Since last month’s budget, TIAC continues meetings with federal officials to understand the details of proposed budget programs. Over the past month, Beth Potter, President and CEO, has had many meetings, including with the Minister of Economic Development and Transport’s offices, senior officials from PMO and ISED, as well as Regional Development Agencies across the country to discuss details of the roll out of proposed support programs, like the Tourism Relief Fund.

TIAC has presented to the Liberal Rural Caucus outlining our vision for the future of the tourism economy in Canada, and the necessity for sector specific supports to continue, taking into account industry’s unique needs, and also appeared as a witness to the federal Standing Committee on Finance on May 18th, urging, among other points, for the continuation of the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent subsidies for tourism businesses, at current levels, for as long as needed. Watch the recording here.

Our efforts remain around refining our advocacy messaging for those pieces that were not addressed in the budget, and to ensuring we are at the table to guide the efficient and effective roll out of anticipated support and relief programs for tourism businesses. Our next Recovery Document is well underway.

We continue to look ahead, advocating for the smooth and quick opening of our borders both interprovincially and internationally, to ensure Canada is part of the seamless travel experience as people start to move around the world again. We are focused on advocating for a ‘one Canada’ system for border reopening and proof of vaccination vehicles, as well as ensuring the return of consumer confidence in travel across the country.

The launch of a National Cruise Committee is ongoing, with our first official meeting taking place on June 2nd. For more information on this, please email msimmons@tiac-aitc.ca

President and CEO, Beth Potter, facilitated our first monthly ‘Member Talk’ earlier this month, where member questions were answered, and an overview of TIAC’s current work was provided. Please join us for our next Member Talk, taking place June 8th, with Guest Speaker Angela Nagy discussing the Sustainable tourism 2030 pledge. Register here.

It's Tourism Week in Canada! We are calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge, that is, when restrictions are lifted, to travel In Canada first.  We have seen much engagement across the country, and are thrilled to see the outpouring of support for the industry.

Our kick off event took place on Friday, May 21st via TIAC’s Facebook Live, where we heard from Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC, Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada, and senior leaders from all of the provincial and territorial tourism industry associations across the country. We also heard a special message from the Minister of Economic Development, Melanie Joly.

We have been highlighting different regions of Canada each day by releasing statements on each region’s economic impact, and stories from tourism businesses on resilience and creativity – press releases and information can be found at www.tourismcounts.ca.

Please take the pledge and share with your networks. If you are a business with a programmable lighting system, please consider lighting up in Tourism Week’s ‘glowing green’ to show your support! Tourism Week officially ends on Sunday, May 30th.