This Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) is an invitation by the Province of Nova Scotia (the “Province”) to prospective proponents to submit proposals for the provision of Visitor Information Centre Gift Shop Operations to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH), as further described in the RFP Particulars (Appendix D) (the “Deliverables”). This RFP is being conducted pursuant to the Nova Scotia Sustainable Procurement Policy and Procurement Manual.  

Tourism Nova Scotia (TNS), a division of CCTH, is seeking a proponent(s) to manage and operate a retail gift shop business providing high quality products and/or services that represent the best of Nova Scotia for our visitors and residents, including Authentically Nova Scotian Products, for two (2) Visitor Information Centres (VIC) located in Amherst and Port Hastings.    

Proponents may submit a proposal for one or both VIC Locations.    

TNS works with communities and industry to attract visitors to the province and increase tourism revenues through experience and sector development, business coaching, marketing, and visitor servicing.   

The Visitor Services Section of TNS provides services to Nova Scotia’s travellers that enhance their stay and help encourage extended stay and spending in local businesses. TNS operates five Visitor Information Centres in Nova Scotia, this contract opportunity is for the following two locations:  

Amherst (open year-round)  
At the Nova Scotia/New Brunswick border  
90 Cumberland Loop, Amherst, B4H 3Y5  

Port Hastings (seasonal)  
Entrance to Cape Breton Island
96 Highway 4, Port Hastings, Cape Breton Island, B9A 1M4