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Community VICs Adapting in Response to COVID-19

Friday, August 21, 2020

It might look a little different this year, but travel counsellors at visitor information centres (VICs) across the province are offering their local knowledge to help Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians plan their vacations.

In addition to the six provincial VICs, Tourism Nova Scotia provides financial support to more than 40 community-run VICs located throughout the province. This year, the Community VIC Program coordinating partners, the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, Truro-Colchester Chamber of Commerce, and Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores, collaborated to create a VIC Operating Plan to help VICs adapt to meet public health guidelines related to COVID-19. In addition, staff at VICs are participating in the Clean it Right program.

While many VICs are open with added cleaning and safety protocols in place, some have chosen a different direction for 2020. For example, the Municipality of Barrington and Town of Middleton have opted to offer trip planning services by phone and e-mail this year.

Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association has continued their mobile VIC in 2020, popping up at attractions and events to serve visitors where they are. Tourism Chester has twelve business ambassadors who provide brochures at their business for the convenience of visitors.

VIC staff are often a first point of contact for visitors in our communities. They help visitors plan memorable trips that can lead to longer stays or repeat visits. Reach out to the VICs near you to make sure they have up to date information about your business, including specials, packages or operational changes for 2020.

Contact and brochure shipping information for all VICs is available on our website.