Summer may be winding down but at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), we remain as busy as ever. Like you, we’ve been hard at work building forward; expanding our team, strategizing for the fall, and - most importantly - lobbying strongly for the interests of the businesses we represent.

Working in collaboration with national and regional tourism organizations and with input from TIAC members across the country, we proudly filed our submission to guide the Government of Canada in their development of a new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy on August 3, 2022. In it, we identified four key pillars that should underpin the new strategy, as well as the whole-of-government approach that will be needed to ensure that our industry achieves its key goals by 2030.

While our submission has been sent in it is patently clear that our work is not yet finished. Destination Canada recently released its May numbers for overnight arrivals, which reached one million - just 52% of the 2019 level. Proof-positive that reopening does not mean recovery. We still have a long way to go. As we roll into fall, we will be laser-focused on educating the many ministries and departments whose policies affect tourism to ensure that the new strategy is a success for those it matters to most - tourism businesses.  

In more optimistic news, I’m happy to announce a new partnership between TIAC and Destinations International, the leader in professional development for destination management organizations. This partnership enables us to work together to ensure that our respective members are as successful as they can be, and we look forward to the greater collaboration on our strategies and activities that will ultimately drive job growth, economic impact, community sustainability, and the prosperity of all our members.

As the shoulder season looms, make sure you’re thinking of rewarding your employees after this busy season. What better way to recognize their efforts then by submitting a nomination for them in one of TIAC’s Canadian Tourism Awards! Know a young person who’s gone above and beyond in the industry? Nominate them as a Top 30 Under 30 Tourism Achiever. Awards will be presented on Nov. 23, 2022, at our annual Tourism Congress, this year taking place at the Westin Ottawa (Nov. 22-23, 2022).

Make sure you save the date. I look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Beth Potter
President & CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada