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About TIAO

    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.

    Mandate

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

     

    Guiding Behaviours

    Collaboration, Resiliency and Purposefulness.
     

     

    Values

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

     

    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 in the following ways:

    • 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.

    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 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.

    Who Do We Talk To?

    Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries             Office of the Premier

    Ministry of Finance                                                                                        Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

    Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade          Ministry of Education 

    Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines                      Ministry of the Environment, Conservation & Parks 

    Ministry of Government and Consumer Services                                 Ministry of Infrastructure

    Ministry of Labour                                                                                          Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 

    Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry                                           Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

    Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities                                      Ministry of Transportation

    Opposition Parties including leaders and critics

    TIAO's Advocacy Wins

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

    Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant

    Vaccine Certificate Exemption for International Visitors and First Nations Communities

    Ontario Staycation Tax Credit

    Proof of Vaccination Opt-in

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

    Temporary ESA Regulation on Termination and Severance Payouts
    Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and Regional Relief and Recovery (RRRF) Programs

    Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program

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

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

    Permanent Alcohol Wholesale Discount at LCBO

    		 Ontario Taking Steps to Protect Vulnerable Workers

    Improving Rural Access to High-speed Internet 

    Temporary changes to ESA legislation

    Ontario Travel and Tourism Small Business Support Grant

    Ontario Tourism Recovery Program

     

     

    Who are our members?

    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.

    Interested in becoming a TIAO member?


    Join Now!

     

    Questions?

    Contact Carol Greenwood, Vice President, Operations & Partnerships
    at 416-483-1691 or cgreenwood@tiaontario.ca

    There's never been a more important time to join us and make your voice heard.

     JOIN TIAO

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