FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, May 1, 2014 - David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) released the following statement in response to Government of Ontario's 2014-2015 Budget tabling:

"Canada's travel and tourism industry couldn't be more disappointed and urge the Ontario Government to reconsider its short-sighted decision to increase the aviation fuel surcharge by 150%.

While the rationale may be to increase the tax burden on to visitors to Canada, the reality is that it is Canadian travel and tourism businesses who will pay the price for this $100 million tax hike.       

Destinations across Canada have taken significant measures to reduce aviation taxes. Since 2008, both Alberta and British Columbia have eliminated their provincial aviation fuel surcharges. 

Today's announcement not only undermines Ontario's competitiveness, its impacts will be felt by travel and tourism businesses across Canada. Over half of all international Canadian flights arrive and depart through an Ontario hub airport.

In 2002, Canada ranked seventh in the world in terms of welcoming international visitors. By 2012, Canada had dropped to sixteenth losing nearly 20% of international business to other countries. While there are a number of factors contributing to this loss; the additional costs imposed on air travel, to and within Canada, have contributed significantly.

According to the Major Economies Forum, Canada's competitive ranking is 136th out of 140 countries in terms of taxes, fees and levies on travel.