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EXPORT Travel Trade Program 

The EXPORT Travel Trade Program aims to help Nova Scotia tourism businesses develop partnerships with tour operators and travel agents to increase national and international sales. The program offers support through two streams: Travel Trade Readiness and Marketplace Support.

Travel trade is made up of businesses like tour operators, wholesalers and travel agents who help visitors buy travel products. Working with the travel trade helps tourism businesses connect with visitors, expand to new markets, and encourage repeat business. Travel trade marketplaces offer tourism operators the opportunity to network and have one-on-one sales appointments with tour operators and travel agents so you can develop business relationships.

The program will support businesses that are new to working with travel trade, as well as those who have some experience working with these partners to take steps to grow the export side of their business.

Webinar - Introduction To Travel Trade

This webinar explores the basics, processes and best practices of working with travel trade, as well as sharing market trends. Watch and learn more about the programs and resources designed to help you develop more business through travel trade.

PROGRAM STREAMS

Stream 1 - Travel Trade Readiness

Participants will work with a coach who has extensive experience in the travel trade to build a sales strategy, implement best practices for working with travel trade, and create partnerships with travel agents and tour operators to begin making sales.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Applications for the Travel Trade Readiness stream are open to Nova Scotia tourism businesses who have been in business for at least one year, have some knowledge of the travel trade and can  demonstrate they are ready and able to implement or expand on policies and business practices necessary to work with travel trade partners, such as booking policies, rate schedules, etc.

Stream 1 - Travel Trade Readiness applications CLOSE Monday, June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. 

Stream 2 - Marketplace Support 

Participants can receive up to $5,000 towards registration fees to attend an eligible travel trade marketplace. Eligible program costs include registration fees for one appointment-taking representative of the business and will be reimbursed upon presentation of proof of purchase and invoice/receipt. Operators are responsible for any associated costs such as accommodations, airfare, lighting, electrical, artwork, booth construction, promotional materials, meals, sponsorships, etc.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applications for the Marketplace Support stream are open to Nova Scotia tourism businesses that have been doing business with travel trade partners such as receptive tour operators, wholesalers, motorcoach companies, etc., for a minimum of two years or have successfully completed the EXPORT Travel Trade Readiness Program and have secured contracts with travel trade partners.

Stream 2 - Marketplace Support applications will be accepted until the program is fully subscribed or March 31, 2026. Applications should be received a minimum two months prior to the requested marketplace. 

The Lunenburg waterfront with text over the image that says, Export Travel Trade Program 2025-2026.

How to Participate

This program facilitates tourism businesses to develop relationships with tour operators to increase national and international sales. The program will support those that are new to working with travel trade, as well as those who have some experience working with these partners to take steps to grow the export side of their business with a focus on sales planning for 2026 and beyond.

Download Program Guidelines

If you require a printable version of the application questions, an Overview of Application Questions (.PDF) is available to help you plan your responses for the online application form. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact natalie.shaw@novascotia.ca.

Applications for the 2025-26 EXPORT Travel Trade Program are now open.

Stream 1 - Travel Trade Readiness applications CLOSE Monday, June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. 

Stream 2 - Marketplace Support applications will be accepted until the program is fully subscribed or March 31, 2026. Applications should be received a minimum two months prior to the requested marketplace. 

Apply Here

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRAVEL TRADE

Program Contact

For more information about the program, please contact:

Natalie Shaw 
Market Development Coordinator 
Natalie.Shaw@novascotia.ca
902-237-8170


If you are new to working with the travel trade or looking for introductory support, please see these resources:
 

Quicklinks