The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is recognized by government as the voice of tourism.

At TIAO, we work on behalf of our membership, collectively representing the majority of tourism businesses and employees across the province, to take on pressing policy issues that impact the Ontario tourism industry. TIAO leads the way in government relations on behalf of the Ontario tourism industry, including tourism businesses and operators, destination marketing organizations, regional tourism organizations, and educators. We provide evidenced-based policy recommendations to ensure the provincial government understands and addresses the multifaceted needs of the tourism industry.

TIAO propels the powerful and innovative Ontario tourism industry by connecting tourism leaders, innovators, government, and educators through events and conferences. We are proud to host the largest gathering of tourism leaders, educators, businesses, and government officials in Canada, at our annual Ontario Tourism Summit.

MISSION

To be the principal authority and driver of economic and regulatory policies that are conducive to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the Ontario Tourism Industry.

GUIDING BEHAVIOURS

Collaboration, Resiliency and Purposefulness

MANDATE

To connect the industry with a unified voice on behalf of a diverse, inclusive tourism industry in Ontario.

VALUES

Ethical, Visionary, Inclusive, Equitable, Solution Oriented, Resilient and Collaborative.

Why Become A Member?

TIAO works proactively with stakeholders to resolve policy issues facing Ontario's tourism industry. With your support, TIAO can present a stronger, more unified front when advocating on behalf of tourism—representing industry interests to government, media, the business community and the public

TIAO is recognized as the umbrella government advocacy organization serving Ontario's diverse tourism industry. We facilitate conversations between government and industry to affirm the economic value of tourism. TIAO is an organization membership, not an individual. TIAO represents the Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO), Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO), Sector Associations, Tourism Operators and Suppliers to the Tourism Industry, as well as any Post-Secondary Education within the Province of Ontario that has tourism, hospitality or culinary within their programming.

TIAO is well positioned to deliver results to its membership on several key objectives:

Raising the profile and economic importance of Ontario's tourism and hospitality industry with government, media and the public.

Providing industry input and perspective on government policy that has the potential to impact the tourism industry.

Working with other tourism industry organizations to respond to critical issues in a timely manner.

Advocating further investment in Ontario's tourism industry.

Informing member organizations of important announcements and developments impacting industry.

Interested in becoming a TIAO Member?

Membership Rates

Our Sustainable Tourism Pledge

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is a proud Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge signatory, demonstrating our commitment to improving the sustainability performance of our business between now and 2030.

The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Each year, we commit to measuring and improving our sustainability performance:

Continue to have sustainability and environmental consciousness as part of our organizational thinking and framework.

When building partnerships, ask potential partners if and what initiatives they are undertaking to support sustainability.

Ensure work-related flights and accommodations are carbon offset when available.

Utilize our pan-provincial tourism network to support the education of sustainability by hosting the first Regional IMPACT Conference in Ontario.

Who Do We Talk To?

Premier's Office
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Ministry of Transportation
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Ministry of Education
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Ministry of Red Tape Reduction
Ministry of Infrastructure
Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Ministry of Natural Resources
Opposition Parties Including Leaders & Critics

TIAO Advocacy Wins

For more details on TIAO's recent legislative wins on behalf of the tourism industry, please click here.

Programs

Ontario Staycation Tax Credit

  Ontario Tourism Recovery Program

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) / Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)

Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and Regional Relief and Recovery (RRRF) Programs

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) / Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)

Government Legislations, Infrastructure & Grants

Permanent Alcohol Wholesale Discount at LCBO

Ontario Taking Steps to Protect Vulnerable Workers

  Ontario Travel and Tourism Small Business Support Grant

Temporary ESA Regulation on Termination and Severance Payouts

  Temporary changes to ESA legislation

Improving Rural Access to High-speed Internet

COVID-19

Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant

Proof of Vaccination Opt-in

Vaccine Certificate Exemption for International Visitors and First Nations Communities

  Unpaid IDEL to be Extended to July 30, 2022 to Protect Jobs and Businesses

`About TIAO`