As we look back on Tourism Week in Canada, it is important to take stock of the current state of tourism in the country and look at some of the facts and figures around the industry. 

In recent weeks, TIAC has been advocating for various issues related to the tourism industry, including: the debt burden carried by tourism operators, the need for CBSA services in non-CSO ports and backlogs in the issuance of visas. 

The debt burden is a significant concern for many tourism operators who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC is undertaking research on this issue and is currently surveying operators to collect pertinent information and data.  The survey will provide insights into the current state of debt among tourism operators in Canada and the impact it is having on their businesses. 

Another key issue is the need for CBSA services in non-CSO ports. TIAC has written to the President and CEO of CBSA, Erin O’Gorman, to ask for assistance in ensuring that FPOA in non-CSO ports can be serviced by CBSA agents this summer. This is important as it will help to facilitate travel to and from these ports, which are important gateways for tourism. 

TIAC has also been advocating for improvements in the issuance of visas for temporary residence in Canada. The organization recently met with officials from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to discuss issues related to visa backlogs and other challenges faced by international visitors to Canada.  Further initiatives are being developed to raise awareness, particularly among business events planners, on what to expect from IRCC in this regard.  More information on this will be available soon.  

As we launched Tourism Week, the focus was on highlighting the importance of tourism to Canada and Canadians. The official campaign kickoff, which took place on April 24, featured the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAC. They spoke about the vital role that tourism plays in Canada's economy and the need to support the industry as it recovers from the pandemic. 

Tourism is a critical industry for Canada, and as we move forward, it is important to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that support its growth and sustainability. By working together, we can ensure that Canada remains a top tourism destination and that the industry continues to provide employment opportunities and economic benefits for Canadians.