ITMP 2030 officially kicks off
HALIFAX, NS - Discover Halifax is launching the next stage of a framework critical for guiding sustainable tourism growth in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
In 2019, Discover Halifax led the first-ever regional tourism planning effort for HRM, resulting in a comprehensive plan that steered Halifax’s tourism industry through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Halifax Regional Integrated Tourism Master Plan 2030 (ITMP 2030) will pick up where the first report left off, charting the course for the next five years of tourism planning in the municipality. This next chapter will focus on community engagement and regional planning, ensuring Halifax continues to thrive as a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination.
“Alongside our partners, we will restart community-driven conversations and lay the groundwork for meaningful, community-focused goals for the future,” says Ross Jefferson, President and CEO. “The updated ITMP 2030 will build on the success of its predecessor and gather input from a wide range of stakeholders from across HRM.”
An Advisory Committee comprised of community leaders (click here for a full list of the committee) will oversee the important work. It will be led by Discover Halifax Board of Directors Chair, Doug Townsend, who emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort.
“Bringing community members together to focus on local needs is essential for the future of tourism in HRM. By working together, we can create a balanced plan that benefits residents and visitors, ensuring that our tourism industry continues to thrive for years to come,” says Townsend.
The community engagement process will include regional sessions, bilateral meetings with relevant groups and associations, as well as an online survey, mirroring the successful approach of the original ITMP. This engagement will help ensure that the updated plan reflects the values and priorities of all 210 communities in HRM, while addressing unique needs and opportunities within different parts of the region.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a non-repayable contribution of $200,000 to Discover Halifax to support community engagement and the ITMP 2030 update.
“A strong, vibrant tourism industry is deeply rooted in community, and the voices and stories of the people who call this region home,” said the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “Highlighting the HRM’s best tourism assets will help communities and operators to work together to grow their economy and deliver memorable experiences that will keep visitors coming back for years to come.”
For more information on the ITMP 2030 and to stay informed on opportunities to participate in the upcoming engagement work, click here.
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