By: Shannon Monk, KMKNO
Happy New Year! To begin the new year, we want to provide you with a snapshot of what is happening with Indigenous tourism across the country. Though COVID-19 continues to greatly impact the tourism industry as a whole, there are exciting developments happening in our sector and new supports available for the Indigenous tourism businesses.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a recognized leader in Indigenous tourism development and marketing whose vision is a thriving Indigenous tourism economy. They recently released ‘Building Back Better’, their three-year strategic plan focused on supporting Indigenous tourism to return to pre-COVID-19 levels in the next three years. The three main priorities for 2022-2025 include:
- targeted business support, training and education for ITAC member businesses;
- leveraging partnerships and investments with Provincial and Territorial Indigenous Tourism Associations; and
- “strengthening ITAC as the national leader and advocate for Indigenous tourism operators and stabilizing funding through the federal government, partners and members”.
ITAC is supporting members to build back better by waiving their annual membership fee for Indigenous-led tourism organizations and Indigenous-owned tourism businesses in 2022-2023. Now is a great time to join. As a member, you have the opportunity to participate in ITAC’s specialized programs and networking opportunities to help grow your business. More information on the benefits of your membership and how to apply can be found on ITAC’s website at indigenoustourism.ca/membership/
ITAC has also been working with Canada’s Regional Development Agencies advocating for Indigenous sole proprietors be included in the Tourism Relief Fund announced last summer and is excited to announce that Indigenous sole proprietors are finally eligible. This is an important announcement from ITAC that will provide some funding support and relief for Indigenous tourism businesses. For more information and to apply, go to Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s website and look up “Business Information Services”.
There are also various regional supports available to Indigenous tourism businesses. The Province of Nova Scotia has opened up application for the Sector Impact Support Program which will provide one-time support to small business owners who have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions – eligible businesses include restaurants, bars, performing arts facilities, walking and boat tours, private museums and more. For more information and to apply, visit: novascotia.ca/coronavirus/sector-impact-support-program/
Tourism Nova Scotia works to draw visitors to Nova Scotia and increase tourism revenue through various specialized initiatives and programs. You may have seen their Doers & Dreamers Guide. It is a yearly travel guide that showcases the incredible tourism offerings in the province including tours, artisans, accommodations, top attractions and more. It is a go-to for many visitors and a great way to draw visitors to our communities and share our products and experiences with them.
Although the deadline to apply to have your business listed in the online PDF version has passed, you can still create your free business listing on the Tourism Nova Scotia website and start connecting with travellers interested in what Nova Scotia has to offer. In the meantime, also consider reaching out to Tourism Nova Scotia to be ready for next year’s Doers & Dreamers 2023 guide deadlines.
Applications are regularly available for Tourism Nova Scotia’s Digital Content Marketing Programs – the programs are a great opportunity to work with Tourism Nova Scotia to create content and build digital marketing skills that will help you promote your business and reach new customers.
And lastly, if you are interested in learning more about how COVID-19 has impacted the sector and what this means for your business, there are two great events taking place this winter. Destination Canada is hosting webinars on February 1st and 2nd, 2022 showcasing the findings of a recent report, Tourism’s Big Shift: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry. The webinars will look at some key trends impacting the tourism industry over the next three years and what this means for small and medium-sized tourism businesses. You can register through their website here: destinationcanada.com/en/events.
The National Indigenous Tourism Conference (NITC) is happening March 8th-10th, 2022 at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Tsuut’ina Nation in Calgary, AB. The theme of the conference is Building Back Better and will focus on how the sector can rebuild from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conference topics include leadership, development, partnerships and marketing, as well as an opportunity to attend a special culinary event from Grey Eagle Resort & Casino and local cultural tours. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/national-indigenous-tourism-conference-nitc-2022-tickets-228618292467