May 19, 2021

 

I know many of you had high hopes that this May long weekend would be a start for travel in Canada. We understand your frustration and are working behind the scenes to support a reopening plan that sets a specific date on the calendar.

 

The federal government has suggested a reopening based on the percentage of Canadians vaccinated, and while we applaud this concept, we are upping the ante and urge them to use the available data to identify a specific target date. Canada's Tourism Industry needs a date to plan, prepare and be ready to welcome guests.

 

We are also encouraging both federal and provincial governments to accelerate their immunization rollout to achieve an earlier reopening date. By working harder and smarter, we can get to the finish line early and kick start the industry's road to recovery.

 

While we push for a reopening date, we are leveraging next week's Tourism Week as an opportunity to encourage Canadians to Travel in Canada, when restrictions are lifted. We are calling on residents to get vaccinated and start planning and preparing for their 2021 Canadian vacation. We invite you to support the national campaign and use the shareable at the Tourism Counts site. 

 

As your National Voice for the Tourism Industry, we continue to advocate for sector-specific support and the extension of subsidization programs. Today's Covid-Update provides you highlights of our ongoing efforts and meetings. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at Beth@tiac-aitc.ca to ask questions or share your story. 

 

Finally, if you are not a TIAC member, please join; support our efforts, and strengthening our voice. Our success begins with you.

 

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:

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

To better understand the details of the proposed budget programs, particularly the Tourism Relief Fund and changes to the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent Subsidies, TIAC President and CEO, Beth Potter met this past week with the Minister of Transport’s office and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

 

On Monday evening, TIAC presented to the Liberal Rural Caucus outlining our vision for the future of the tourism economy in Canada, and the necessity for sector specific supports to continue, taking into account our industry’s unique needs.

 

TIAC also appeared as a witness to the federal Standing Committee on Finance yesterday, May 18th, urging, among other points, for the continuation of the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent subsidies for tourism businesses, at current levels, for as long as needed. Watch the recording here.

 

We continue to advocate and refine our messaging for the sector-specific recommendations not addressed in the budget, and are at the table to ensure the efficient and effective roll out of anticipated support and relief programs for tourism businesses.

 

We also continue to champion the need for a smooth and timely opening of our borders both interprovincially and internationally, to ensure Canada is part of the seamless travel experience as people start to move around the world again.

Tourism Week is next week, May 23 – 30, and we are calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge, that is, when restrictions are lifted, to travel in Canada first! We are extending an invitation to come together as a country and support our local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees.

 

We will be hosting a kick off event this Friday, May 21st at 11am EDT via TIAC’s Facebook Live, where you will hear from Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC, Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, and senior leaders from the provincial and territorial tourism industry associations across the country.

 

Please take the pledge and share with your networks on social. If you are a business with a programmable lighting system, please consider lighting up in Tourism Week’s ‘glowing green’ to show your support! We invite you to take part however you can, learn more at tourismcounts.ca.

Tourism Town Halls allow tourism operators to provide first-hand input on issues affecting their business and the tourism industry in this time of COVID and provide feedback on government policy for the recovery and rebuilding of our sector. They also provide a front-line forum exposure for governments, TIAC, Destination Canada and event sponsors to collaborate with small and medium-sized tourism business operators.

 

 

 

Register to attend a Tourism Town Hall by clicking here.

 

Our members are our priority. Please reach out with any comments or questions on advocacy initiatives to beth@tiac-aitc.ca.