Tourism Advocacy Update – May 25, 2020 - Association de l'industrie touristique du Canada

COVID-19 Updates > Tourism Advocacy Update – May 25, 2020

Tourism Advocacy Update – May 25, 2020

Publié le 25 mai 2020

May 25, 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

This week marks the beginning of Tourism Week where TIAC will be co-hosting Town Hall Meetings in Manitoba, Ontario and Alberta where we will discuss the state of tourism in Canada and TIAC’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry.
The first virtual Tourism Town Hall for Manitoba businesses takes place tomorrow (May 26) from 9:00 – 10:30 am Central – register now!
Today, the government announced that applications are open for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) – you can find more details below in Government Announcements
The latest issue of the Twenty31 tourism sector dashboard is now available on the TIAC website

Government Announcements

Today, the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program portal has opened for applications. As part of this program, property owners will reduce rent by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June (retroactively). CECRA will cover 50% of the rent, with tenants paying up to 25%.
Further, the government announced they will be launching a phone line with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for small businesses to gain access to an accountant or financial support for questions. Details to come.
Newfoundland Premier, Dwight Ball, announced $25 million to assist eligible tourism and hospitality-based operators impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Under the ‘Tourism and Hospitality Support Program’, eligible small and medium sized operators will be able to apply for a onetime, non-repayable contribution of either $5,000 or $10,000, dependent on gross sales.
- Program details will be posted in the coming days, here www.gov.nl.ca/tcii/. Eligible businesses will be able to apply as of June 8th.
In British Columbia, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was involved in an announcement today that 59 B.C. community DMOs severely impacted by COVID-19 will be supported with a $10 million grant from the province.
- The funding is aimed to help DMOs retain crucial staff positions and offset fixed expenses.

In Case You Missed It …

It’s Tourism Week! Find messaging, social media materials and more at www.tourismmatters.ca

Resources for Businesses

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.

Today, we are recognizing Experience PEI, a family-owned company that provides hands-on cultural experiences to tourists during the summer season in Prince Edward Island. This year, they are turning their normally hands on experiences virtually through PEI in a Box – a unique gift box that showcases local gifts from many businesses that shares a bit of PEI with anyone who orders one. The company uses 75% sustainable packaging, and in addition to supporting 6-8 local businesses with each purchase, $5 of each sale goes to the Upper Room Foodbank in Charlottetown. Check out the initiative here.

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.