Advocacy Days 2020 - All-Party support for Tourism

Under the theme “Discovering the Visitor Economy”, tourism leaders from the TIAC Board of Directors as well as many of our member stakeholders, including several Provincial Tourism Associations, gathered in Ottawa on February 3rd and 4th, to join TIAC leadership on a two-day advocacy event that called on government to support our $102 billion travel economy.

During more than two dozen successful meetings and presentations with MPs of all political parties, TIAC and our advocacy day participants called on all parties to take action on the policy challenges that constrain industry growth, specifically; Labour, Access, Marketing Funding, Products & Cost Competitiveness.

Following a series of successful meetings gaining tourism support from all parties, we proudly share some highlights from our Hill Days.

Meetings

Our group of 16 tourism leaders made their way to Parliament Hill, resulting in successful face-to-face meetings with 25 Parliamentarians over a two-day period. Discussions focussed on ensuring government officials understand and pledge support for the travel economy and its role in creating sustainable job creation and economic growth.

All-party Parliamentary Tourism Caucus

February 4th marked the first official meeting of the All-party Tourism Caucus 2020. Discussions highlighted how the tourism industry at large as well as indigenous tourism, and Destination Canada, are preparing to expand the visitor economy into more communities across Canada. Chaired by Gudie Hutchings, MP, the meeting was attended by 12 Parliamentarians with representatives from all political parties, including all tourism critics.

Minister Joly joined the closing reception

Hosted by TIAC and Meetings Means Business Canada, we welcomed 30 Parliamentarians to our closing reception, including many new MPs from all political parties. We were joined by several TIAC Board members, representatives from many National Associations, Provincial Tourism Associations and other stakeholders from across the country.  Following a welcome speech by Charlotte Bell, TIAC President & CEO Minister Joly delivered supportive remarks for the industry and spent time engaging with members and stakeholders. Meetings Mean Business Chair, Clark Grue thanked the Minister and delivered closing remarks.

Social Media

From Parliament Hill, throughout Ottawa and across Canada, social media echoed tourism’s unified message and celebrated the support pledges provided by Parliamentarians and stakeholders. We got everyone on board through our hashtag: #TourismMatters with messages of support for one of Canada’s most important economic engines.  The top tweet during advocacy days featured Minister Joly speaking with TIAC member Darren Reeder of Banff and Lake Louise Hospitality.

Thank you

On behalf of the TIAC team, we thank our great team of advocates who came to Ottawa to join forces with TIAC.  And thanks to all those who cheered us on from their home-base and online. When it comes to tourism and working on behalf of our members our motto remains, stronger together because #TourismMatters!