Blogs

It’s been another busy week at TIAO as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend. This past week:  

• TIAO was at the Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA)’s 60th AGM Conference and Trade Show, with our own Carol Greenwood (VP, Operations & Partnerships) leading a tourism panel featuring Destination Northern Ontario, RTO7, RTO4, and Discover Muskoka.
• Andrew Siegwart was in Edmonton this week attending Rendez-vous Canada (RVC), the largest tourism trade show in the country.
• And TIAO is continuing to work with Kingston partners, affected operators, government partners, and elected officials on the LaSalle Causeway closure, which is resulting in significant disruptions and revenue losses for Kingston’s summer tourism season. Read more below for the latest updates and for a joint letter from opposition critics in support of TIAO and industry advocacy.

Thank you for your continued support. And as always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email at jng@tiaontario.ca.

Dr. Jessica Ng, PhD  

Director, Policy & Government Affairs
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

As the industry gears up for the critical peak season ahead, TIAO has been laser-focused on two key areas crucial for a robust 2024 and ongoing economic rebound: workforce development and transportation infrastructure.  

Recently, the tourism sector faced significant setbacks with reductions in Skills Development Fund (SDF) projects, impacting training and recruitment efforts province-wide.  We swiftly collaborated with Tourism SkillsNet Ontario (TSNO) partners to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects, given federal policy changes affecting international students and workers.  Our joint letter to Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, urges urgent action to support tourism workforce and business capacity.  Read our letter here.

In addition, we hosted an open meeting to gather Member feedback on critical transportation services. Key findings reveal substantial gaps hindering growth, including reduced air service, underutilized commuter services, labor shortages, and integration challenges among transportation modes. TIAO will leverage this input to drive targeted advocacy efforts for improved transportation connectivity across Ontario. Meanwhile, we continue to advocate for enhanced services, like the recently announced early Via Rail service to Kingston.         

And finally, we look forward to welcoming Members and partners to next week’s IMPACT conference (May 6&7, 2024).  There is still time to register, and I promise you it will be worth your investment and time.  

Here are the Top-5 reasons why you need to be there: 

1. The program is immersive, experiential, and delegates will be guided by Indigenous Elders, teachings, and operators.  

1. Tourism operator case studies will be shared that showcase sustainability innovation while meeting consumer needs and trends.  

1. Compelling tourism brands, e.g., The Four Seasons, Via Rail, Expedia, UNESCO will share leading insights.  

1. Workforce planning & attainable housing creativity will take centre stage.  

1. We will welcome Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, new Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport to his first TIAO Community event for an intimate fireside chat about rural economic development and sustainability. 

Thank you to all TIAO Members and partners for your continued support, engagement and guidance.  

Sincerely,