The Tourism Digital Assistance Program – Communities (TDAP – Communities) helps municipalities, chambers of commerce, and community tourism organizations in Nova Scotia build digital capacity and develop online tools to effectively promote their communities as travel destinations. Through the program, Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS) partners with Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) to match approved applicants with qualified digital consultants.

Approved applicants receive up to $15,000 in services (tax inclusive). Of this amount, up to $2,500 can be used for subscription services and digital campaign testing, and up to $3,000 can be used for photography or videography services. Any remaining funds are allocated toward additional services offered through the program.

Available Services:

Participants may receive any combination of the following:

• Website design and development (includes AI-powered chatbot and automations)
• Social media planning
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Digital marketing planning
• Photography and/or videography to fill content gaps
• Copywriting
• Data analytics
• Digital branding and design
• E-commerce
• Online booking

How the Program Works:

Eligible applicants complete an online application outlining their digital challenges and opportunities. Approved applicants are matched with a qualified consultant. An initial meeting takes place between TNS, DNS, the approved applicant, and the digital consultant before project work begins.

Projects will preferably start between late spring and fall (depending on participant preference) and must be completed by March 31, 2027. Approved applicants enter into a Letter of Agreement with DNS, commit to timely task completion and communications, and complete an end-of-project report within required timelines.

Photography and Videography Notes:

Photography deliverables include up to 20 images selected by TNS as outlined in a Statement of Work. Funding is meant to bridge content gaps but does not substitute for a complete photo shoot. Final edited photos and/or videos created through the program will be owned by TNS and shared with participants for their marketing use. TNS may use this content in its own marketing campaigns and channels.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA):

TNS and DNS encourage and prioritize applications from underrepresented organizations, as well as those that offer tourism activities that amplify and reflect underrepresented communities, experiences, and voices. Preference is given to applications from Mi'kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities.

Selection Preferences:

A TNS and DNS panel reviews and scores applications. In addition to prioritizing EDIA applicants, preference is given to:

• Applicants expanding beyond peak season and/or transitioning toward year-round operations
• Applicants offering tourism products and experiences that appeal to target markets, including Nova Scotia's authentic culture and heritage, local flavours, or outdoor and coastal activities
• Applicants who demonstrate well-defined digital needs and efforts in sustainably growing tourism in Nova Scotia
• First-time applicants (past TDAP – Communities participants should clearly identify how additional services will support and build on previous work)