December 8, 2021

 

My heart is still full following a fantastic Tourism Congress last week – it was wonderful to see so many of the industry family in person and online, and to dive into strategic conversations in our sessions and panels with industry leaders as we keep moving toward recovery.

 

We know that there is much confusion right now regarding the new variant and the changing travel rules and restrictions. Our biggest priority through this is clarity for the industry, and ensuring we advocate for one, pan Canadian process. As we start to see provinces and territories reacting with their own measures, we need to ensure we are vocalizing the need to not move backwards into a fragmented system.

 

Governments are finding ways that will allow people to continue to travel in a way that should mitigate the spread of COVID and the new variant. They are putting measures in place that protect the safety of our citizens. However, when it comes to testing, we can’t stress enough the need for clarity for travellers so that they can understand exactly what is needed for a smooth travel experience. This, of course, could lead to a reduction in travel over the holidays and this is another reason why we need Bill C-2 passed quickly. We are learning to live, work and travel in a world where COVID exists.

 

Bill C-2 is before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, and we are following the progress intently. We are advocating for the timely passing of this Bill to get support to our businesses who need it most – and, in particular, championing solutions that best meet the realities of seasonal businesses. Today, I proudly testified in front of the committee on your behalf.

 

We are continuing work with colleagues to formulate our strategy to address the labour challenge. We know that many of our operators are busy looking to hire for the upcoming winter season. This is a problem we need to address and recommend solutions for as soon as possible. Philip Mondor, President of Tourism HR Canada will be joining me for next week’s Member Talk to talk about priorities and strategies on this front moving forward. Please join us and contribute to this very important strategic discussion.

 

Please reach out with any comments or questions on our advocacy work at beth@tiac-aitc.ca.

 

Sincerely,

 

Beth Potter

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

 

Dear Tourism Stakeholders,

 

The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation, as well as highlights of our recent advocacy efforts. We are working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.

 

Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Visitor Economy:

Next Member Talk is December 14 – join us!

 

Solving Canada's Tourism Industry Labour Crisis will be a strategic journey. Learn more and contribute to the conversation by participating in TIAC's last 2021 MEMBER Talk on Tuesday, December 14th, 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET. Philip Mondor, President with Tourism HR Canada will join TIAC President and CEO Beth Potter and present the comprehensive tourism labour market strategy. 

 

 

We hope you enjoyed the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) 2021 edition of the Tourism Congress and Canadian Tourism Awards.

 

Survey

Below you will find a links for our post-event survey (approx. 5 minutes to complete). Over the last 20 months, we know you have completed many of these and ask for your indulgence once more. Completing the survey will help us better understand the steps we need to take to improve next year's event. The survey will be open until December 13.

 

Attended in-person: take the survey here

Attended online only: take the survey here

 

Online Content

We are also pleased to inform you that the online Tourism Congress Sessions are now available On-Demand on the event platform. Click here to access the sessions. If you have forgotten your login information, please click on the "Reset Password" and check your inbox.

 

Note: The sessions that were broadcasted online from the in-person event will not be available for viewing On-demand.

 

 

Getting the right information for international travellers

If you’re welcoming international visitors, help them understand the requirements for a safe and smooth trip, by providing them with information about vaccine requirements and using, as is mandatory, ArriveCAN to submit mandatory travel information. As border measures continue to evolve, the Canada Border Services Agency’s website continues to be the best source for up-to-date information on Canada’s entry requirements.

 

Review current measures: here

 

 

Canada Digital Adoption Program

Do you want to become more competitive by getting your business online or using digital technology to make your operations more efficient? The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) will be available to you early in 2022 and help your business innovate, become more productive and get to the next level.

 

Learn more about CDAP: here

 

MOU with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

 

TIAC and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) have agreed to formalize their partnership through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). This represents a concrete collaboration between the national Indigenous tourism organization and the national advocacy organization for the tourism industry in Canada.

 

The primary goal of this MOU is to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts to provide leadership, advocacy and engagement opportunities, supporting the recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada. ITAC and TIAC will work together to share and develop knowledge, complementary expertise and market intelligence.

 

TIAC in the Media

 

President and CEO Beth Potter has been active in the media over the past two weeks given the numerous announcements. Watch Beth’s interviews here:

 

Vaccine Update

 

➜ Vaccine Progression by Province

➜ Canada COVID Tracker

➜ Global COVID Tracker

• 75% of 18 to 29-year-olds are fully vaccinated. 
• 77% of 30 to 39-year-olds are fully vaccinated.  
• Between July 14 and October 18, 2021, within the 18 to 39-year-old age group: 
• 2,037 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19; 
• 384 people have been admitted to ICU; 
• 45 people with COVID-19 have died. 
• There is no way to tell how COVID-19 will affect you. While young people may sometimes have mild symptoms when infected with COVID-19, they can still get sick from the virus, spread the virus to others, and experience longer-term effects.  

• Video: We can all help 
• Video: I’m young and healthy. Why should I get vaccinated if I’m not at risk? 
• Video: Can the COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility? 
• Video: Do I need to get the second dose? 
• Social media shareables: Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines 

Travel Restrictions

 

Destination Canada provides up-to-date domestic travel restrictions and traveller self-isolation requirements for all provinces and territories.