Since our last Covid-Update, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) has continued to push ahead on several advocacy fronts and revisited our 2021 Tourism Recovery Document.  Industry conditions continue to change and our recommendations and efforts need to shift and adapt.

 

Over the last few weeks, TIAC hosted two Tourism Town Halls where operators have had the opportunity to share issues and concerns. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) continues to be a subject of extreme importance. TIAC is actively advocating for further extension of the CEWS as well as addressing the proposed declining rate of support. Our industry is not going to rebound overnight and travel within Canada will not replace the lost revenue due to border closures and a halt to international travel. We are asking that support like wage subsidization continues through to a time when the operators have a minimum and consistent flow of revenue and a defined level of travel has resumed. 

 

If you haven't registered to attend a Tourism Town Hall; I encourage you to do so. You will hear about TIAC's advocacy efforts and our work on the proposed vaccine travel pass, how we are tackling program gaps, rebuilding consumer travel confidence, and championing the reopening of borders.

 

TIAC is also leading the national campaign for Tourism Week in Canada from May 23 - 30 and will be sharing resources on the Tourism Counts site. Tourism Week is a seven-day event to recognize Canada’s tourism economy, and the impact it has on every community across the country.  We are calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge to travel In Canada. An invitation to come together as a country and support our local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees.

 

As your National industry voice, we are committed to ensuring your issues and concerns are heard, now and always. Please continue to share your stories and keep us informed by emailing Beth@tiac.aitc.ca. 

 

On a final note, I would ask if you are not a TIAC Member, please join. We need your engagement and support. Our success begins with you. 

 

Beth Potter

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Dear Tourism Stakeholders,

 

The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation, as well as highlights of our recent advocacy efforts. We are working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.

 

Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Visitor Economy:

The TIAC team has been analyzing the 700+ page budget after its release last month, and there are a number of programs that impact our sector. We are working to meet with federal officials to understand the details of these programs, particularly the Tourism Relief Fund, and will share with industry as we are able. We also continue to refine our advocacy messaging for those pieces that were not addressed in the budget.

 

We remain committed to ensuring we are at the table to guide the efficient and effective roll out of proposed support and relief programs for tourism businesses.

 

Today, TIAC presented to the Conservative Tourism Recovery Caucus Advisory Committee where we shared our reaction to the budget, and our requests for sector specific recognition in these program details. 

 

TIAC is also hosting a series of virtual Tourism Town Halls in partnership with Destination Canada, and the local host partners. These are opportunities for local small and medium-sized business owners to meet with TIAC, Destination Canada and tourism partners to better understand efforts being made on national tourism issues.