Government of Canada invests $6.3 million in 53 new tourism projects to enhance offerings for visitors
May 24, 2023 · Kjipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki | Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Over the past two years, Nova Scotia's tourism operators have doubled down to build experiences, accommodations, and strategies to strengthen Canada as a destination of choice - spearheading more than 100 projects through the Government of Canada's Tourism Relief Fund. That work continues, and ACOA is here to help businesses as they attract more visitors to the region and grow the industry with fresh approaches to delivering world-class tourism.
Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced over $6.3 million in Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) support to 53 projects with businesses and organizations across Nova Scotia. This is in addition to the $7.1 million in previously announced TRF support contributions to 52 Nova Scotia businesses since the program launched.
Minister Petitpas Taylor showcased six of the new projects from across the province that demonstrate the TRF's focus on building, upgrading and diversifying innovative tourism products:
- $500,000 to Eskasoni First Nation to help Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, an award-winning immersive Indigenous experience, become a year-round destination with new programming.
- $500,000 to Saltair Nordic Spa & Wellness in Baxter's Harbour to establish a year-round wellness destination complete with Nordic pools and a trail system.
- $121,998 to the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax to construct a new, long-term exhibit called Pjila'si, meaning "welcome" in Mi'kmaw, celebrating the history and lives of the Mi'kmaq People in Nova Scotia.
- $100,000 to Kabina in Tatamagouche to develop a six-unit tiny home year-round wilderness accommodation located close to the Wentworth ski hill.
- $100,000 to the Quarterdeck Resort in Summerville to increase the number of accommodations available to tourists.
- $41,500 to the Friends of McNabs Island Society in Halifax to develop interpretive and resource materials for the restored Teahouse building which has been converted into an Outdoor Education Centre on McNabs Island.
Launched in July 2021, the TRF has helped organizations in the tourism sector upgrade their products and services, enticing new visitors, and reinvigorating the economy. ACOA, along with Canada's other regional development agencies, have been delivering the $485 million in TRF support.
