The Province of Nova Scotia has provided clarification that Nova Scotians are permitted to travel throughout the province for any reason.
June 9, 2020 – Halifax, Nova Scotia: The Province of Nova Scotia has provided clarification that Nova Scotians are permitted to travel throughout the province for any reason. Previously, government had asked people to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid “non-essential travel”.
“We are pleased to hear Dr. Strang confirm that it is safe for people to travel the province to conduct business, visit family and friends, plan a stay-cation, and support local businesses,” said Ross Jefferson, president and CEO of Discover Halifax. “This is a sign that our collective effort to ‘flatten the curve’ has been successful, and we can begin recovery, both of our economy and well-being.”
Discover Halifax, a non-profit destination marketing organization for the Halifax region, has been an active voice asking government of all levels to consider the impacts to the tourism industry and reopen markets when it is safe to do so. Halifax’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the local economy providing 34,000 jobs in 4,000 local businesses located in 210+ communities throughout the region.
Last year, there were 5.3 million overnight stays in the Halifax region which generated $1.3 billion in local spending. The majority of these travellers came from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
“Approximately 57 per cent of travellers to the Halifax region are from Maritime provinces,” said Jefferson. “The next step in Nova Scotia’s recovery effort is reopening the province to visitors from nearby provinces, so we can reunite people and prevent local businesses from closing.”
Discover Halifax has been working with local partners to encourage people to follow public health advice and support local businesses if they feel comfortable doing so. The organization will feature stay-cation information for those planning a visit to the Halifax region, and will soon launch a campaign that celebrates the heart and soul of Halifax.
Quick Facts:
- The average length of stay for Maritimers visiting the Halifax region is 1.9 nights
- Maritimers spend $246.79, on average, when they visit Halifax for leisure
Destination Canada Weekly COVID-19 Resident Sentiment, 2020-05-26 reports:
- 62% of Atlantic Canadians say they would welcome people from communities near them
- 54% of Atlantic Canadians say they would welcome people from other parts of their province
Links:
- Discover Halifax Handpicked Halifax campaign
- Tourism Nova Scotia COVID-19 Tourism Recovery and Marketing Approach
- Destination Canada Resident Sentiment Research
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About Discover Halifax
Discover Halifax is non-profit, membership-based marketing and sales organization in partnership with the Halifax regional government, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia and participating industry members. Since its inception in 2002, Discover Halifax’s goal is to promote Halifax as a destination of choice for leisure and business travellers. Halifax welcomes 5.3 million overnight stays each year, who spend over $1 billion. Halifax alone represents over 54% of all visitation to Nova Scotia, and 34,000 people are employed in the tourism industry.
Media Contact:
Monica MacLean, Communications Director
902-401-2301