As the voice of the Ontario tourism industry, we recognize that in times of uncertainty there is a need for the industry to have access to clear and reliable information.
Our team is closely following the evolving COVID-19 situation and will link to pertinent articles on our website and social media channels, with a focus on validity and relevance to our industry.
Email us with your Coronavirus/COVID-19 updates to feedback@tiaontario.ca
Call us with your updates at 1-888-436-6441 (TOLL FREE)
FEATURED
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TIAO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF CHRIS BLOORE AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
TIAO is excited to announce the appointment of Christopher Bloore as our new President and CEO. Chris will be taking on the role as of May 17, 2021.
See TIAO's full release here.
MINISTER MACLEOD ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW ONTARIO TOURISM AND TRAVEL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT
The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant portal is now open for applications. The grant provides one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and travel sector.
"The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is delighted at today’s announcement that $100 million will be flowing directly to tourism businesses, which have been so badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This important investment will not only secure Ontarians' jobs and businesses in the tourism industry, but also ensure that the tourism industry is best placed to lead our province's economic resurgence. TIAO would like to thank Minister MacLeod for her unwavering commitment to delivering this support for our industry. In these difficult times, tourism has not only had a champion at the Cabinet table, but someone who understands the tourism industry and is trusted by our members to protect its future." – Carol Greenwood, Interim President and CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
See official release here.
Eligibility and application process here.
Related:
TIAO AGM, RTO 9 AGM & TIAC TOWN HALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Registration is now open for the TIAO AGM, RTO9 AGM & TIAC town hall!
Join us virtually on June 1st for individual sessions or the full event.
Register here.
STAKEHOLDER CALL MINUTES
Thank you to everyone who joined this week's call.
We continue to hold weekly industry stakeholder conference call meetings in order to disseminate information that we have received, address member concerns and share information on our industry consultations and share the latest news from government and our partners.
This week's industry stakeholder calls provided a weekly industry update.
You can read the notes from this week here.
DO YOU HAVE YOUR TIAO PROUD MEMBER LOGO?
We value our members and are proud to show you off, which is why we have a special TIAO "Proud Member" logo for your use.
If you are a member and don't have the updated version, please reach out here.
TIAO COMPLIMENTARY 2021 MEMBERSHIP OFFER
When you look back at this same time last year, no one could foresee what a devastating impact the pandemic has had on our industry, on our colleagues, and our families. Throughout this past year, we have worked together, and fought hard for the industry we believe in. The collaboration of the tourism industry has been remarkable.
We asked for you to join us each Tuesday, so that we could share the latest information, and to hear your challenges, opportunities, and questions, so that we could provide answers. You have offered to be on committees, you have attended workshops, and in the most difficult of times, you have shown up. Thank you for sharing how your tourism operation has been impacted. We have heard you, we have advocated for you, and now we are pleased to offer one more way to ease your bottom line, increase your engagement, and provide an even more inclusive message as we represent your voice to the provincial government.
Our members have been incredibly supportive of TIAO, assisting us when we were in need, always willing to be there, and it is our turn to give back. We will be extending:
Complimentary membership to the entire tourism industry in Ontario for 2021.
We look forward to hearing from you, having more input, strengthening our industry’s voices and making sure tourism is represented.
How does this work if I am an existing member of TIAO?
For our current members, we will be reaching out to them directly. They will be provided an option to choose:
- Extend their existing membership by another year or
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Become a Green shoots sponsor - For those members that can afford to pay their membership, we will recognize the value of their existing membership through sponsorship (Green shoots sponsor) and use this value of their membership to continue the research and vital actions to rebuild and represent the industry’s voice to government in Ontario.
How does this work if I want to become a member of TIAO?
We are glad to extend this to the industry. We ask that you reach out to us directly here and we will set up your membership. We will also extend to you the option as we do to our existing members.
- Membership within TIAO for a period of one year from date of signing.
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Become a Green shoots sponsor - For those new members that can afford to pay their membership, we will recognize the value of their membership through sponsorship (Green shoots sponsor) and use this value of their membership to continue the research and vital actions to rebuild and represent the industry’s voice to government in Ontario.
Why Green shoots?
Green shoots is a term used to describe signs of economic recovery or positive data during an economic downturn. The term green shoots is a reference to plant growth and recovery and has been used during down economies to describe signs of similar growth.
Welcome to the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
We are your association, and we are here for you!
SAFE TRAVELS STAMP ADMINISTERED BY TIAO
TIAO has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Apply here.
See list of successful applicants here.
LE PROGRAMME DE RELANCE DU TOURISME FRANCOPHONE
Nous sommes fiers de soutenir le programme de relance du tourisme francophone, en collaboration avec La Société Économique de l'Ontario et l' Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario. Ce programme est dédié exclusivement aux PME et OSBL touristiques francophones du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario! Afin de soutenir une relance efficace de ce secteur important pour l’économie ontarienne, et contrecarrer les répercussions négatives causées par la pandémie, le Programme de relance du tourisme francophone dans le Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario fournira une contribution non remboursable (subvention) pouvant atteindre 20 000 $ pour soutenir les coûts ponctuels d’adaptation et de réouverture des entreprises et des organisations touristiques francophones situées dans le Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario, du Nord de Toronto allant jusqu’à Windsor vers l’Ouest, et sera disponible jusqu’au 31 Décembre 2021. Les bénéficiaires devront fournir un montant minimum de 20% aux coûts totaux du projet.
Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant ici.
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order Until June 2
Office of the Premier
With the new, more contagious variants continuing to pose significant risks, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended the Stay-at-Home Order (O. Reg. 265/21) until at least June 2, 2021. All public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake will also remain in effect. During this time, the government will prepare to administer the Pfizer vaccine to youth between the ages of 12 and 17, beginning the week May 31, 2021, as the province also finalizes plans to gradually and safely re-open the province.
Ontario Continues to Expand Access to Rapid Testing for Workplaces
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
To ramp up its fight against COVID-19 in workplaces, and in addition to the recently-announced partnership between the province and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario government has launched a new rapid testing portal to make it easier for all essential businesses to access free rapid testing to help keep employees and their families safe.
Ontario Continues to Expand Booking Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines to More Ontarians
Health
As of Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., individuals with at-risk health conditions such as dementia, diabetes and sickle cell disease, as well as Group Two of people who cannot work from home including grocery store, restaurant and transportation workers were eligible to book an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Over 50 per cent of Ontario Adults Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
Health
Ontario has administered first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to over 50 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over. Over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ontario since the start of May, and the province remains on track to have administered first doses to 65 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by the end of May.
Ontario to Modernize and Streamline Apprenticeship Training
Labour, Training and Skills Development
The Ontario government is introducing new measures to help tradespeople get their certification from one reliable, streamlined destination through a new Crown agency, Skilled Trades Ontario, that would replace the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).
Under the proposed legislation, Skilled Trades Ontario would become the province’s industry-informed training authority to lead the promotion, research and development of the latest apprenticeship training and curriculum standards. It will also provide a seamless one window experience for client-facing services including apprentice registration, issuance of certificates and renewals, and conduct equivalency assessments all in one place with many services offered digitally.
Ontario Advances Economic Growth and Prosperity for Indigenous Communities
Indigenous Affairs
Over the next two years, the province will partner with the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) to establish the Prosperity Table. The Table will enable relationships with surrounding economies, industries and business partners and contribute to a greater understanding and cooperation between First Nation leaders and the government. It will also complement other economic development work being undertaken by the province.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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Northern Ontario Tourism Workforce Development & Industry Training Survey
NOTO
In collaboration with Ontario Tourism Education Corporation, Destination Northern Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, District Social Services Administration Boards and Northern Ontario Workforce Planning Boards, we are reaching out to tourism business operators across Northern Ontario to gather information on the impact COVID-19 may be having on their operations.
The data collected in this survey will help analyze and identify specific workforce labour gaps and available opportunities within Northern Ontario’s tourism sector. The results will also aid to understand and support the skills and talent needs of the tourism sector to develop and deliver skills training to meet the labour gaps identified by you, the employer. The result will be to address the needs of the local labour market and employers that have been impacted by the pandemic.
Ultimately, the program will assist in the identification and training of 300 potential employees and match them with a minimum of 150 employers within Northern Ontario’s tourism sector, as you scale up for the year of the Ontario Staycation. Qualified employers will be eligible for a 30% wage subsidy to $3,000 per employee.
Interest high in the north as province ramps up rapid COVID-19 testing for Ontario's businesses
Global News
The provincial government is teaming up with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to ramp up its rapid COVID-19 testing program. The province is opening an online portal for businesses to request rapid COVID testing kits -- and interest is high across northern Ontario.
The new online portal is designed to provide easier access to free COVID testing kits for businesses. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the kits will help companies protect employees and their families.
Ontario’s tourism industry looking ahead with light at the end of the tunnel
Global News
Parts of Ontario’s tourism industry say they’re ramping up for a potential opening this summer as the federal government hints towards opening up travel.
The show must go on in North Durham
DurhamRegion.com
Theatre on the Ridge is preparing for another busy summer of shows. The North Durham theatre group will once again look to offer live performances while adhering to all local COVID-19 protocols and regulations.
'A ghost town': Niagara Falls mayor wants plan to reopen tourism
CTV
A typically bustling street in Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, is empty, with attractions boarded up and rides sitting idle.
"(It's) a ghost town," said Roberta Muir. "I've lived here my whole life and there's always lots and lots of people here, but now it's like a ghost town.
Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway Update
NOTO
Great news for all participating lodges!
The outfitters page is now up and running! You can view the outfitters page here.
A note to the first round of winning lodges:
Fish'n Canada has sent release forms to each of the winning contestants. Once we receive the signed forms, we will e-mail each of you with your next steps as well as the contact information for the winners of your trip.
Looking to Participate?
If you haven't submitted an application yet, you can still do so. We've had a number of resource-based tourism businesses submit their packages for this program which highlight the great variety of unique experiences Northern Ontario has to offer! The contest will run until August so it's never too late to join in on the action. Please remember, awarded trips can be fulfilled in 2021 OR 2022.
View the application here.
Virtual Marine Personnel Training
Boating Ontario
This year Marine Personnel Training will take place virtually over Zoom! Craig Hamilton from boaterskills.ca will cover a wide range of training topics so that your team is ready for anything this summer.
Training includes:
- Customer Service
- Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA)
- Fuel Dock Training
- Spill Response
- Emergency Response
This year Virtual Marine Personnel Training will be available to all Destination Northern Ontario and Nature & Outdoor Tourism members at the Boating Ontario member rate!
Member Rate: $40 per student
Training Dates:
- Saturday June 19th
- Monday June 28th
Training will occur in two, 2-hour sessions on the selected training date from 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm. Please note that training can be done as a group or individually, but certificates will only be issued to participants that have paid & completed the online tests.
To sign up: email dmckay@boatingontario.ca or call 1-888-547-6662
Sunwing returning to Waterloo Region this winter
Kitchener Today
Another sign of a return to normalcy, as Sunwing will soon be flying out of the region's airport again.
The airline has announced flights will run from the Region of Waterloo International Airport to Cancun, Mexico every Monday, beginning December 13, and until April 18, 2022. Some flight packages will be available to book as early as the end of this month.
Canada's Wonderland Just Announced That It's Not Reopening This Friday Anymore
Narcity
Canada's Wonderland has bumped its opening date back after previously claiming it would open on May 14, 2020. The amusement park put out a statement on May 11 stating that they will postpone their opening date due to the ongoing pandemic.
Community Building Fund: Deadline Extended to June 1st
Ontario Trillium Foundation
This funding stream provides support for non-profits and Indigenous communities in the arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation sectors to help sustain their operations and create new attractions, experiences and events.
Grant term length: 6 or 12 months
Amount awarded: Minimum $10,000, Maximum $250,000
Application deadline: June 1st, 2021 at 5 PM ET
Tourism in Ontario's Prince Edward County is booming. If only staff could afford to live there
CBC
Parsons Brewing Company isn't alone in its quest to find staff housing. Other small business owners are now routinely arranging or offering housing to try to secure summer staff who would otherwise be priced out of Prince Edward County's red-hot housing market.
The county — located east of Toronto, and south of Belleville, Ont. — has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, sending its real estate prices through the roof. Pandemic-fuelled migration to the county from the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and Montreal has pushed house prices even higher.
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