Press Release: Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
November 5, 2001
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia -- Two major Tourism Associations at opposite ends of the country have joined forces in a
bid to convince the federal government to take immediate steps to ensure the short and long-term viability of the
Canadian Tourism industry. The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia(TIANS) and the Council of Tourism Associations
of BC (COTA) today introduced three key areas in which government action could help mitigate the effects of September
11th.
1. Accelerate the implementation of the Customs Action Plan.
"Prior to September 11, the Canadian Government had created and scheduled implementation of a Customs Action Plan, which would expedite the passage of low-risk travellers through border crossings, and provide more thorough investigation of high risk travellers," said TIANS President Karl Webb. "A key aspect of this program was the use of biometrics or 'smart cards'. We call on the government to implement this plan by January 1, 2002."
2. Stabilize air service to and from Canadian communities.
"Good transportation networks are the lifeblood of the tourism industry. In order for the industry to survive, air service must be fostered to Canadian gateway communities, and beyond the gateway," said COTA President Don Monsour. "The current air system needs to be strengthened by immediately increasing the limits of foreign ownership in Canadian airlines from 25% to 49%. The industry urges the Transport Minister to accelerate his plans to make airline data available to the industry to assist better marketing decisions by January 1, 2002.
3. Create tax incentives that encourage Canadians to be tourists
in their own country.
We call upon the federal government to introduce a Canadian Travel Incentive that allows an income tax credit
of $500 for leisure travellers ($1000 in case the return is filed jointly) for travel expenses paid or incurred
by October 1, 2002. Travel must include a destination of more than 100 kilometres from the place of residence and
include 5 overnight stays in commercial lodgings. For the business traveller, we call for a temporary tax deduction
of 75% of meal and entertainment expenses to October 1, 2002.
Tourism is an integral part of the Canadian economy, sensitive to the dramatic changes that have been triggered
in the economic and political environment as a result of September 11. The Canadian government is to be congratulated
for its action in awarding $15 million in funds to the Canadian Tourism Commission for a marketing recovery strategy.
TIANS and COTA urge the government to take further steps to support this $54 billion industry at this time, ensuring
that its contribution to the Canadian economy continues to be strong.
The Council of Tourism Associations of BC (COTA) is a federation of some 42 tourism organizations and businesses
representing the tourism industry in British Columbia. COTA is an advocate for the $9.5 billion BC tourism industry
which is responsible for the direct employment of 113,000 British Columbians.
The mission of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) is to lead, support, represent and enhance
the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry. TIANS presents a united voice for increased partnerships in the business of tourism
for improved and increased competitiveness in the global marketplace. The Tourism Industry in Nova Scotia is a
$1.2 billion economic engine with 5000 businesses employing 40,000 people.