Following on from Jessica’s comprehensive report on our activities at ROMA last week, TIAO continues to progress key files to support the tourism industry. This is only a snapshot of the work we’re currently doing, so if you have a question about TIAO’s work or would like to speak to us regarding a specific issue please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing us at info@tiaontario.ca
In good news the provincial government has clarified concerns over Interntional visitors accessing venues in Ontario that require a QR code. International visitors will be required to present their own countries vaccine receipt and international passport to gain access to premises requiring a QR code. If an international visitor is set for an extended visit, they can present their proof of vaccine receipts to their local public health unit for verification and instructions on how to obtain an Ontario QR code version of the vaccine certificate. Guidance for businesses on how to review international visitors' documentation can be viewed here.
Thanks to feedback from TIAO members and stakeholders, TIAO put forward our own comprehensive submission to the Ontario government's pre-budget consultation and to the Standing Committee for Finance and Economic Affairs. Our focus remains clear, to lobby for increased economic support for the tourism industry, to increase eligibility criteria for current programs, to work towards strategies that will address our labour shortage and to reopen our businesses as soon as possible, amongst many other recommendations on extending rate relief, deferring permit costs and simplifying regulations. In past consultations, several of TIAO’s recommendations have been reflected in legislation. You can read TIAO’s full submission by clicking here. If you would like to make your own submission to the government's pre-budget consultation you have until February 11 and can do so by clicking here.
We continue to advocate to the Federal government for the necessity of debt relief, specifically those businesses that have taken on CEBA and RRRF loans. We know that the economic legacy of the pandemic will be widespread and severe and thus TIAO continues to push for an increase in the forgivable portions of loans and increase timescales for businesses to pay back loans. Thank you to the hundreds of TIAO members who have already sent their own letters to their MP’s already, but if you would like to join the campaign by sending your own letter, please visit our website to download a template letter.
In the coming days we will be meeting with Ontario Liberal Party Leader Steven Del Duca and Conservative Federal Critic for Tourism Michelle Ferreri MP to discuss the challenges facing the tourism industry. TIAO continues to pursue every avenue to get the voice of the tourism industry heard with decision makers as we pursue cross party solutions to support our industry.
Finally, there is still time to register for the second webinar in TIAO's Building Inclusive Tourism series on February 16. The second lunch and learn session entitled ‘Better Business Discovery Process’ moderated by Maxine Gundermann, Market Sales Manager, Eastern Ontario, Celebrity Cruises, Inc, will provide the steps to conduct a discovery within your own operations and businesses to identify current gaps. You will gain insights through hearing about other’s experiences in the marketplace as they share best practice stories and examples of how adjusting your business to be more inclusive lead to better business success. Maxine will be joined by Niyoka McIntosh - Co-founder of Unpack Consulting; Wellness Vacation Specialist and owner of Vacation Your Way, Shalene Dudley, CTA, WPICC, PMP - Lead Travel Concierge at Latitude Concierge Travels, Ltd and Maria Ines - Director of Agent Experience & Loyalty, Independent by Flight Centre.
To secure your place, simply click here to register and please do share details of the session with colleagues and stakeholders.
Christopher Bloore, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario