and August.
The province will also work with community organizations to offer outdoor public events that feature local artists and diverse cultural activities.
Steve MacArthur is the news director with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner.