2020 Successes

• The Tourism Industry Association of Canada named one of WTM Virtual World Travel Leaders, the annual recognition of companies and individuals from around the globe which have had a positive impact on a specific region or sector. LINK
• Commissioned the State of the Industry Report, a monthly snapshot of recent global, regional and domestic tourism health and economic updates, and insights on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry’s path to recovery. LINK
• Partnership with The Globe and Mail to encourage Canadians to choose a summer holiday exploring Canada. LINK
• Successful execution of the first-ever virtual Tourism Congress with over 3,000 registered attendees. LINK
• Specific mention and recognition of tourism in the November 2020 Fall Economic Statement. LINK
• Hardest Hit mentioned in speech from the throne and fall economic statement through efforts with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. LINK
• BCAP
• Tweaks to CEWs, CERS, other relief programs for tourism.
• Immigration rates
• Coordination of Town Hall events in partnership with Destination Canada and provincial and territorial associations.
• Development and deployment of a weekly COVID-19 update outlining media and advocacy updates for the industry. LINK
• As a result of COVID, DC has redirected $30M through Provincial Marketing Organizations to support DMO marketing campaigns.
• $40M through the RRRF fund is directed to support DMOs.
• TIAC hosted 2020 Tourism Week.
• Introduction of a COVID recovery plan.
• Wage subsidy program (CEWS) to keep labour force employed +CERB program to help those who have lost their jobs weather the storm + Changes to EI program to support laid-off employees - Recent promises in the Throne Speech indicate that this program will be extended through summer 2021.
• Creation of the COVID-19 Recovery Committee, with representation from regions across Canada and from all sectors of the tourism economy.
• Work Share program extended from 38 to 76 weeks – allowing businesses operating at lower capacity to keep employees on the payroll and share resources.
• Waived EI waiting period for those in quarantine.