New Requirements for Inclusion In Tourism Marketing and Partnership Programs
Who is affected?
Fixed - Roof and Campground Accommodations
What is changing?
There are new requirements for accommodation properties to be included in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage (TCH) Tourism marketing and partnership programs, such as the Doers’ and Dreamers Travel Guide and www.novascotia.com.
To be eligible to participate in Tourism partnership programs, operators must:
- participate in one of three currently recognized quality accommodation programs (noted below)
- submit an annual Tourist Accommodation License application with full payment;
- submit monthly occupancy reports.
The Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage is committed to supporting and promoting quality tourist accommodations. Therefore, only properties that demonstrate quality, by participating in one of three currently recognized quality accommodation programs, will be included in Tourism marketing and partnership programs.
Which quality programs are currently recognized?
To participate in a quality accommodations program contact:
- Nova Scotia Quality Standards Program,TIANS - Ms. Kieu Lam or 902-496-7477.
- Canada Select and Camping Select - Mr. Ronald van der Weegen or 902-406-4747
- Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) - Mr. Marty Starr or 514 - 453-5653
Who will conduct inspections?
Inspections will be conducted by representatives of the recognized quality programs, using criteria set by their organizations. Current members of Canada Select or Canadian Automobile Association will maintain their regular inspection schedule with these programs. These inspections are not for the purpose of licensing under the Tourist Accommodations Act. However, participation in a quality program will determine eligibility for inclusion in Tourism marketing and partnership programs.
When does this take effect?
These new TCH requirements will be effective June 1, 2009. Accommodation operators must be registered with one of the Quality Programs by June 30, 2009.
How do operators demonstrate eligibility for TCH programs?
Before participating in a Tourism marketing and partnership program, operators must identify which quality accommodation program their property is registered with. Operators who are currently members of Canada Select or Canadian Automobile Association are already eligible to participate in Tourism partnership programs and must simply maintain their membership.
...and the 2010
Travel Guide?
Operators will be contacted in mid June by TCH staff regarding a travel guide listing for 2010. If operators have not had their accommodation approved by one of the three currently recognized quality accommodation programs by November 1, 2009, the accommodation will not be listed in the 2010 guide and will not be eligible for participation in other Tourism marketing and partnership programs.
Which Tourism programs are included?
This eligibility criteria will apply to all initiatives of the Tourism Division’s partnership programs. This includes but is not limited to:
- Doers’ and Dreamers Travel Guide
- www.novascotia.com
- Check In
- distribution and display of brochures in visitor information centres, including Regional Tourism Industry Association brochures and web sites
- in-market promotions
- familiarization tours for travel trade and writers
- industry training and best practice missions
Are Monthly Occupancy Reports still required?
All accommodation operators are required to submit monthly occupancy statistics to TCH, regardless of whether or not they participate in Tourism programs. The statistics must be submitted by the operator within seven days of the end of each calendar month during which the accommodation is operated. In return, the department will continue to provide operators with analytical information that keeps them up to date on the performance of the industry and helps them make informed business decisions.
Do I still need a license to operate?
Roofed accommodations and campgrounds are required to be licensed under the Tourism Accommodations Act and Regulations.
Will new operators be eligible for Tourism programs?
Yes, new accommodation operators will apply for their license in the same manner as existing operators but will be inspected and licensed by TCH staff in year one of their operation. New accommodation operators will also be required to participate in one of the three quality accommodation programs if they wish to participate in any Tourism partnership programs.
Who can I talk to about the new requirements?
For further information on how to ensure your eligibility to participate in the Tourism partnership programs, contact the Quality Assurance Section of the Tourism Division at:
• 902-424-3942 or
• Toll-free 1-877-424-5173.