After many weeks of speculation, the federal election is officially underway and we are ready to elevate the profile of Canada’s Visitor Economy and ensure all parties are aware of recovery needs and the issues and challenges facing the industry. 

 

Throughout 2021, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the National Voice for the sector, has owned the advocacy push for greater support for the industry. This included major achievements such as enhanced Federal Budget measures, an expanded Tourism Relief Fund, extension of CEWS and CERS, guiding conversation on a seamless and coordinate approach to vaccination certification and opening the US/Canada land border to American tourists. In addition to leading the advocacy landscape, TIAC has maintained the media narrative on tourism pandemic concerns.

 

Our advocacy efforts to ensure the survival and full recovery of the industry will continue throughout the 36-day election period and we will be providing you with information, resources and tools so you can raise your voice, be engaged and elevate concerns.  

 

We’ve already witnessed a pledge by the Liberal government to implement a survival program for the hardest hit of the hardest hit businesses on day 1 of their campaign. The Conservatives have also outlined plans to support the tourism businesses in their campaign platform. This doesn’t mean that our work is over…far from it. We will continue to keep the conversations going and encourage you to do the same at the local level. All Political parties needs to hear from their Candidates that the tourism industry is still struggling and needs ongoing support to ensure we get to recovery.

 

Collaboration and alignment with our industry has been key in our progress so far. I am honoured to co-chair the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses with Susie Grynol from the Hotel Association of Canada, and to co-chair the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable with Perrin Beatty from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. These coalitions have worked hard to move the needle on gaining attention and action for our industry.

 

Please stay tuned for further communications on election priorities, plans, and communication materials. Tourismvotes.ca will be your one stop shop for tourism this election period. 

 

On a final note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for filling out our recent industry survey; your comments and feedback will influence our conversations.  We will be sharing a full report of findings in the coming weeks.  

 

In the meantime, I am delighted to share the winners of the survey draw. Congratulations to TIAC Member Tasha Patey with Ambassatours Gray Line who will enjoy free in-person registration to the 2021 Tourism Congress on November 30 and December 1 including free return airfare to Ottawa and 2-night accommodation at The Westin Ottawa. As well, congratulations to Yves Cossette with Excursions Maritimes Quebec who will receive free virtual registration to the 2021 Tourism Congress on November 30 and December 1.

 

TIAC is committed to fight for this incredible industry and to support you, our members to ensure your recovery. If you are not a member, I invite you to join our efforts and elevate our voice. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

 

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 will run a proactive Tourism advocacy and media campaign throughout this election. This will include direct TIAC activity, as well as TIAC’s co-leadership of the Hardest Hit Coalition fighting for business survival support for the suite of sectors that make up the tourism economy.

 

Tourismvotes.ca will be updated regularly and we will distribute a weekly communication on election updates and how it impacts tourism.

 

Now that the election is called, TIAC is working closely with ISED to understand the full details and impact on the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF).

 

Please reach out to Madison Simmons, Director of Government Affairs, msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca, with any questions or feedback on the TRF. Thank you to those who have reached out – we will answer your questions as soon as possible!

TIAC continues to work closely with the U.S. Travel Association to advocate for seamless tourism practices between our two countries. This includes active media relations on both sides of the border. 

 

See here: Canada opens border to double vaxxed Americans, U.S. is not there yet

 

And here: Canada re-opens its borders to the U.S., a rich tourism market

 

➜ Vaccine Progression by Province

➜ Canada COVID Tracker

➜ Global COVID Tracker

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of August 9, fully vaccinated eligible travellers who meet specific criteria will no longer have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada. Additionally, Canada has begun allowing entry to:

All travellers arriving or returning to Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit their travel information. See here for more details.

 

Tips and checklists for safe travel can be found here.

 

COVID awareness resources on travel can be found here.