Supporting Tourism Growth in Nova Scotia
News Release
Funds enable the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia to undertake key strategic activities for 2017-2019
Photo left: The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada. Photo right: L-R: Darlene Grant-Fiander, TIANS President; The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada; Judy Saunders, TIANS Chair.
November 27, 2017 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Sustained tourism growth raises revenues, provides employment opportunities throughout Nova Scotia and contributes to a growing middle class. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) to support its role in the sector’s ongoing development and growth.
Earlier today the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), spoke to tourism operators and stakeholders at the annual TIANS Tourism Summit, where he announced a $196,947 contribution over two years to ensure that tourism businesses are equipped to offer visitors the products and experiences they’re looking for.
This investment, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, will allow TIANS to host industry events, such as the Tourism Summit, and provide leadership to businesses on key opportunities for growth, including extending the season and improving their products. TIANS also works to provide training opportunities to Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia on developing and marketing their experiential tourism offerings.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the region’s tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which is working towards making Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada’s new pan-Atlantic tourism approach will more fully align the region’s marketing, product development, and capacity building initiatives with national and provincial programs and priorities. These efforts are in line with those of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which works to build on the advantages of existing industries such as tourism.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Nova Scotians know how to extend a warm welcome. The province’s reputation as a quality destination is well known internationally and here at home. Tourism supports 9,800 regional businesses, employs 62,900 Atlantic Canadians and contributes $5.4 billion annually to Atlantic Canada’s Gross Domestic Product. Our government is pleased to support TIANS as it works to grow this valuable sector together with businesses and communities.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Tourism in Nova Scotia alone represents over $2.6 billion annually. The recognition by the Government of Canada of the tourism sector as a significant contributor to the economy is greatly impacting the sectors ability to compete in the global tourism market. This new investment in product and people development will ensure that the Nova Scotia industry can meet its targets and continue to have a positive impact on the economic, social and cultural health of the province.”
- Darlene Grant Fiander, President, TIANS
Quick Facts
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In 2016, 2.2 million tourists discovered Nova Scotia’s high quality visitor experiences, representing an increase of more than eight percent over the previous year.
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Tourism is the number one employer of youth and an important provider of employment for new Canadians. In fact, one out of every eleven jobs in Canada is related to tourism.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications & Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca
Darlene Grant Fiander
President
TIANS
Phone: 902-496-7479
Email: darlene@tourism.ca