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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TOURISM DAY AT QUEEN'S PARK
TIAO hosted 19 successful meetings today with Ontario Ministers, MPPs and government officials during its third virtual Tourism Day at Queen’s Park.
We will provide a full debrief on Tuesday's Stakeholder call and in next week's newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
BOARD OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN
The TIAO Board is currently seeking directors with a mix of strategic and business competencies to support and advance the organization’s performance and achievements of its mission and vision. We are particularly interested in candidates with an over-arching interest and experience in strategic thinking, governance and policy development.
If this description sounds like you, please complete the attached nomination form by April 23, 2021 and send to info@tiaontario.ca. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at any time.
Nomination form can be found here.
TIAO IS HIRING A RESEARCH AND POLICY OFFICER
Reporting to the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, the Policy and Research officer will coordinate research as well as develop and implement policy recommendations in collaboration with our members and partners to achieve the goals and objectives of TIAO in support of the tourism industry.
*One-year contract (Position to be reviewed at the end of the period)*
View the job posting here.
STAKEHOLDER CALL MINUTES
Thank you to everyone who joined this weeks 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 industry stakeholder calls provided an industry update on provincial announcements.
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.
GOVERNMENT RELEASES
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Ontario Supporting the Non-Profit Sector during COVID-19
Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
The Ontario government is providing more than $42 million to help 559 non-profit organizations across the province to support staff and volunteers, reimagine programing and renovate facilities as they deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our government has committed to supporting those struggling the most," said Minister MacLeod. "That's why it's important to support programs like the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund. This funding helps non-profits adapt to the challenges created by the pandemic - ensuring they can provide the best service possible and make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families across the province."
Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy Targets High-Risk Neighbourhoods
Office of The Premier
To slow the spread of the virus and protect communities with the highest rates of transmission, Ontario is rolling out vaccines to "hot spot" regions across the province as part of Phase Two of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Through this initiative, 114 highly impacted neighbourhoods, as identified by postal code, will be reached through mass immunization clinics, mobile teams and pop-up clinics.
COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot Program Launching in Waterloo Region
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is launching the StaySafe™ COVID-19 Rapid Screening Pilot in the Waterloo Region. The StaySafe™ program will provide free rapid antigen point-of-care tests for employees of small- and medium-sized businesses, with a target of 3,000 rapid tests conducted each week in the region. The program will help detect cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to keep workers and their families safe.
Ontario Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Locations to More Pharmacies
Health
The Ontario government is rapidly increasing capacity in its COVID-19 vaccine rollout with the addition of over 700 pharmacies across the province. These locations will start offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to individuals aged 55 and older throughout this week.
Ontario Highlights Innovative Child and Youth Mental Health Service
Office of The Premier
Today, Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, issued the following statement on Ontario's participation in a 13-part podcast series featuring promising practices and innovative mental health and addictions programs across Canada.
Ontario Supports Families, Businesses and Workers during COVID-19
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
To support Ontario's tourism, hospitality and culture industries, Ontario is investing an additional $400 million over the next three years in new initiatives to support these sectors. To help workers with their training expenses, the government has proposed a new Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit for 2021. It would provide up to $2,000 per recipient toward 50 per cent of eligible expenses, for a total estimated $260 million in support to about 230,000 people in 2021.
Ontario Moves Schools to Remote Learning Following Spring Break
Office of The Premier
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has made the difficult decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break. This move has been made in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants, and the massive spike in hospital admissions.
Ontario Supporting Health System Response During Third Wave of COVID-19
Health
In response to the recent and rapid rise in hospitalizations, ICU admissions and the threat to the province's critical care capacity, the Ontario government is issuing two emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). These orders will maximize system capacity, ensuring that hospitals have the resources required to provide care for patients and save lives.
These temporary emergency orders will support the redeployment of health care professionals and other workers currently working in Ontario Health and Home and Community Care Support Services organizations to hospitals.
Ontario Supporting Business Investment and Prosperity during COVID-19
Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
The Ontario government is proposing new red tape and burden reduction measures intended to minimize existing barriers on businesses and support a long-term recovery plan. Today, Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, announced Ontario's Spring Red Tape Reduction Package and introduced the Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act.
The proposed legislation is the latest in a series of actions that will help businesses and government deliver clear, modern and effective rules that promote public health, safeguard the environment and create jobs. If passed, the act will help more individuals, families and small businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and prepare them for future opportunities.
INDUSTRY NEWS
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ITO released an RFP for an Ontario Indigenous Tourism Economic Assessment
Indigenous Tourism Ontario
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario (ITO) is seeking qualified firms to conduct an economic impact assessment of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous tourism businesses and operations throughout the province of Ontario. The purpose of this project is to acquire a clear picture and understanding of the scale and gravity of the impacts that the pandemic has had and will continue to have on Ontario’s Indigenous tourism industry. The goal is to generate corroborative evidence of the disproportional effects that the pandemic has had on this niche sector in order to align strategies and take action to support the industry in the most proactive and effective way possible.
Proposals are to be submitted via email to Leni Brem, Director of Operations at Indigenous Tourism Ontario at lbrem@indigenoustourismontario.ca.
TIAC Seeks Canadian Quarantine Program Replacement and Vaccine Passports
Travel Pulse
Speaking on a Zoom call last Friday with Destination Canada, TIAC president and CEO Beth Potter said there are better ways to handle the pandemic than Canada’s current plan, which requires a 14-day quarantine for those coming into the country and an expensive hotel stay of up to three days for anyone arriving by air.
Hogan's Homestead owners selected as finalists for tourism pitch competition
SooToday
Sault Ste. Marie couple, Spencer and Erica Hogan from Hogan’s Homestead have become finalists in the Northern Ontario (Special Edition) “Spark” Competition.
Spencer and Erica Hogan are the owners of Hogan’s Homestead, the third largest maple producer in Algoma based in Goulais River Ontario with a 30,000 Tap Operation.
Capreol's railroad museum appoints new CAO
The Sudbury Star
Joanne Bowers has been named the new chief administrative officer for the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre (NORMHC) in Capreol. Bowers has spent nearly 25 in the tourism industry and brings her experience to the railroad museum in the areas of public relations, marketing, event planning, and economic development.
Spring brings new hope and a fresh perspective to Northeastern Ontario Tourism
Northern Ontario Business
Northeastern Ontario Tourism is pleased to announce that spring will bring a fresh perspective to the not-for-profit organization with the addition of two new board members – Keitha Robson and Peter Chirico – and acting executive director Trevor Beard.
Restaurant workers given financial, mental health aid amid Ontario lockdown
HR Reporter
"The anxiety created by the actions of government-mandated openings and closings is having a significant financial and mental health impact on our frontline teammates," says Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Unlimited. We want to ensure that no member of our team is left unable to pay their rent or feed their families. Unfortunately, we are seeing too many instances where this support is needed."
Positive reaction to big-spending budget
Haliburton Echo
“Ontario’s 2021 budget means supports for the hardest-hit sectors and communities, including right here in the Haliburton Highlands – much needed aid for women who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic, and initiatives that will create a strong economic rebound related to tourism, training, and vital infrastructure such as broadband,” Andrea Strano, president of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.
Budget, health and pandemic recovery the basis of Smith chat with local chamber members
InQuinte
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith appeared on a virtual conference with local Chamber of Commerce leaders, local business owners and community stakeholders on Thursday to provide a breakdown of supports offered in the province’s 2021 recently released budget.
Smith outlined the increased supports for the business community and for the economy, to $23.3 billion, with $400 being allocated to children 18 and under, $500 for those with special needs, and a 20-per cent increase in the care tax credit that was started a couple of years ago.
Kitchener Today
Local business owners now have access to an additional tool in the fight against COVID-19, as the Cambridge and Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chambers of Commerce announced Tuesday the roll-out of a new pilot program that aims to put rapid COVID-19 antigen screening kits in the hands of our small and medium sized business - free of charge.
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