We are in the full swing of summer and the recovery of our industry continues apace with the recent announcement from the Government of Canada extending its pause on random mandatory COVID-19 testing at all airports until the middle of this month. While we were heartened at this latest development, we continue to press for the lifting of all remaining COVID-19 restrictions on travel. Our industry simply cannot afford anything short of a robust recovery.

After two difficult years, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is focused on restoring the industry’s pre-pandemic glory as a $105 billion economic powerhouse. But we are deeply concerned that the delays at our airports, worsened by the extended border measures, coupled with the impact of the labour shortage, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation; are creating a “perfect storm” that will impede our recovery at this critical time of reopening.

These reasons are why we are very focused right now on our submission to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.  To all who participated in our survey and various discussions over the past several weeks, thank you for your input.  It has helped to guide us in setting priorities that we will be sharing with government in the coming weeks.

The road ahead remains uncertain; though, as always, we are stronger when we face the unknown together. Which is why I am glad to invite you to TIAC’s annual industry-wide get-together. Tourism Congress 2022 is set to take place in Ottawa this November (Nov. 22-23, 2022) and it will be an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, our current challenges, the solutions before us, and the future we can create together.

Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to learn about the changing market dynamics that are affecting your business – and how to adapt. Registration will open soon, so please save the date!