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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COMING SOON: SURVEY ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION IN TOURISM/HOSPITALITY
Deloitte LLP (Deloitte) will be conducting a survey to explore views on diversity and inclusion in the Tourism/Hospitality industry with the intent to better understand where opportunities for improvement may exist. Please watch for a special email message containing the link for the survey, and ensure your voice is heard in this critical study.
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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INITIAL BORDER RE-OPENING PLAN
After months of campaigning for the Federal Government to announce it's plans on when and how it would re-open the border, TIAO is delighted to be able to share with you the news on when fully vaccinated visitors, first from the United States and then other international visitors, will be able to cross the border.
Canada will open the border to fully vaccinated Americans and permanent residents of the U.S. for non-essential travel on August 9. The Canadian government is also eliminating the three-night quarantine hotel policy for those arriving by air as of Aug. 9 at 12:01am EDT.
As of Aug. 9, Americans who have been fully vaccinated can travel to Canada without having to quarantine. Travellers must:
- Be fully vaccinated by a vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada, at least 14 days prior to entering Canada;
- Meet the pre-entry test requirements;
- Provide a digital copy of vaccination documentation in English or French;
- Provide COVID-19 related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada;
- Provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine in case border agents determine they do not meet the necessary requirements
- Be asymptomatic upon arrival; and
- Participate in random COVID-19 testing.
Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and dependents of fully vaccinated travellers eligible for entry to Canada will be exempt from quarantine. However, they will remain subject to the Day 1 and Day 8 testing requirements, and must avoid group settings, such as camps or daycare's.
Provinces and territories may have more stringent rules around people who have recently returned from travel.
As of Aug. 9, international passenger flights will also be allowed in Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg airports (this is in addition to Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Vancouver airports). There will be a ban on direct flights from India until at least August 21 due to concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to follow the mandatory testing and quarantine restrictions, and Canada will continue to prohibit U.S. travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the Orders made under the Quarantine Act.
On September 7, Canada intends to open its borders for non-essential travel by travellers from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet the specific entry requirements. The entry and arrival requirements for fully vaccinated travellers above will also apply.
For more information, please visit Easing border measures for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada - Permitting discretionary travel for citizens and permanent residents of the United States - Canada.ca
Current Canadian border travel restrictions can be found here.
Related:
Watch Laurie Marcil, Executive Director of NOTO, in an interview with CBC regarding the return of vaccinated visitors from the USA by clicking here. (Please note that Laurie appears just after the 49 minute mark.)
CANADA'S BORDER REOPENING: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
In response to the Government of Canada’s July 19th border reopening announcement, TIAO has received questions from tourism businesses about the new regulations. Answers to many of these questions can be found here, which covers the following issues:
- Pre-entry COVID-19 test requirements to enter Canada – e.g., where to find a testing facility, COVID-19 test documentation
- Proof of vaccination documentation to enter Canada
- Where to get a post-arrival COVID-19 test in Canada if required
- What happens after getting a post-arrival COVID-19 test – e.g., what if the test comes back positive
- Are tourism businesses liable if patrons test positive for COVID-19 post-arrival or don't follow public health protocol while in Ontario?
- For US visitors: Can a COVID-19 test taken before departure from the US be used to return to the US if the out-of-country trip was less than 72 hours long?
TIAO is currently seeking additional clarification from federal authorities on quarantine requirements for unvaccinated children and exemptions to this (e.g., what qualifies as a ‘group setting’), as well as proof of vaccination documentation. We will provide updates as we know more.
ONTARIO’S COVID VACCINATION RATES
Millions of people across Ontario are stepping up and getting vaccinated. In order to lift the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity limits for indoor and outdoor settings and limits on social gatherings, the province must meet certain thresholds.
The province entered into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen on July 16th where it will remain for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second dose. Additionally, no public health unit can have less than 70 per cent of their population fully vaccinated. Currently:
- 79.89% of people 12+ have received at least 1 dose of a vaccine
- 63.97% of people 12+ are fully vaccinated
(Note: active links to current vaccine rates follow the image below.)
To access the most current vaccination rates, please check out the links below:
The following link is to Ontario’s current vaccination rate as a province, broken down into first and second dose percentage rates COVID-19 Tracker Canada - Ontario Vaccination Tracker (covid19tracker.ca)
The following link is to Ontario’s vaccination rates broken down by each public health unit and by first and second dose percentage rates Ontario FSA Test Positivity and Vaccinations | Tableau Public
NEW HEIGHTS IS BACK WITH THE 3RD ANNUAL NEW HEIGHTS CANNA TOURISM SUMMIT!
Join us at Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa on Monday, October 25th.
The summit includes insights and strategies for participating in the rapidly emerging Cannabis Tourism industry in Canada. Hear from tourism and cannabis experts, innovators and giants who will share their knowledge, experience and drive for growth in this segment.
This leadership conference will demonstrate the massive growth opportunity for recreational cannabis experiences to support tourism recovery in Canada.
Get the Data! The 1st Canadian Cannabis Tourism Research Report will be available in October 2021. Executive summary report presented at the New Heights Canna Tourism Summit on October 25, 2021.
Leading the study is Susan Dupej, PhD, a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph in the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management. The research is designed to provide insights on the different ways that Canadians are interested in incorporating cannabis into their travel and the opportunities for tourism and cannabis businesses to develop products based on the demand.
You can learn more and register by clicking here.
CULINARY TOURISM ALLIANCE LAUNCHES UNIQUE RECOVERY PROGRAM
As Ontario gears up to reopen this summer, the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) will be leading a dynamic recovery program aimed at supporting local businesses along the food tourism value chain and encouraging hyperlocal travel within the province.
The program is complemented by a strategic, collaborative marketing campaign entitled "The Great Taste of Ontario," that brings together over 90 DMOs from across Ontario working in partnership with sector organizations, provincial organizations, media, charities with a focus on food security and industry representatives under one common goal. This effort has been made possible thanks to an investment from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), with support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
"Now more than ever, Ontarians are looking to reconnect—to people, places and our great tastes! This program helps inspire Ontarians with their travel plans while reinforcing the importance of supporting our farmers, food and beverage producers and the thousands of businesses that showcase their tastes. Explore the passports and download for your stay in Ontario and play plans!" says Rebecca Mackenzie, President and CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
"The Great Taste of Ontario is an exciting and dynamic campaign that means Ontarians will not only have the opportunity to discover new tastes and culinary delights, but will also play an integral role in helping to rebuild the tourism industry in Ontario and support our regions farmers and food and drink producers. I urge all Ontarians to take advantage of the passports and immerse themselves in what our incredible province has to offer," said Christopher Bloore, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
To learn more about "The Great Taste of Ontario" click here.
You can read the full press release here.
WINERY AGRI-TOURISM COVID-19 RELIEF INITIATIVE
The Government of Ontario is providing a one-time $10 million grant in 2021 to help wineries and cideries with on-site stores whose business were impacted by COVID-19 safety measures.
The new Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative will provide a one-time grant to eligible wineries and cideries with on-site retail stores in September 2021. Eligible businesses will receive a payment this fall based on their sales of wine in 2020-2021 in their on-site store.
Eligibility
To be eligible, businesses that were in operation prior to March 17, 2020 will need to attest to either a revenue decline in at least one line item of business, such as decreased tourism, tours, events and tastings or increased expenses to comply with public health safety measures for COVID-19. They must also be licenced to sell wine products at an on-site retail store, be a licenced winery or corporation with a controlling interest in one or more Affiliated Licenced Wineries and comply with tax collection and remittance obligations to the Ministry of Finance.
Agricorp sent applications directly to eligible wineries/cideries on July 20, with a deadline to apply by August 6, 2021.
For more information, please visit Ontario Supporting Wineries, Cideries and Agri-Tourism Industry with Relief Initiative
Related:
PERCEPTIONS OF NORTHERN ONTARIO AS A DESTINATION FOR LGBT+ TRAVELLERS SURVEY
Destination Northern Ontario and its LGBT+ advisory team are in the process of developing a strategy to enhance Northern Ontario’s status as a destination for LGBT+ travellers. Your input through your participation in this survey will be instrumental in the success of the strategy. Destination Northern Ontario thanks you in advance for completing this survey.
To complete the survey please click here.
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 2021 ONTARIO TOURISM RESILIENCY AWARDS
TIAO in partnership with Attractions Ontario, The Culinary Tourism Alliance, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and OTEC is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 2021 Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards.
2020 was a year like no other, requiring determination and perseverance. In a year fraught with innumerable operating obstacles, exceptional tourism businesses rose to the challenge and continued to innovate and engage with partners and their communities, even when unable to open for regular business.
A year that was so very different for the tourism industry calls for an award reflective of the times: an award that fairly recognizes the achievements of tourism businesses regardless of operating status.
The 2021 Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards are unique to this year and have been designed to reflect resiliency through innovation, collaboration and partnership. Our partners have joined together this year in collaboration to present this year's awards. The trophy will reflect this collaboration or partnership while embracing our unique role within our industry. Partners working together, like that of the ribbons of a DNA helix.
Because Resiliency is in our Tourism Industry's DNA
Awards will be presented in each of the following three areas:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Sustainability
You can nominate another business or apply on behalf of your own business. All nominees will be featured on TIAO’s website as a legacy to the resiliency of our industry. All finalists will be featured in a Globe & Mail full promotional page.
Key Dates:
- Nominations close August 31.
- Finalists will be announced on October 9.
- Winners will be announced in person at the Ontario Tourism Summit 2021 Gala Awards on October 27.
For more details, and to begin the application process please click here.
TOURISM RELIEF FUND LAUNCHED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The Government of Canada has launched the Tourism Relief Fund, to be delivered through FedDev and FedNor Ontario. The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. This fund has a $500 million budget (ending March 31, 2023) and will focus on product development and destination development. The fund will empower businesses to create or enhance tourism experiences and products to attract visitors and to help the sector provide the best Canadian tourism experiences.
Contributions to businesses will be either non-repayable contributions up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs OR fully repayable contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs.
The fund will offer a minimum of $50 million to support Indigenous tourism initiatives and $15 million will be dedicated to national initiatives that support the advancement of national tourism priorities. Eligible applicants include tourism entities that cater mainly to visitors, such including businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and band councils or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives.
To be considered eligible for this fund, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be a key supplier or operator in the visitor experience;
- Be part of a defined tourism cluster or a tourism dependent community, including supporting downtown cores; or
- Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please consult the Tourism Relief Fund – Application guide - FedDev Ontario or Tourism Relief Fund - FedNor
FedDev Ontario staff have been hosting technical briefings on the TRF through Zoom. There is still one session available. Those who are interested may register via the following link:
To check out TIAO's summary of key funding & grants available, please click here.
Related:
A THREE FIRES COLLABORATIVE QUEST
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO), and the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC), are now accepting applications for A Three Fires Collaborative Quest Program - a program designed to support recovery and growth of the province’s Indigenous tourism workforce by building the labour pool and filling critical gaps within the industry.
The program, aptly named A Three Fires Collaborative Quest, will be executed in three phases - each managed by one of the three aforementioned partners respectively.
Indigenous tourism businesses will receive one-on-one coaching and support from ITO’s Indigenous Business Advisory (IBA) Program to assist in getting them market ready for the reopening. The structured content delivered to participants of the IBA Program will address all areas of a tourism operation required for business sustainability and success and will follow market-ready standards established specifically for the Indigenous tourism industry.
The second fire will be managed by OTEC who will design and execute workshops to provide customized frontline training for 100+ Indigenous tourism employees as well as the IBA group.
The third fire, executed by TIAO, is an employee-to-employer matching event designed to bridge the gap between the other two fires by helping Indigenous tourism employees find employers, and conversely, tourism businesses (both Indigenous and non-Indigenous) find employees.
To apply for the program as a potential employee, you must self-identify as Indigenous. You will have the opportunity to participate in training workshops facilitated by OTEC and you will be matched with tourism employers to complete a paid job placement.
To apply for the program as an employer, you must be a tourism business in Ontario, and you must be willing to support your new employee’s training and development in collaboration with the program. After completing the program you will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy of 30%, to a maximum of $3,000 per employee hired.
To apply, click here.
FRANCOPHONE-BILINGUAL TOURISM SURVEY
Vous êtes à la tête d'une entreprise touristique offrant des services en français ou bilingues au Canada?
Il est très important pour nous de le savoir pour mieux cibler vos besoins et bien promouvoir l'offre touristique francophone pour la saison 2021! #Semainedutourisme #LeTourismeCompte
Merci de répondre à ce court sondage.
En français : cliquez ici
Are you a tourism operator offering French or bilingual services in Canada?
It is very important for us to know this so that we can better target your needs and promote the French tourism offer for the 2021 season! #TourismWeek #TourismCounts
Thank you for taking this short survey.
In English: click here.
2021 ONTARIO TOURISM SUMMIT TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Join us October 26 & 27 for the tourism industry event of the year - because tourism counts. Whether in person or virtual - we are excited to share that we will be hosting as many people as is safe to do so at this year's summit at the award-winning 4 Diamond Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa.
We will be welcoming tourism professionals from around the province to gather, share, and collaborate as we rebuild Ontario's tourism industry. This year's summit is about RESPECT, COLLABORATION and REBUILDING our future. Join us as we recognize all the innovation, re-embrace the foundation and collaborate together - Google, Deloitte, Canadian Live Music Association, Global Payments are just some highlights of speakers lined up for this year's event.
If you or part of your team would like to join virtually - this option is also available. This year the Summit is back to normal programming with full day but interactive for the in person and virtual audience to network together. Whatever you choose, we are ready - Come.....Join us..... Together.
For more information, and to register for OTS21 please click 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 stakeholders 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
-
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.
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Ontario Launches New Youth Environment Council
Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Ontario government is creating a new youth environment council, to provide young Ontarians in grades 9 to 12 with more opportunities to share their insights and ideas on climate change and other key environmental issues impacting the province’s future. Ontario high school students are encouraged to apply to be volunteer members of the council by August 4. “As the youngest environment minister in Ontario’s history I am excited to launch this new youth environment council to ensure our next generation are at the table to help find solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time such as climate change and conservation,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “As the leaders of tomorrow, we want to work together with youth as we look for ways to protect our environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.”
Ontario Helping Small Businesses Establish Online Presence
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
The Ontario government is investing $10 million towards the Digital Main Street program for 2021-22 to help over 13,000 small businesses expand their digital presence and market their services online. As businesses enter Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, the renewed program will provide small businesses with $2,500 grants, technical training, and digital resources to help them reach more customers in person and online, positioning them for a stronger recovery.
Ontario Invests Over $1.9 million to Protect and Restore the Great Lakes
Environment, Conservation and Parks
The Ontario government has selected 44 community-based projects to receive $1.9 million in funding through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund, which supports local projects that protect and restore the Great Lakes. “The health of the Great Lakes is closely connected to our province’s health and prosperity – supplying water to our communities, sustaining traditional activities of Indigenous peoples and providing healthy ecosystems for recreation and tourism,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “This funding allows local organizations and groups to take environmental actions in their own communities – building a better future with clean, green growth.” The 44 projects are led by community-based organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities and Indigenous communities and organizations across Ontario, from Ottawa to Thunder Bay. Projects were selected following a competitive review process.
Ontario Helping 100,000 Workers Train for In-Demand Jobs
Labour, Training and Skills Development
The Ontario government is investing $5.8 million in free online training to help 100,000 workers gain the skills they need to find good jobs and restart their careers. Courses will focus on building skills most in-demand by employers in fields such as information technology, finance and business administration. This funding is part of the government’s $115 million Skills Development Fund to address challenges to hiring, training and retraining workers because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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New initiative aims to drive tourism, celebrate Highlands
The Minden Times
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization has launched a new regional reopening campaign designed to support area businesses, ignite local tourism and stimulate the economy. The initiative is centred around inspiring individuals to travel locally, and shines a spotlight on the people and places that makes the Highlands so special. The ‘Connections Campaign’, launched this month and operating through to Spring 2022, is anchored by a video series that features the stories of seven “inspiring” locals and their unique connections to the region. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it was evident that people came out to support one another. It also became very clear that it is our residents, the people who live here, who are the backbone to our region and who make it so special,” said Julie Mulligan, marketing manager at OHTO, when asked what inspired this new campaign.
Reel in a Deal and Visit Mississauga This Summer
City of Mississauga
Fishing, anyone? Tourism Mississauga invites avid fishers or those new to the sport to check out one of the fishing charters available in Mississauga and receive a $100 prepaid VISA gift card through the Reel in a Deal promotion. “As things start to open up, fishing is a fun and safe way to enjoy a beautiful summer day on the lake,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Mississauga has two local ports and harbouring marinas where you can launch your boat or book a charter, and the fishing is world class. Our lakefront area has so many options for people to enjoy when they are back on land again! Let’s support our local businesses this summer.” Residents or visitors can participate in the Reel in a Deal promotion by booking a charter with a local participating SafeTravels Stamp-approved charter company and receive a $100 prepaid VISA gift card, courtesy of Tourism Mississauga, to spend while they are in Mississauga. The promotion runs until August 28, 2021.
Three companies chosen to revitalize Ontario Place
The Globe and Mail
Three companies, including a Quebec outdoor recreation firm and a European spa and water park provider, have been chosen to revitalize Ontario Place after a closed-door bid process that has dragged on for years, sources have told The Globe and Mail. The Ontario government plans to give Quebec’s Écorécréo the reins for part of the 63-hectare site on Toronto’s waterfront, along with Austrian company Therme, the sources said. Live Nation, which runs the performance venue at Ontario Place, will have an expanded role. A formal government announcement could come as early as this month.
Niagara Falls showcased as Alessia Cara’s performs for ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’
St. Catharines Standard
Grammy-winner Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara helped put the spotlight on the Cataract City on Monday night as she performed her new single on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” with the Horseshoe Falls in the background. The performance of “Sweet Dream” aboard a Niagara City Cruises ship was an intricately co-ordinated effort in which the camera followed Cara from a thematic bedroom setting to the upper deck where she joined her band. The effort was pulled off through a partnership with Niagara Falls Tourism, advertising agency Zerotrillion, production company Nordest and Alessia Cara’s management team as part of a larger production to promote tourism in Niagara Falls.
How to celebrate Emancipation Day 2021 in Ontario
News Wire
This Emancipation Day, August 1, you can experience a week of digital activities from the Ontario Heritage Trust that celebrate and explore Ontario's Black communities and Black heritage through engaging and educational video programming produced by Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site. Programming will launch Monday, July 26 and run throughout the week leading up to Emancipation Day on August 1.
'You are our first guests': Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame opening hopes to kick start tourism season in St. Marys, Ont.
CTV News
Dorene Bowyer and Dennis Quinn were the first tourists to walk through the doors of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (CBHOF) in 11 months. The couple from Kingston, Ont. were excited to hear the CBHOF in St. Marys, Ont. opened for the season Tuesday after the province moved into Step 3 of the reopening plan. "It's the first museum we've been in, in probably two years," says Quinn, wearing a Montreal Expos hat. "The first time we've been out of Kingston for any length of time since March of 2020."
Thunder Bay tourism relieved as Canada plans to reopen borders and lift cruise ship ban
CTV News
Thunder Bay’s Tourism industry breathes a sigh of relief as the federal government plans to lift the ban on cruise ships and open Canada-American land border crossings. The cruise ship ban will be lifted in November and even though we’ve already lost the 2021 season for cruises, it gives cruise lines the certainty they need to plan their return for the 2022 season “It's good news for the industry, and it really kind of signals that we’re moving into the relief and recovery phase of COVID,” said Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, “It gives our partners here in the city, our tourism partners, it gives the cruise lines certainty in terms of planning for 2022.”
Algoma's tourism industry looks to U.S. visitors for economic boost
Soo Today
The tourism industry in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District could potentially reap the benefits of American visitors being allowed into Canada for non-essential reasons early next month. On Monday, the federal government announced that fully vaccinated Americans will be permitted to enter Canada for non-essential reasons beginning August 9, provided they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. “I think obviously this is great news that we’ve been waiting on,” said Travis Anderson, director of tourism and community development for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “The timing is good for us - I mean, we’ll still salvage a portion of the summer.”
Town of Prescott ready to welcome back U.S. tourists
CTV News
As the Canadian government prepares to reopen its land crossings to residents in the United States, the border-town community of Prescott is ready to welcome back what will hopefully be a summer surge of American tourists. The town of Prescott is nestled along the shore of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Ogdensburg, in New York State, can be seen on the side of the river and the nearby bridge, which connects the two cities and countries, will open to fully-vaccinated American travellers August 9. A major move forward and relief, for many border-town businesses who rely on U.S. tourism, and the dollars they spend, which can have a significant impact for a profitable summer-season.
Sault Ste. Marie officials looking forward to border reopening
CTV News
For the first time in more than a year, Sault Ste. Marie will be able to once again host its American neighbours - provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This comes after the federal government announced on Monday an easing of restrictions at the border. The change will happen one minute after midnight on Aug. 9 and Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano said he is fully supportive of the federal government's requirements of American travellers.
“We're all tremendously relieved": Rickford on Canada/US border opening
Kenora Online
Northwestern Ontario has been affected by the lack of American tourists due to the border closure. “We're all tremendously relieved and it's a testament to northwestern Ontario's commitment to getting our vaccination rates up and being in a position to receive our American tourists, this is an essential part of our economy. This is about friendships and family and an extraordinary relationship between two countries and it needs to get back on track. As I said, it's time,” said Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford. “This is incredible news for Northwestern Ontario and our expansive tourism industry here in Kenora-Rainy River. With growing numbers of fully vaccinated people on both sides of the border, I have been a vocal advocate to have our American borders open, especially here in Northwestern Ontario. I am glad the Federal Government responded to our calls for action," added Rickford.
Arts and recreation businesses slammed by COVID-19 call for extension of federal support
The Globe and Mail
Many businesses in the arts, recreation and hospitality sectors already had slim margins, and normally depend on busy summer seasons to keep them going throughout the rest of the year. But with venues closed or operating at limited capacity, business owners have relied on subsidies such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to prevent them from falling into an uncomfortable situation: Take on more debt or drop the curtain permanently. The application period for the Canada Emergency Business Account, which provided interest-free loans of up to $60,000 for small businesses, with as much as $20,000 that amount forgivable, closed at the end of June. The association that represents Canada’s small businesses is calling on the federal government to extend support for arts, culture and recreation to prevent even more jobs in those sectors from disappearing.
People have embraced Ontario's parks during the pandemic, but are they loving them to death?
CBC
Jeff Brown, a spokesperson for Ontario Parks, said they saw a record number of parks visitors last year, and that's expected to continue this year. But this newfound or increased love for the outdoors also creates a challenge for the parks, which are there to protect ecologically sensitive lands and areas. "This idea around, you know, loving parks to death, it's been around for a while," Lemieux said, adding there is an "uncomfortable relationship" between the dual mandate of these parks: to allow people in, but also protect the area. This summer, Ontario Parks and Parks Canada have launched #ForTheLoveOfParks, an educational campaign to teach new visitors, and remind people returning, basically how to behave in parks.
Science North receives $8.9M from province for operating costs, new exhibit, summer programs
Elliot Lake Today
Science North’s indoor facilities opened to the public on July 16th. This news followed the announcement that Science North will be receiving more than $8.9 million from the province this year, about $2 million more than last year’s funding. The investment from the government will help develop new exhibits and support other projects coming out of the COVID-19 lockdown. Lisa MacLeod, minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, joined Kevin Eshkawkogan, CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Guy Labine, CEO of Science North, and Stephen Kozsar, chair of the board of Science North, on a rainy Thursday morning at Science North to relay the new funding plan for this year. Science North has been closed for over 480 days ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March.
Tourism SkillsNet North Launches
Destination Northern Ontario
Did you know you can use the Tourism SkillsNet North program to help fill your rehiring needs for 2021? If you have employees you've had to lay off or let go because of the pandemic and are going to be hiring back as COVID-19 restrictions lift, now is the time to act to ensure you qualify for these special subsidies. With access to 30% of wages, up to a maximum of $3,000 per employee available for qualifying employers, the time to act is now! Any employer can only qualify for up to two positions. To learn more please click on the link in the title.
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