This is a community-first approach. Tourism development and marketing must be grounded in Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural strengths and prioritize resident and community wellbeing.
Why it matters
While most Nova Scotians recognize the community benefits of tourism, the industry must continue to ensure that tourism development respects and is reflective of the community and provides a benefit to residents as well as visitors.
Tourism development that is grounded in Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural strengths, and that prioritizes community wellbeing, will provide visitors with authentic products and experiences that enhance Nova Scotia’s tourism reputation.
What Success Looks Like
Local prosperity:
Nova Scotia’s destinations and tourism leaders actively engage with communities and residents to support capital investment and revenue generation, enhancing local prosperity.
Cultural representation:
The diversity of cultures in Nova Scotia – including Mi’kmaw, Gaelic, Acadian, African Nova Scotian, and other cultures – is showcased in respectful and authentic ways through tourism experiences and destinations. This means all Nova Scotians can participate in, and benefit from, tourism opportunities.
Competitive advantages:
Nova Scotia can draw investment by showcasing its commitment to environmental care, unique cultures, and high-quality tourism experiences. Environmental stewardship is a key advantage, as more visitors seek eco-friendly travel options.
Mi’kmaw cultural tourism capacity:
Grounding tourism development in the community’s natural and cultural strengths requires focusing on building Mi’kmaw cultural tourism capacity to ensure sustainable and meaningful growth that meets the demands and desires of visitors.
Stronger communities:
Towns, cities, and rural areas are enriched with new amenities and other assets designed to benefit both residents and visitors, thereby strengthening the fabric of communities.
Goals:
- Leverage Nova Scotia’s cultural strengths to develop new product and drive tourism receipts.
- Demonstrate commitment to reconciliation by building Mi’kmaw cultural tourism capacity.
- Ensure tourism development and marketing is grounded in Nova Scotia’s natural assets, and its historical and cultural strengths.
- Prioritize resident and community well-being in decision making.
Actions:
- Strengthen collaboration between tourism operators and local communities.
- Highlight and leverage the province’s rich cultural heritage as a competitive advantage.
- Build capacity among Mi’kmaw tourism operators.
Who Plays a Role:
Leaders
- Municipal governments
- Industry associations
- Cultural organizations
- Tourism operators
- Mi’kmaw communities
Supporters
- Provincial government
- Federal government