Tourism operators are optimistic 2022 will be a bounce back year for the industry.

Travel and public health restrictions during COVID kept many tourists away, decimating businesses and creating insecurity which led many staff to leave the industry altogether.

President of TIANS, the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia Darlene Grant Fiander says tourism operators expect this summer to get back on track.

In a written exchange Fiander said, “Early bookings are strong and interest in NS trending strong. Our air capacity is returning; the Marine access to the US is trending positive. Festival and events are returning and act as significant draws.”

In 2019, the province took in $2.6 billion from tourism revenue, generating $450 million in tax revenue.

When COVID hit in 2020, that revenue was cut well beyond half to $900,000.

Numbers are not in yet for 2021 but Grant Fiander says estimates show the loss will be similar.

Over the two years the tourism industry is projecting they have lost over $3 billion in revenue.

While all level of government has offered supports, several businesses just couldn’t withstand the downturn and have closed, though Grant Fiander says they are still working to determine how many.

“I do know of some members that will not be operating this year, we currently have a survey in the market to qualify some of the stories we have heard,” said Grant Fiander.

Many tourism workers left the industry during the pandemic for other positions that were less susceptible to closures.

Grant-Fiander says getting people back into tourism positions is a struggle when every industry is experiencing a shortage of workers.

“…the industry has a strategy to redefine work in the sector; recruitment and build retention plans that will leverage the positive benefits of entrepreneurship and career opportunities.  We have work to do, but we are optimistic,” said Grant Fiander. “Some operators are addressing the housing issue by investing in staff housing in rural communities; many operators have enhanced their hiring practices and benefits.”

Grant Fiander says TIANS is a resource where members can turn for help navigating government assistance programs to information and training around human resources, to enhancing the guest experience and rebuilding their businesses.

She says operators are ready to welcome tourists back to Nova Scotia in 2022.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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