The TIAC-led event brought together Minister Joly and tourism leaders for a productive exchange on issues of national priority.

The roundtable marks the first official industry and Government gathering, following Minister Joly’s appointment in July, a welcomed opportunity for tourism to build on the collaborative relationship developed during the Canada 150 celebrations. This was a timely occasion to reinstate the issues TIAC tirelessly advocates for concerning the need for improvement in four key areas of tourism: Marketing Funding, Labour, Access and Cost Competitiveness as detailed in our pre-budget submission.

Industry leaders present at the roundtable:

Charlotte Bell, TIAC’s President and CEO

Steve Sammut, President and CEO, Rocky Mountaineer

Paul Nursey, President and CEO, Tourism Victoria

Serge Corbeil, Director Government Relations Western Region, Air Canada

Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination BC

Dave McKenna, President and CEO, Pursuit Collection

Ian Robertson, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

Andy Gibbons, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Westjet

Anne Murray, Vice President, Airline Business Development & Public Affairs Vancouver Airport Authority

Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC)

Held in Vancouver, the event took place on August 21st at the offices of TIAC member Rocky Mountaineer.