September 9, 2020- Update from TIAC

While many items like today’s COVID-19 update are made available to everyone in the tourism sector, TIAC Membership has many other benefits that can help your business. We have begun to revamp our members-only resources, and TIAC Members get exclusive savings and deals on a number of products.

Financial support for TIAC also makes it possible for TIAC to continue our advocacy, leadership, and support to all operators. As a not-for-profit organization, our work is only possible because of paid members and partners. TIAC Members fuel our work for the benefit of all tourism stakeholders.

Please consider joining TIAC and contribute to our efforts. TIAC’s annual membership starts at $395.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jennifer Taylor

Vice-President, Marketing & Member Relations

jtaylor@tiac-aitc.ca

Dear Tourism Stakeholders,

A NOTE TO OUR READERS: moving forward, TIAC will be switching the release schedule for our COVID-19 Updates. Updates will go out each Wednesday evening. Thank you for your continued support and readership.

The TIAC Team is pleased to provide you with this update 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 Visitor Economy:

·     This afternoon, TIAC’s President and CEO presented virtually to the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers, which brings together all ministers responsible for tourism across the country.

·     In her presentation, the President & CEO called for better coordination between the federal and provincial governments to ensure the tourism sector is receiving adequate support during the pandemic, regardless of where they are located. This includes a balanced recovery and reopening plan that is similar across jurisdictions. She also called for positive messaging to Canadians from elected officials to encourage travel.

·     Keith Henry from ITAC also presented a dire picture of how COVID is impacting Indigenous tourism businesses across the country.

·     TIAC continues to work with various stakeholder groups to grow our advocacy voice and initiatives.

·     This week, TIAC’s President & CEO participated in a stakeholder call with officials from ISED to discuss the industry’s ongoing need for liquidity support and extension of the CEWS specifically to help the hardest hit businesses.

·     The President & CEO also participated in several calls with Canada’s Tourism Roundtable.

·     In the coming days, TIAC and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) will launch a short industry survey to help us gather more recent data to support our joint advocacy efforts. Please keep your eyes out for the link to this new survey!

·     Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced that Rent Relief for small businesses through the  Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program will be extended by one month to help eligible businesses pay rent through September.

·     Last week, Parks Canada announced the extension of visitor season operations for Georges Island National Historic Site, citing high public interest from visitors.

·     New Conservative Party leader, Erin O’Toole announced the members of his ‘shadow cabinet’ who will act as opposition critics to various government portfolios.

·     Notably, long-time tourism critic Blake Richards (Banff-Airdrie) will now serve as the Conservative Party’s Chief Opposition Whip, and Tony Baldinelli (Niagara Falls) will take on the position of Special Advisor on Tourism Sector Recovery.

·     TIAC congratulates both Mr. Baldinelli and Mr. Richards on their new roles. We have already reached out to Mr. Baldinelli to schedule a call in the near future.

·     Our partners at Destination Canada launched the first ever Canada Expedia Microsite, which in collaboration with all provinces and territories will be used as a platform for marketing tourism product across Canada

·     View the microsite here.

TIAC has compiled a list of COVID-19 Resources for the industry, including programs, articles, informative articles, and TIAC Member discounts. Any new updates will be included in this email as they arise. Click here to view the full list.

COVID-19 Recovery

Canada’s provinces and territories continue 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. 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 and other resources as they become available. Click here to view.