Tourism Advocacy Update – June 9-10, 2020 - Association de l'industrie touristique du Canada

COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – June 9-10, 2020

Tourism Advocacy Update – June 9-10, 2020

Publié le 10 juin 2020

Important Notice

Thank you for your continued readership of TIAC’s COVID-19 updates. As the pandemic’s effect on our economy and way of life continues, TIAC continues to adapt its communication channels to keep the industry up-to-date with relevant information and announcements that are critical for businesses across the sector. As a reminder, COVID-19 updates will now be sent twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday. Should pressing announcements or government updates happen on other days, we will issue special releases to your inbox with the pertinent information.

As always, we would like to recognize and thank TIAC members for their unwavering support of the association during these difficult times. We look forward to providing you with the information you need throughout this period, and as always, we welcome your ideas and feedback at all times. Stay safe and stay well!

June 9-10, 2020

Dear Tourism Stakeholders,

The TIAC Team continues to monitor and provide daily updates on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation. 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 Tourism Sector:

TIAC’s Advocacy Update

TIAC has launched a new letter writing campaign, and we need your help reaching politicians across Canada to send the message that #TourismMatters and we need support now.
- Visit www.TourismMatters.ca and click 'Send Your Letter' to ask your MP to support the tourism industry through COVID-19 recovery efforts.
- We ask business leaders to also encourage their staff and suppliers to send a letter as well – every voice counts!
On Monday evening, TIAC, in coordination with a large contingency of industry stakeholders and many provincial partners, sent letters to all Canadian provincial and territorial Premiers and Ministers responsible for tourism.
- The letters stressed the importance of a cooperative approach between federal and provincial governments to take immediate steps to coordinate and facilitate the restart of Canada's visitor economy.
- The letter was signed by many organizations including TIAC, Canadian Gaming Association, BC Chamber of Commerce, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, International Air Transport Association, InnVest Hotels, Marriott Hotels of Canada/Marriott International, Tourism Toronto, Toronto Board of Trade, TIABC, Fogo Island Inn, Hotel Association of Canada, Porter Airlines, Business Council of Canada, Transat A.T Inc., Tourisme Montréal, Greater Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Germain Hotels, Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Canadian Airports Council, Accor, National Airlines Council of Canada, Meetings Mean Business Canada, Association of Canadian Travel Agencies, Chorus Aviation Inc., Rocky Mountaineer, Air Canada and WestJet.

Government Announcements

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced that the government will be shifting its focus when it comes to existing COVID-19 support programs, and that changes will be coming in the coming weeks and months to reflect the changing situation.
The first step in this process will be recalling the House of Commons to debate and vote on a bill that amends the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and implement fines and jail times for fraudulent claims.
- The Prime Minister underscored that mistaken claims made in good faith are not intended to be included in the legislation. Rather, this is intended for intentional fraudsters taking advantage of the program.
Finally, the Prime Minister announced that small businesses who need help with aid programs or to speak with an accountant or small business advisor can call: 1-866-989-1080.

In Case You Missed It …

On Friday June 5, TIAC launched our plan for industry recovery and government advocacy campaign – TIAC’s Press Conference on the recovery plan can be viewed on our Facebook page.
The latest Twenty31 industry dashboard report is available now on the TIAC website – ‘State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19’ Dashboard.
Our partners at Destination Canada (DC) have announced June 11th 2020, 9:00 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST as the date of their next webinar
- DC’s Business Events team is hosting a one-hour moderated panel with key US and international corporate meeting, association conferences and incentive trip buyers to discuss the future of international business events.
- Sign up details and previous webinars can be found here.

Resources for Businesses

MPI has created a coronavirus resource page that pulls together meetings and events info and also links to several other resources helpful to the Business Events portion of our sector.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has begun releasing Global Safety Protocols for reopening with the ‘new normal’ in mind.
Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of sector businesses related to COVID-19.
For operators looking for information on how to prepare to safely reopen their operations in the coming weeks, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual guidelines available to businesses regarding COVID-19.
Google for SMEs has also launched a page dedicated to supporting businesses during COVID-19 including practical steps and free digital skills training.
Our partners at Tourism HR Canada have opened their Emerit coursesand created a resource hub for sector businesses.

Looking Ahead – COVID-19 Recovery

Several provinces have begun announcing plans for reopening economies. Timelines and actions vary, but can provide businesses and workers with information on what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months. TIAC is following up on measures announced by British Columbia to limit gatherings of more than 50 people and seeking a coordinated approach between provinces in the recovery phase. We have reached out to our provincial counterparts to work together in an effort to create an orderly recovery strategy that will address health concerns and support tourism businesses. TIAC will continue to add links to provincial recovery plans as they become available:

TIAC Members: Making a difference

Thank you to the many TIAC Members who are helping during this difficult time. From those offering support like temporary housing for essential service providers, to others who brought home stranded Canadians from around the world. You are making a difference.

Do you have a story to share about how tourism businesses are supporting communities during these challenging times? We want to hear from you whether you’re a TIAC member or not. We need to celebrate our industry and recognize your generosity during these trying times. Please share your stories with us at communications@tiac-aitc.ca.