Ontario’s tourism industry is pleased by important investments in the Ontario budget that come at a critical time for the sector.
“This budget responds to the needs of the moment,” said Andrew Siegwart, President & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. “Businesses in our sector are facing significant pressure from trade and tariffs, and lost revenue from fewer bookings coming from the United States.”
The budget launches the Protecting Ontario Account, which will direct $5 Billion to businesses affected by the current trade dispute. It also commits $40 Million to a new Trade Impacted Communities Program.
“Many of our members are hurting. We are seeing less international traffic, and higher costs to operate,” said Siegwart. “Tourism businesses are the backbone of many communities across Ontario, and we need to be able to access these accounts.”
The budget also made important investments in Ontario’s workforce, including a $1 billion increase to the Skills Development Fund. The tourism sector continues to experience labour shortages across many communities and in an array of skilled roles. One-in-ten jobs in Ontario depend on tourism.
“In the coming weeks, TIAO will release a tourism strategy for Ontario that highlights the importance of solving labour shortages to help our industry grow and prosper,” said Siegwart. “Today’s commitment demonstrates the government is serious about improving conditions for businesses, and for people who seek new opportunities in their careers.”
The budget also contained significant investments to help Ontarians and visitors travel throughout the province more seamlessly. New funding will build new highways, eliminate cumbersome tolls, expand public transit in the province and explore opportunities for expanded air access.
“We are glad the government has continued to champion investments in tourism-enabling infrastructure that promotes economic growth and makes it easier for visitors to navigate our province,” added Siegwart.
TIAO is also pleased to see targeted investments in key tourism regions and projects, including $25 million to revitalize the Nancy Island Historic Site, expanded support for tourism in the Niagara Region, and a commitment to explore opportunities to improve regional air access. These targeted commitments underscore the importance of our sector at this critical juncture, laying a strong foundation for a coordinated, province-wide approach to tourism marketing and investment attraction.
“Right now, Ontario has an unprecedented opportunity to establish our province as the premier tourism destination in North America. We need coordinated action to seize the moment, promote the province, and make the visitor experience exceptional. Today’s commitments are a positive step in that direction,” Siegwart concluded.