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COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Counts – TIAC In ACTION – August 4, 2021

Tourism Counts – TIAC In ACTION – August 4, 2021

posted on August 5, 2021
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August 4, 2021
 
It is only a matter of days when we hear about our next Federal Election in Canada, and we are preparing for the drop of the writ. Once the writ is issued, we can expect an election period between 37 and 51 days. 
 
We are not waiting for the final act; we are working now to ensure Canada's Tourism Industry remains a priority portfolio and will be elevating issues and needs with the political parties. 
 
As we lead the process and prepare election tool kits, resources, messaging and coordinate meetings with the various party representatives, we will keep our finger on the pulse on today's concerns and push for solutions.
 
With the clock winding down, we must hear from you about what you consider are the key issues and priorities of Canada's Visitor Economy. We encourage you to complete our survey released this week.
 
Together, we can succeed!
 
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:
 
Advocacy Update
 
As the National Voice for Canada’s Visitor Economy and the champion of the industry, TIAC continues to work to address issues and challenges impacting its members and the industry as a whole. This past week TIAC has been meeting and refining its Budget Submission as well as planning for the upcoming Federal Election.
 
TIAC continues to participate and contribute to the Hardest Hit efforts and is addressing the global topic of “proof of vaccination”. TIAC has also taken a leading role on the insurance market file by striking a new taskforce to participate in the development and strategic input on recommendations for federal government advocacy efforts.
 
The following provides a highlight of TIAC’s advocacy efforts over the last week. As always, we are keeping an eye on federal program delivery and activities across Canada impacting our industry and the influences from around the world.
 
Our members are our priority. Please reach out with any comments or questions on advocacy initiatives to beth@tiac-aitc.ca.
 
Budget Submission
TIAC will be delivering its written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in advance of the upcoming Federal Budget supported by all 13 of Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Tourism Industry Associations. The submission will be available following this Friday’s deadline.
 
Pre-Election Planning and Consultation
With the expectation of a Federal Election call in the next few weeks, TIAC has already started to gather input on priorities issues and has released a comprehensive survey. 
 
Through completing the survey, TIAC Members have the chance to win "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."
 
TIAC Non-Members have the chance to win “Free virtual registration to the 2021 Tourism Congress on November 30 and December 1”
 
This month’s Member TALK scheduled next Tuesday, August 10 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT will provide an opportunity for members to share their recommended election priorities and hear the latest news on the border reopening. TIAC President and CEO, Beth Potter will be joined by Huw Williams, President of Impact Public Affairs who will provide insights on the importance of advocacy and grassroots efforts during an election.
 
Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses
While TIAC was pleased with the recent federal announcement to extend CEWS/CERS programs to October, TIAC continues to work closely with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, in our effort to establish a tailored, sector specific survival program.
 
Our Federal Ask is to establish a COVID Tourism and Events Business & Employee Survival Program, in order to provide qualified and limited financial support to tourism and events businesses with significant revenue losses from September 2021 to May 2022.
 
How you can help
  • Engage with your local MPs/Candidates this summer – whether it’s a meeting, email, phone call, when they come knocking on your door, or a letter. You can find your local Member of Parliament here.
 
  • Download and share our key messaging guidelines here.
 
  • Send a letter to your local Member of Parliament. It is already written, you simply need to press send! Please do so on our microsite and ask your networks to do the same at HardestHit.ca
 
  • Spread the word on social media:
  • About our call for more support:
  • Canada’s #HardestHit businesses will need help over the upcoming months, and particularly the September-May period for some, through continued wage and fixed cost support. Learn More: HardestHit.ca
 
  • Encourage your network to send a letter:
  • Send a letter to your Member of Parliament to ask them to roll out sector-specific support at the earliest opportunity for Canada's #HardestHit businesses to ensure their survival into the fall and winter. Visit: HardestHit.ca
 
  • Keep us in the loop:
  • Let us know how you make out! Who did you meet with? What kind of reception did you receive? Use the Advocacy Campaign dashboard to report your meetings and share comments.
 
Proof of Vaccination
TIAC continues to stay focused on the conversation of proof of vaccination and is advocating for a national approach, one seamless system across Canada, as opposed to differing regional approaches.
 
TIAC also continues to advocate that Canada recognize all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, and expand the 4 that are recognized now by Health Canada. Not doing so will exclude some of our major tourism markets. We also know not everyone will get vaccinated. That is why it is crucially important that we plan for testing and processes for those that are travelling without a vaccine.
 
TIAC is involved with the Faster Together Taskforce, a voluntary effort of organizations working together to promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and help recovery.
 
Global Discussions
We continue our work at the World Travel and Tourism Council COVID Task Force table, meeting on a weekly basis. We look to lead the way back to a seamless traveler experience for people that are moving around the world as we recover from the pandemic.
 
TIAC’s National Insurance Market & Tourism Economy Taskforce
A new taskforce has been organized to identify insurance market related issues including updates and policy changes on the global insurance market impacting the tourism industry; provide research and data from member organizations and industry as well as participate in the development and strategic input on recommendations for federal government advocacy efforts.
 
Cruise Update
TIAC recently completed a Cruise Stakeholder survey to assist with continued conversations and advocacy efforts, the following are a few highlights from the survey:
 
  • Top priority for respondents in 2021 and 2022 is remaining solvent.
  • Followed by COVID safety and training, generating revenue and rehiring staff.
 
  • Top priority that respondent’s chose for the National Cruise Committee is reopening US & international borders.
  • Followed by continued subsidy support, advocacy and education on behalf of industry, and marketing and consumer confidence.
 
  • 66% of respondents lost over 50% of their 2020 business revenue due to the federal ban on cruise.
 
  • 72% of respondents anticipate losing over 50% of business revenue overall due to COVID.
 
  • Respondents ranked the following the most valuable to their business moving forward, in order from most important:
  • Grants for continued operations and cashflow in 2021 (no more loans)
  • Continuation of the Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Grants for restart costs in 2022 (product development, product adjustments, recruitment, skills training, etc.)
  • Loan deferrals and forgiveness
 
  • Respondents listed the following as the two most important things needed for cruise to restart in 2022:
  • Consumer Confidence
  • Clear guidelines around operating with COVID (i.e. Proof of vaccination)
 
Vaccine Update
 
 
  • As of Tuesday, August 3rd, 71.24% of the Canadian population is at least partially vaccinated (81.05% of eligible 12+ year old population). Provinces and territories continue to prioritize second doses, with 59% of the Canadian population now fully vaccinated.
  • News Link
 
Federal Government and Canada in the News
 
Canada extends pandemic benefits to October 23rd
  • Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the government is extending pandemic aid programs by an extra month beyond the previously planned end date.
  • The decision means that wage and rent subsidies for businesses, and income support for workers out of a job or who need to take time off to care for family or stay home sick, will last until Oct. 23.
  • Freeland says the government is also freezing rates for the wage and rent subsidies at current levels, holding off on the previously planned decline.
  • News Link
 
Prime Minister says system for proof of vaccination status will be “simple and efficient”
  • During a media availability in P.E.I., Prime Minister Trudeau gave a vague answer when asked about how Canada will manage proof of vaccination status for travellers.
  • The PM said that the federal government will be responsible for a documentation framework for international travel specifically, but it will be up to provinces to come up with a plan domestically.
  • The government is facing mounting pressure to develop a national system as other countries move quick to establish their own.
  • The PM did not indicate a timeline for the creation and rollout of a proof of vaccination system.
  • News Link
 
For Canadian’s wanting to travel to the U.S.-rules are still in flux
  • American tourists yearning to visit Canada received welcome news on Monday when the federal government announced it will soon reopen its doors to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens. 
  • However, some Canadians yearning to cross the U.S. land border felt short-changed, as no reciprocal agreement was announced. 
  • When flying to the U.S., they must show proof of a negative molecular or antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before their flight.
  • When returning to Canada, travellers must show proof of a negative molecular test, which must be taken in the U.S. if entering Canada by land.
  • However, the Canadian government said that come Aug. 9, travellers can take that test when leaving Canada, and use it to both enter the U.S. and return home — as long as they're in the U.S. for less than 72 hours.
  • News Link
 
Canadians left out of loosening of quarantine restrictions in the UK
  • Fully vaccinated Canadian travellers have been left out of plans to ease quarantine restrictions for entry to England and Scotland.
  • The United Kingdom countries announced Wednesday that travellers who were fully vaccinated in the United States or Europe will not have to quarantine upon arrival starting August 2nd.
  • However, government officials indicated that quarantine restrictions for Canadians will be reviewed and could potentially be updated soon.
  • News Link
 
Business Resources & Programs
 
THRC launches Propel - Workforce Lifeline for Hardest-Hit Tourism Sector
  • Today, Tourism HR Canada announced the launch of a new program call Propel, funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program. 
  • The program “post-secondary students with paid work-integrated learning opportunities with tourism and hospitality employers.
  • Employers who hire students through this initiative receive a wage subsidy of 75% of the student’s wages, up to a maximum of $7,500.” 
  • For more information click here.
 
Provincial and Territorial Covid Update at a glance
 
Manitoba in position to reduce restrictions
  • Manitoba is about to relax its pandemic rules for the third time in just under six weeks, and all indications suggest the province will soon be under the least restrictive public health orders since September 2020.
  • Premier Brian Pallister will be announcing changes to pandemic rules that will come into effect this Saturday.
  • Based on comments made earlier this summer, Pallister is expected to announce the elimination of capacity limits for most Manitoba businesses and gatherings.
  • Late last week, the seven-day average daily COVID-19 case count in Manitoba hovered around 35. The provincial test positivity rate sat just above 2%.
  • The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital was down below 100 and the number of COVID patients in ICUs was dropping as well.
  • News Link
 
Ontario to announce Ontario Place Redevelopment
  • The Ontario government has announced a plan to redevelop the province’s Ontario Place.
  • The government launched a Call for Development on May 28, 2019 and received submissions until September 24, 2019.
  • Three successful participants from the 2019 Call for Development process Therme Group, Live Nation and Écorécréo Group will help deliver on the event ground’s revitalization.
  • Starting in August, the government will launch the next phase of engagement through Ontario.ca/OntarioPlace, providing an opportunity for all Ontarians to share how they would like to experience a redeveloped Ontario Place.
  • Release Link
 
Alberta to remove most COVID-19 isolation, testing requirements by mid-August
  • Albertans who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to enter isolation starting in less than three weeks, the province's chief medical officer of health said Wednesday.
  • The province will start making COVID-19 protocols similar to those of the flu and other communicable diseases.
  • Changes to certain rules and protocols will take place in two phases and be implemented over a period of a few weeks.
  • Under Phase 1, starting today, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who receives a positive test result must isolate, but quarantine for their close contacts will be recommended and not mandatory.
  • Under Phase 2, starting August 16th, isolation after a positive test will be “strongly recommended”, but not required.
  • Mask mandates will be lifted, although some may be required in acute- or continuing-care facilities.
  • News Link
 
COVID-19 spreading faster in Alberta than during peak of 3rd wave
  • Health and infectious disease experts say the rate at which COVID-19 cases are growing in Alberta is alarming, as it spreads faster than during the height of the pandemic's third wave.
  • The R-value, which represents the number of people infected by each infected person, was 1.48 (with a confidence interval of 1.38-1.59) in Alberta as of Sunday, according to Alberta Health.
  • That number — which has doubled in recent weeks — means 100 people with the virus will spread it to 148 others.
  • During the pandemic's third wave, when around 1,500 new cases were being reported in Alberta each day, the R-value hovered around 1.15.
  • Of Alberta's total population, 35.8 per cent of people still haven't received a single vaccine shot.
  • Release Link
 
At least 71 people caught COVID-19 at Calgary Stampede
  • The Calgary Stampede says at least 71 people caught COVID-19 during the festival in mid-July.
  • Dana Peers, the Stampede's interim CEO, said he feels the event — which ran from July 9-18 — was a success despite the on-site transmission.
  • The Stampede was being closely watched as one of the first major events to be held in Canada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Nearly all public health restrictions in Alberta were removed as of July 1, a week before the festival began.
  • News Link
 
Nunavut easing public health restrictions
  • On July 30th, Nunavut will be easing some public health measures amidst success in keeping case numbers down. Changes will include:
  • Masks will no longer be mandatory but strongly recommended.
  • Indoor public gatherings in facilities such as community halls increase to 75 per cent capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.
  • Restaurants and bars may open to 75 per cent capacity with two metres between tables and people in line.
  • There are no restrictions to outdoor gatherings.
  • Gyms, fitness centres and swimming pools may increase group sessions to 25 people.
  • Places of worship 75 per cent capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.
  • Release Link
 
Snippets: News You Need
 
RVC+ 2022
  • Destination Canada announced the return of Rendez-vous Canada 2022 as a new hybrid format RVC+ 2022. 
  • The new format will bring back in-person attendance, while also incorporating a virtual component, creating opportunities for more of industry to engage and make appointments with international buyers, travel trade media and Destination Marketing Companies (DMC). 
  • The in-person portion of RVC+ 2022 will take place in Toronto, Ontario, May 23 - 27 2022.
  • This will be Canada’s RVC, hosted by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.
 
Deloitte: 2021 survey on diversity, equity and inclusion in hospitality and tourism
  • Based on insights and opinions shared from key stakeholders within the sector, Deloitte will be developing a deep dive article exploring the viewpoints and attitudes on DE&I throughout the hospitality and tourism industry in this country.
  • The objective is to open up a dialogue on how to improve DE&I outcomes moving forward.
  • The aim is to capture a range of diverse perspectives, covering staff, travellers, safety, new offerings, innovation, indigenous perspectives, accessibility, and more.
  • Survey Link
 
World Circular Economy Forum – hosted virtually from Canada September 13 -15
  • “What is a circular economy? It’s an economic model that doesn’t focus on producing more but sharing, renting, and recycling, so that materials aren’t destroyed but used to make new products, over and over again… Building on previous forums, WCEF2021 will focus on the system level changes, or “game changers”, needed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Seizing the circular opportunity requires transformational change and collective efforts by businesses, policymakers, civil society and others. Hosted in North America for the first time, WCEF2021 will bring dynamic new voices to the global discussion, explore circular opportunities from the perspective of natural resource producing countries, and highlight the critical importance of the circular economy to fight climate change and to protect biodiversity.”
  • Click her to learn more and register.

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