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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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ONTARIO TOURISM & TRAVEL SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT SURVEY OPEN
The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant was announced as part of the provincial government’s budget on March 24th. The grant offers tourism businesses the opportunity to apply for up to $20,000 in government grant support. Details on the grant and how to apply are available here.
It was recently opened for applications, but as referenced by Minister Lisa MacLeod on her most recent town-hall call, at this early stage, there haven’t been as many applications to the fund as expected.
TIAO wants to hear from you about whether you have applied for the grant, found yourself ineligible or learn of any other reasons why you’ve not been able to apply for the grant. This will help us advise government and work to ensure this much needed funding gets to the businesses it was intended to support.
We are also asking that you please share this survey widely, so that we can build the most compressive picture possible.
Fill out the survey here.
2021 ONTARIO TOURISM SUMMIT TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Join us October 26 & 27 for the tourism industry event of the year - because tourism matters. 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.
NOW INTO THE FUTURE; CULTURAL TOURISM IN ONTARIO SYMPOSIUM
As the arts, culture, and tourism sectors look forward to reopening, this free symposium presents conversations, keynote presentations, and panel discussions featuring leaders in cultural tourism in Ontario and from outside Canada. TIAO’s President and CEO, Chris Bloore, will join the panel discussion presented on June 16, from 2:45 pm – 3:25 pm.
This symposium will provide thoughtful discussion, examples of how cultural tourism has changed amid the pandemic, inspiration, and actionable information as we prepare for what cultural tourism experiences will be like as people resume local, regional, national, and international travel.
To learn more about Now, into the Future: Cultural Tourism in Ontario click here.
For free registration click here.
ONTARIO'S TOURISM RECOVERY ROADMAP WITH CHRIS BLOORE, CEO & PRESIDENT OF TIAO
It is tourism week so Andrew Siegwart, President of the Blue Mountain Village Association, asked the President & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario to join him on the Blue Mountain Village Voices podcast. Andrew & Chris Bloore discuss the impact that tourism has on Ontario's economy, how the industry affects aspects of policy development, what the tourism industry's biggest challenges will be in the future and how Ontario is going to recover as a province. This episode provides guidance on who TIAO is, how TIAO can help and what TIAO recommends operators do and/or continue to do during Ontario's three-step reopening.
To listen to the podcast click here.
CTV TORONTO TOURISM WEEK INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS BLOORE, CEO & PRESIDENT OF TIAO
Watch TIAO President & CEO, Chris Bloore chat with CTV Toronto about Tourism Week and the crucial role tourism plays in Ontario's economic recovery.
To view CTV's interview with Chris Bloore please click here. (Chris is on just after the 32 minute break)
HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE TIAO AGM, RTO 9 AGM & TIAC TOWN HALL YET?
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 stakeholders calls provided a weekly industry update. In addition, the Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call featured special guest Marie-Josée Filo, Program Coordinator & eBusiness Lead for North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet), a not-for-profit organization that is proudly supported by FedNor.
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.
TOURISM WEEK – MAY 23-30, 2021
May 23 - 30, 2021 is Tourism Week in Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is leading the national campaign to recognize Canada’s tourism economy, and the impact it has on every community across the country. This year, TIAC aims to recognize the resilience of the industry through this unprecedented time.
TIAC is calling on Canadians to take the 2021 Tourism Pledge to Travel In Canada when restrictions are lifted. Extending an invitation to come together as a country and support local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees.
TIAO is proud to support TIAC during this week and we encourage you to get involved, take the pledge, post your commitment through social media channels as well.
To learn more about Tourism Week, click here.
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Ontario Supporting Cultural Tourism and Local Events
Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
Ontario is providing more than $4 million to 54 cultural tourism organizations through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to help develop, promote and present high-quality, high-profile events that strengthen the economies of communities across Ontario.
To learn more about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, click here.
Related:
Ontario Providing Training for Tourism Jobs
Labour, Training, and Skills Development
The Ontario government is investing $1.25 million through Destination Northern Ontario to provide 300 people with free training to work in Northern Ontario’s tourism industry. The project will benefit people who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19 and benefit businesses and employers by ensuring they have the resources they need to attract and retain workers.
To read the full news release click here.
COVID-19 webinars: Information for employers and employees about ESA and OHSA
Labour, Training, and Skills Development
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is hosting online information sessions (May 31 and June 1, 2021) to help employees and employers understand their employment standards (ES) and occupational health and safety (OHS) rights and obligations as they relate to COVID-19.
To learn more and to register for these information sessions, click here.
Ontario Takes Next Step with Northeastern Passenger Rail
Transportation
Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, announced that the Ontario government is improving transportation in the North by taking the next step towards bringing passenger rail service to people in the northeast with the release of the Initial Business Case. The province is building a better transportation network for Northern Ontario, making it easier and more convenient for people to get where they need to go.
The province, Ontario Northland and Metrolinx are moving forward with further planning for a 13-stop route that would provide service from Toronto to Timmins or Cochrane. As part of the 2021 Ontario Budget, the government committed $5 million to support this planning and design work.
Related:
COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Expanding to Youth 12+ Ahead of Schedule
Health
As of 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021, youth aged 12 and over across Ontario will be eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. To book an appointment online, these individuals must already be 12 years old as of the date of their booking.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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Downtown Windsor BIA Receives Safe Travels Stamp
iHeartRadio
Downtown Windsor has been certified as a safe destination for travellers when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) received a Safe Travel Stamp from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
Chair Brian Yeomans says the internationally recognized stamp shows businesses within the DWBIA's boundaries have adopted the appropriate health and hygiene policies.
5 New Free Learning Resources for Tourism Operators & Destination Partners
TIAC
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) launched the Elevating Canadian Experiences (ECE) program to help tourism stakeholders seize innovative opportunities in culinary tourism and in the winter and shoulder seasons (WSS).
The ECE program was conceived as a series of in-person workshops held in rural and remote areas. But the program launch dovetailed with the pandemic and, like so many organizations, TIAC needed to pivot. And now, TIAC is pleased to announce the ECE content hub, where tourism industry stakeholders can access five new practical tools and resources developed for the program.
Access the free tourism industry tools and strategies at TIAC's ECE content hub here.
Celebrate Tourism Week with Thrive Tours!
Sault Online
In celebration of Tourism week in Sault Ste Marie, SaultOnline reached out to several local tour companies to see what our beautiful Algoma region has to offer.
Brad Robinson and Amanda Cora are the dynamic duo behind Thrive Tours, an Indigenous owned & operated guided Ecotourism company located in Sault Ste. Marie. Thrive Tours operates on a zero-footprint objective in their practice, keeping local Indigenous practices and philosophies in mind. They offer guided hiking, year-round camping, snowshoeing, canoeing and kayaking tours, all while incorporating Indigenous knowledge and histories into their philosophies.
Tourism HR Canada Marks Tourism Week with Free Emerit Online Training
Tourism HR Canada
Tourism HR Canada, the not-for-profit behind Emerit Tourism Training, is committed to supporting the people who make the tourism industry shine. To celebrate tourism industry partners' strength and resiliency as they navigate a second pandemic, during Tourism Week, Tourism HR Canada is providing free access to their Emerit online training courses and small business resources.
Tourism industry partners can access a variety of online training modules and small business resources free of charge. These courses can assist with ongoing training needs, as well as giving those whose jobs have been adversely affected by COVID-19 the opportunity to upskill or cross-train. Additionally, Tourism Business Builders and HR Toolkit can help small business owners/operators with reviewing their business models and navigating a new tourism landscape.
For more information and to access free Emerit online training click here.
Perth County Launches New Snapshot Business Support Program
Perth County
The Economic Development and Tourism Division at Perth County is excited to launch the new Perth County Snapshot Program. The program is aimed at supporting businesses across rural Perth County who have been hard hit by providing them with professional photography packages to enhance their digital presence and support their COVID-19 recovery efforts. The program will support local businesses and will focus particularly on sectors disproportionately impacted by pandemic restrictions. Applications will be accepted online until June 7, 2021.
To view details and application criteria click here.
Canatrace announces the launch of "Tracey"
Canatrace
Canatrace automates the process of collecting customers and employees data for COVID-19 tracing by leveraging secure, cutting edge technology to make it easy for businesses to Keep Canadians Safe. Canatrace hasn't stopped evolving to meet business needs, and is pleased to announce through a community partnership with the AI/HUB at Durham College, the launch of “Tracey”, a secure bot on the Canatrace website to answer any and all questions.
To learn more about Canatrace click here.
To experience Canatrace Chat Assistance and ask "Tracey" a question click here.
Sports Tourism Key In Ontario Recovery
CKDR News
Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries believes sports will play a key role in our economic recovery. Lisa MacLeod says the resumption of games, tournaments and events at all levels could be a huge financial driver for local communities. She says sports tourism will help hotels and restaurants bounce back.
“I have been tasked with a Return-to-Play model for both amateur and professional sports. So that work is being done right now at the table and we continue to have these conversations as well at an economic minister’s perspective at the same time.”
Virtual tourism initiative invites visitors to explore northeastern Ontario
Northern Ontario Business
A collection of tourism experiences promoting northeastern Ontario is now available online as part of the 101 Experiences initiative.
101 Experiences features authentic cultural activities led by local hosts in Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, North Bay, Haileybury, Englehart, Black River-Matheson, Kapuskasing and Hearst.
Ontario wineries hit hard as COVID-19 pandemic stretches into second summer
CTVNews
According to Vintners Quality Alliance Ontario, wineries in the province's wine-producing regions contribute to 18,000 jobs with a total economic benefit of more than $4 billion per year. Every bottle of VQA wine sold generates $98.20 in economic benefit for the province. Most of the 180 wineries in Ontario are family-run operations with fewer than 20 employees.
Splash pads opened this past weekend in Mississauga, Brampton and across Ontario
In Sauga News
The Ford government cooled off Friday afternoon and allowed splash pads to open on Saturday, May 22 in Mississauga, Brampton and across the province.
In a late afternoon tweet, Lisa MacLeod, Ontario's Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Minister, announced the provincial government’s reversal.
“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” MacLeod said on Twitter.
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.
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.
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
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