Tourism Development Investment
Destination Development Funding

Focused on strengthening destination development and the visitor experience, the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency invests in projects that strategically advance the growth of high-quality, competitive destinations, products and experiences that are provincially significant, motivate travel and align with visitor needs. To support goals of the long-term tourism strategy, Tourism Development Investment funding for destination development is focused on two programs:

• Competitive Edge - To attract more first-time visitors, priority is given to projects developing new experiences or projects enhancing market-readiness, visitor experience or quality of existing product in Nova Scotia's most competitive destinations that target high yield markets. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to availability of funding. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.
• First Impressions - To support the development of attractive, distinctive and visitor-friendly downtowns and main streets, priority projects will create positive first impressions and meet needs where visitors connect with the heart of Nova Scotian communities. The deadline for this competitive funding process is June 28, 2013. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.

Industry Development Funding

Focused on strengthening the tourism industry, Regional Planning and Development, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism provides cost-sharing assistance to enhance the quality of tourism services, businesses and products through market-readiness initiatives, such as study tours, and best-practice missions, seminars, workshops, conferences, mentoring and mystery shop assessments.

• Program Description & Guidelines

2013 Tourism Marketing Programs

The Tourism Marketing Partnership Programs provide cooperative marketing support to tourism products, experiences and events throughout Nova Scotia. There are two programs:

• Festival & Events Marketing.
• Tourism Experiences Marketing.

Tour Operator Partnership Program

This program provides opportunities to partner in the marketing of packaged products in Nova Scotia’s key markets. The program is available to tour operators based on submitted proposals only. Funding levels vary. Proposals are accepted through the year.

Program Description

TOPP Application Form (PDF)

TOPP Application Form (DOC)

TOPP Guidelines Criteria (PDF)

TOPP Guidelines Criteria (WPD)

Contact:

Tourism Division
E-mail: tns@gov.ns.ca
Phone: (902) 424-5000