Council Structure
The Council structure reflects an integrated approach to marketing, product development, research and the long term Vision for tourism. Communications is a primary function of all three. Overall, committees are responsible for:
- recommending programs and initiatives to support the goals of the Council,
- organizing sub-committees and/or task forces,
- ensuring the process is inclusive by continuously soliciting stakeholder input, and,
- developing plans and strategies to meet objectives.
Council Origin
In 1996, industry and government developed a joint Tourism Strategy for Nova Scotia. That strategy identified four major areas for immediate attention: developing and marketing our product strengths; improving quality; enhancing transportation access; and addressing seasonality.
The strategy also called for a true partnership between industry and government, in everything from research and development to marketing and support. The industry has always worked with government. However, often there was a feeling that industry wasn't an equal partner. Industry, therefore, challenged government to formalize a joint approach to managing tourism.
The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism agreed to form a joint committee comprised of senior officials of the department and industry to review potential options for a new partnership arrangement. The committee began meeting in January, 1997 to review structures in other provinces and to gather information and opinions here at home. Across the board, there was a commitment to work together, to commit resources and to invest time in making this new council work.
A partnership model was taken to industry and government in 11 regional meetings for broader consultation and input in September/October 1997. The new Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council structure was announced formally at the 1997 Nova Scotia Tourism Conference on November 25, 1997. It called for 14 industry leaders and two representatives from government, with seven industry members selected at large and another seven selected on a geographic basis to ensure balanced representation. The first Council membership was announced by the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism in May, 1998. They were appointed for a two-year term and selected by an industry-led committee. The Council meets monthly, with committee meetings scheduled more frequently.
Working Together
If you would like to volunteer your time and expertise to work on the Tourism Partnership Council, please e-mail the Council for more information. In addition to gathering input through industry led committees, the Council will continually network with and receive input from industry organizations and associations through various meetings and workshops.