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)
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ADVOCACY AT BRIEF
Thank you again for taking the time to read the latest edition of the TIAO newsletter. It’s been another hectic week of announcements and developments as we continue to advocate for the tourism industry. As ever this is only a snapshot of the work we do, so if there is an issue I have failed to cover please don’t hesitate to contact the TIAO team. I would also like to reiterate my thanks to TIAO’s partner organizations and TIAO members on the ground who continue to support us in our work in collaborative manner that ensures tourism has a voice at every decision-making table.
Capacity Limits: TIAO writes to Premier Ford for parity on capacity
Since the announcement last week that the province intended to lift hard capacity limits for some venues, TIAO has been pressing for all businesses to be on a level playing field. We were all delighted to see our sports venues full of spectators for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening game and Canada’s Men’s Soccer game against Panama earlier this week. Thanks to the dedication of our healthcare professionals and to Ontarian’s rolling up their sleaves and getting vaccinated, we’re winning the battle against COVID-19, but it is only fair that all businesses can reap the rewards of this effort.
You will have undoubtedly seen much of the press attention focussing on restaurants who were not included in the original list, and we have supported our restaurant colleagues in their advocacy. But we’re asking for all businesses to be included, not just those that currently require mandatory proof of immunization. TIAO was grateful to Minister Lisa MacLeod for the opportunity to discuss this and other issues impacting tourism in a video conference on Tuesday morning, and we continue to appreciate the constant lines of communication and support Minister MacLeod offers us.
To view TIAO's joint letter with sector partners to Premier Ford regarding parity on capacity for all operators please click here.
Federal Support Programs: It’s time for the government to honour their campaign promises
Even though the election was several weeks ago, the Prime Minister is yet to confirm his cabinet or confirm the extension of the CEWS and CERS programs set to expire October 23. When the legislation was passed to enact CEWS and CERS, the government gave themselves the option of further extending supports to November 20. But as its gets closer to October 23, TIAO has been supporting the work of TIAC to remind the government not only to enact the extension but start discussing the details of the replacement program discussed in the Liberal Party’s manifesto to, “Provide Canada’s hard-hit tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses to help them get through the winter.”
Ontario Tourism Recovery Program
This week the portal for applications to the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program opened and we continue to offer help and assistance to members with their applications. If you require support with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Labour Crisis: Workforce survey and roundtable confirmed
TIAO is in the final stages of the design for our tourism and hospitality workplace forum. I would like to thank members for your input into its creation. We will be working with our public affairs and communications partners, Navigator, to release the survey and all the information will be published and shared. This research will be the foundation for our recommendations for a province-wide workforce strategy to address the pre-existing and worsening Labour crisis we face within the industry. I am also pleased to confirm that Minister McNaughton will be joining us for a limited attendance roundtable on the issue in the third week of November. TIAO is extremely grateful for the Minister’s interest in the topic and his commitment to working with industry to find common sense solutions.
Christopher Bloore, President & CEO
WEBINAR ALERT: VACCINE CERTIFICATE AND WORKPLACE VACCINATION POLICIES
October 19th, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm EST
Webinar Presented by:
- Jessica Ng (Phd, Manager of Policy and Government Affairs, TIAO)
- Zachary Courtemanche (Partner, Weaver Simmons LLP)
- Ryan Mallough (Senior Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
This webinar will:
- Provide information and resources for businesses implementing (or interested in implementing) vaccine certificate and/or workplace vaccination policies
- Highlight the opportunities and challenges of proof of vaccination policies for tourism and hospitality businesses
- Highlight critical issues (e.g. legal, ethical, financial) to consider in implementing proof of vaccination for patrons and/or employees
- Provide a legal perspective on proof of vaccination policies for patrons and/or employees
Register now by clicking one of the links below:
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In Northern Ontario click here
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For the rest of Ontario click here
SURVIVAL SUPPORT FOR THE HARDEST HIT
KEEP THE MOMENTUM STRONG - SEND YOUR LETTER OF SUPPORT
TIAO is a proud supporter of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, which is co-chaired by our partners at TIAC. The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, is a coalition of over 120 tourism, hotel and events businesses fighting for industry-specific support. The Coalition developed a campaign advocating for a survival program for the industry. We need to ensure that this stays top of mind for officials. This is where we need your help!
Please take a few minutes and send a letter to your MP to outline the crucial need for tailored support through the winter months.
To send your letter click here.
To download Social Shareables for the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses click here.
TIAO FACILITATES NORTHERN ONTARIO VISIT
NEW DATE!!! Seniors and Accessibility Minister Raymond Cho to Visit South Algonquin Tourism Operator on October 19
TIAO is thrilled to announce that the Honourable Raymond Cho, Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, will be visiting South Algonquin on October 19, 2021 and one of our TIAO members in particular, Four Corners Algonquin! The visit will provide an opportunity to showcase the accessibility initiatives at Four Corners Algonquin, a fully equipped camping and glamping business deep in the Canadian Shield welcoming visitors with a range of accessibility needs. Minister Cho will tour Four Corners Algonquin’s facilities and the South Algonquin community, an exciting opportunity to bring greater attention to local tourism operators.
Over the past weeks, TIAO facilitated the connection between the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility and Four Corners Algonquin. TIAO is proud to have contributed behind the scenes to making this visit possible.
CANADA-US BORDER IS OPENING TO FULLY VACCINATED NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVELLERS
Starting in early November, the US will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the country for non-essential reasons, such as tourism (there is currently no specific date of when the border will re-open). A part of the standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection process, travellers entering the US by vehicle, rail and ferry will be asked about their vaccination status and at officers' discretion, travellers will have their proof of vaccination verified in a secondary screening process. While currently, a negative COVID-19 test is required for air travel to enter the US, there will be no testing required to enter the US by land or sea, provided the travellers meet the vaccination requirement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US will accept travellers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization. As such, the AstraZeneca vaccine, widely used in Canada, will be accepted. The CDC is still formalizing procedures for admitting those who have received doses of two different vaccines.
Related:
REMINDER: NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE NORTHERN ONTARIO INDUSTRY LEADER AWARDS
Nominations for the Northern Ontario Industry Leader Awards are open to any Ontario-based organization, group or their membership base. Self Nominations are permitted. There is no cost to apply for the 2021 Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Awards. Nominations Close October 15th!
For more information and to access the nomination forms, please click here.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THOSE WHO SELF-IDENTIFY AS INDIGENOUS
Are you, or someone you know, looking for a position in the Ontario Tourism Industry?
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 - a program designed to fill critical gaps within the industry and encourage recovery and growth of the province’s tourism workforce by bringing awareness of opportunities to potential Indigenous employees.
To be eligible for the program as a potential employee, you must self-identify as Indigenous. After being accepted into the program, beginning in Fall 2021, you will have the opportunity to participate in frontline training workshops facilitated by OTEC. These workshops are suitable for potential employees whether you are just starting in the tourism industry, or if you have experience but are seeking a new position within the industry.
After completing the training program, you will be invited to participate in the Employee to Employer Matching event, taking place in Winter 2021. Hosted virtually, our online platform will allow you to schedule video interviews with potential employers, and vice-versa, in order to provide you the opportunity to secure employment in 2022.
To apply click here.
SONDAGE MAIN D’OEUVRE BILINGUE EN TOURISME - BILINGUAL TOURISM WORKFORCE SURVEY
**English follows**
Êtes vous à la recherche d'employés francophones ou bilingues? Aidez la Société Économique de l'Ontario à connaître vos besoins pour que nous puissions mieux vous accompagner dans votre recrutement et courrez la chance de gagner un crédit de traduction de 2 000 mots d’une valeur de 600 $. Pour participer et répondre au sondage en français : https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/seo-ent-fr
Are you searching for francophone or bilingual employees? Please let the Societé Économique de l’Ontario know your needs so we can better assist you in your search. Complete today for your chance to win a 2,ooo word translation credit valued at over $600! To participate and take the survey in English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/seo-ent-en
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’.
Our application process has moved to an online system and you can access it here.
More than 1850 businesses have been approved. See list of successful applicants here.
SURVEY BY TOURISM SKILLSNET NORTH: FALL & WINTER TRAINING PLANNING
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, Tourism SkillsNet North is reaching out to tourism business operators across Northern Ontario (Regional Tourism Organization 13) to gather information to 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 in the fall and winter seasons 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. Qualified employers will be eligible for a 30% wage subsidy to $3,000 per employee. You can use this program to train new/re-hires as well!
To complete the survey, please click here.
TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THE 3RD ANNUAL NEW HEIGHTS CANNABIS TOURISM SUMMIT!
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.
You can learn more and register by clicking here.
STAKEHOLDER CALL MINUTES
There were no stakeholder calls scheduled for this week.
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!
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Province Invests in London-Area Businesses to Boost Local Economy
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
The Ontario government is supporting an investment of nearly $43.2 million by London-area manufacturers to strengthen domestic manufacturing and agri-food production and attract investment in the local economy. The province is investing more than $6 million in five London-area businesses through the Regional Development Program, which will help create 134 jobs and retain 133 jobs.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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Full Stadium and Full First-Class Experience Planned for 108th Grey Cup Game in Hamilton on Dec 12
CFL
The Canadian Football League laid out its plans for Grey Cup in Hamilton today in an announcement that resembles a three-play touchdown drive. On first down, a major gain: the league said the 108th Grey Cup game scheduled for December 12 is expected to feature a full-capacity Tim Hortons Field, with every fan fully vaccinated, and it will deliver the full first-class Grey Cup game experience, including fly-overs and top shelf pre-game and half-time entertainment.
Porter Airlines and Beau’s Brewing Co. Launch Co-branded Beer
Travel Pulse Canada
Porter Airlines and Beau’s Brewing Co. are launching a new co-branded porter-style beer, the Porter Porter. It is a dark beer with notes of espresso, chocolate and vanilla. A malty dark ale, it has a complex and flavourful character with a slightly dry finish.
Sudbury's YES Theatre unveils plans for Refettorio
The Mid-North Monitor
Alessandro Costantini, artistic and managing director, said YES Theatre is looking forward to moving forward full-throttle with the Refettorio, a performance and community space located downtown in close proximity to Place des Arts, the Sudbury Theatre Centre and eventually, The Junction.
WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide
WTTC
The Travel & Tourism sector’s continued sluggish recovery will see its year-on-year contribution to global GDP rise by less than one third in 2021, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency is pleased to welcome Val Hamilton as Senior Marketing Communications Manager
Muskoka Tourism
The Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency is focused on marketing Muskoka as the destination of choice. With that goal in mind, they have been working on retooling their strategy. " Adding Val to the team is a huge step in the right direction. Val brings her passion for Muskoka and cutting-edge marketing skills to drive the execution of this strategy" Janet O’Connell, Executive Director stated.
Middlesex County Launches New Visit Middlesex Website
Invest in Middlesex
Middlesex County is excited to announce the launch of their new tourism website, visitmiddlesex.ca. Complete with a fresh, modern design and user-friendly navigation, the site highlights all the tourism destinations you know and love in a revitalized environment.
Whitby MPP says Ontario tourism campaign will help residents safely re-discover attractions
In Durham
The campaign, designed by Destination Ontario, an agency of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, encourages Ontarians to safely rediscover the diversity of attractions and experiences that demonstrate Ontario offers the world in one Province.
Former coal dock to become Kingston’s first deep-water dock
Kingstonist
The Kingston Coal Dock, located on Lake Ontario near the former Rockwood Asylum, is being prepared as a location for a temporary deep-water dock which will allow Great Lakes cruise ships to stop in Kingston.
Ontario Garlic Week 2021
Ontario Garlic Week
Ontario Garlic Week will feature food & beverage establishments from across the province serving at least one dish using local garlic. This agri-tourism and culturally inclusive event highlighting Farm to Table sustainability will run from Friday, Oct 29 to Sunday Nov 7, 2021. There is no fee for food establishments to participate thanks to generous support from Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. For more information and to register, please click on the link in the title of this article.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian Economy and Consumer Sentiment
Destination Ontario
To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, the consumer mindset and to inform marketing recovery strategies, Destination Ontario has accessed various economic, public attitude and behaviour studies. To read the full report, please click on the link in the title of this article.
Toronto Wins Bid to Host Multi-Year Esports Travel Summit
Sports Travel
Toronto is set to host the EsportsTravel Summit in 2023 and 2028! The Summit is the world's largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers and the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. The City of Toronto, OverActive Media and Destination Toronto partnered to bring the event to the city, marking the first time it will be held outside the U.S.
Tourism SkillsNet North
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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