Important Notice
Thank you for your continued readership of TIAC’s COVID-19 updates. As the pandemic’s effect on our economy and way of life continues, TIAC continues to adapt its communication channels to keep the industry up-to-date with relevant information and announcements that are critical for businesses across the sector. As a reminder, COVID-19 updates will now be sent twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday. Should pressing announcements or government updates happen on other days, we will issue special releases to your inbox with the pertinent information.
As always, we would like to recognize and thank TIAC members for their unwavering support of the association during these difficult times. We look forward to providing you with the information you need throughout this period. And as always, we welcome your ideas and feedback at all times! Stay safe and stay well!
Dear Tourism Stakeholders,
The TIAC Team continues to monitor and provide daily updates on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps government is taking to address the situation. We are working hard to make sure the industry’s voice is heard by government, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.
Please find the latest updates on official announcements and a recap of TIAC’s advocacy work on behalf of Canada’s Tourism Sector:
TIAC’s Advocacy Update
- On Friday, TIAC President and CEO held an online press conference to official launch our industry recovery plan, outlining TIAC’s immediate, short and long-term goals to help businesses succeed in COVID-19 recovery
- You can view the recovery document here
- Industry can get involved by sending a letter to their MP with the ca letter writing tool
- Our partners at Destination Canada (DC) have announced June 11th 2020, 9:00 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST as the date of their next webinar
- DC’s Business Events team is hosting a one-hour moderated panel with key US and international corporate meeting, association conferences and incentive trip buyers to discuss the future of international business events
- Sign up details and previous webinars can be found here
- For industry businesses with particular interest in the meetings and conventions sector, TIAC partner Meetings Mean Business Canada has launched a new newsletter “Rally for Recovery” for COVID-19 related updates
- Sign up for their newsletter on their website
- TIAC has received confirmation that GoMedia 2020, which was to take place this fall in Victoria, British Columbia, is now canceled
- Those who had registered should watch their emails for further details on refunds and other event notices
- On Friday, TIAC’s Vice President Stakeholder Relations and Business Development participated in a regular call with ISED ADM Paul Thompson, where he briefed the department on TIAC’s recovery plan launch and the need for the continued support of the industry
The latest Twenty31 industry dashboard report is available now on the TIAC website – ‘State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19’ Dashboard
Government Announcements
- With the acknowledgment that cases of COVID-19 are decreasing across the country, last week the federal government announced that they are ready to contribute $14 billion to provinces and territories for a safe restart, known as the Safe Restart Agreement.
- This includes more PPE for healthcare workers and businesses, ensuring children and seniors are protected, paid sick leave for workers with no benefits, and support for municipalities and transit.
- TIAC continues to monitor government guidelines for safe reopening, and pushing for Canada-wide standards, especially toward large gatherings
- Today, we saw the first moves towards reopening international borders, with the federal government announcing a limited exemption that will allow immediate family members of citizens or permanent residents of Canada – mainly spouses and parents of minor children – to cross the border.
- Every person entering Canada will have to self-isolate for 14 days, and the Minister of Immigration emphasized that travel is still not permitted for simply leisure purposes
Earlier today, Minister Joly announced an additional $50 million in funding to small and medium-sized businesses in Montreal in an effort to help them survive the COVID-19 pandemic through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
In Case You Missed It …
- On Friday, TIAC launched our plan for industry recovery and government advocacy campaign – send a letter to your MP today to tell them #TourismMatters to you!
TIAC’s Press Conference on the recovery plan can be viewed on our Facebook page
Resources for Businesses
- MPI has created a coronavirus resource page that pulls together meetings and events info and also links to several other resources helpful to the Business Events portion of our sector
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has begun releasing Global Safety Protocols for reopening with the ‘new normal’ in mind.
- Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of sector businesses related to COVID-19.
- For operators looking for information on how to prepare to safely reopen their operations in the coming weeks, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual guidelines available to businesses regarding COVID-19.
- Google for SMEs has also launched a page dedicated to supporting businesses during COVID-19 including practical steps and free digital skills training.
Our partners at Tourism HR Canada have opened their Emerit courses and created a resource hub for sector businesses
Looking Ahead – COVID-19 Recovery
Several provinces have begun announcing plans for reopening economies. Timelines and actions vary, but can provide businesses and workers with information on what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months. TIAC is following up on measures announced by British Columbia to limit gatherings of more than 50 people and seeking a coordinated approach between provinces in the recovery phase. We have reached out to our provincial counterparts to work together in an effort to create an orderly recovery strategy that will address health concerns and support tourism businesses. TIAC will continue to add links to provincial recovery plans as they become available:
TIAC Members: Making a difference
Thank you to the many TIAC Members who are helping during this difficult time. From those offering support like temporary housing for essential service providers, to others who brought home stranded Canadians from around the world. You are making a difference.
Today, we want to recognize the municipality of Vaughan, who’s hospitality sector has stepped up to meet the needs of the community and provide essential services. In addition to being open to front-line workers or operating as Designated Isolation Sites for those in need, hotels have also been assisting homeless shelters in the region and long-term care homes by providing food, toiletries, linens, and other items to help keep vulnerable populations safe. You can learn more about this initiative here.
Thank you to Ashley Travassos from Tourism Vaughan for sharing this story with us.
Do you have a story to share about how tourism businesses are supporting communities during these challenging times? We want to hear from you whether you’re a TIAC member or not. We need to celebrate our industry and recognize your generosity during these trying times. Please share your stories with us at communications@tiac-aitc.ca.
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TIAC will continue to represent your interests with government officials and decision-makers throughout this crisis. Please stay safe and let us know what more we can do to help.