Tourism Counts – April 19, 2022    

The federal budget was released last week. TIAC shared its reaction following the announcement, and released a member bulletin with a high-level snapshot of the pieces included that impact our industry.  
 

After reviewing these pieces, I want to share my thoughts on where exactly we go from here. First, let’s remember that $1 billion was allocated to tourism in last year’s budget, and of that amount, $750 million will be spent in this fiscal. This includes the Tourism Relief Fund, and we continue to work with Minister Boissonnault and his office to get that money into the hands of industry as quickly as possible.

Second, Budget 2022 committed to a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. We will be requesting meetings in the coming days to fully understand how that strategy will be developed and ensure industry plays a pivotal role. 

Third, the Government of Canada’s focus on reigniting the economy presents us with an opportunity to address ongoing concerns at points-of-entry, use of the ArriveCan app, and other pain points, at this critical time of rebuilding. We collectively need the first experience with Canada to be a favourable one for all arriving visitors. 

I also wanted to mention that I look forward to representing Canada on a panel at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Manila later this week, and to continue to support the importance of the business travel sector.   

Special reminder that Tourism Week is coming up May 29-June 4 and this year TIAC is both recognizing the resilience of the industry and celebrating its businesses and workers as tourism recovery gathers momentum. Details are being worked on and you can find all the details at the landing page on our website, as they become available.  

I also wanted to highlight that part of the festivities this year is a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to Canada's economy by lighting up your business in TIAC's "Glowing Green" for the week. I sent an email asking for destinations, landmarks, attractions, venues, hotels, and other businesses to do so earlier this month and am excited that at least several have already confirmed their support.  
 
If you missed it, find out how you can get involved here! 

 
 
Sincerely, 

 
Beth Potter,  
President & CEO 

TIAC