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We are very much looking forward to our upcoming Tourism Day at Queen’s Park, December 10th. We have member delegates joining us from across the province to attend a number of meetings with government officials and staff to educate on the economic driver that tourism is in this province, and discuss specific recommendations needed to help our industry prosper.

Our key advocacy themes as we head into meetings will centre around Economic Recovery and Growth, Workforce, and Infrastructure. The day will conclude with a Taste of Ontario reception, all TIAO members are welcome. If you are interested in attending, please register here.

TIAO has been working to understand the full implications of the recent changes to immigration policies touching on both international students and post graduate work permits. We have partnered with TIAC to send a joint letter to Minister Miller requesting a meeting to discuss the impact these changes will have on the tourism industry, and our recommendations moving forward.

We continue momentum with the Ontario Tourism Strategy, holding a number of focus groups over the next few weeks. Thank you to all those who have participated - TIAO is really proud to be leading this initiative, for an industry led strategy, and we could not do this without your valuable insight and expertise.

TIAO was happy to host federal MP Blake Richards this week with a number of our members to discuss the state of tourism in Ontario and to discuss ongoing federal files impacting our industry including labour, immigration changes, and investment in capital infrastructure. Thank you to MP Richards for taking the time to speak with us.

Please reach out with any comments as we continue to build our recommendations for our pre budget submission in advance of the provincial budget msimmons@tiaontario.ca.

Sincerely,

This past week, I was honored to speak at the 1000 Islands Binational Tourism Summit alongside Mark Dorr, President of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, and Krista Leclair, Executive Director of Kingston Accommodation Partners.

Hosted by the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, this essential binational event fostered discussions around innovative, collaborative opportunities to advance destination development across borders. A highlight for me was a data-driven session that compared visitor profiles and sales performance on both sides of the border. By sharing insights, partners can identify new markets, enhance awareness, and elevate the entire destination as a cohesive, attractive option for travelers.

As we move forward following last week’s U.S. election, TIAO remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering these alliances and advocating for trade policies that drive tourism growth. We are committed to strengthening our economic relationships with the United States, ensuring that Ontario’s tourism industry remains competitive, resilient, and well-supported across borders.

Sincerely,

ONTARIO TOURISM STRATEGY SURVEY

We had greater than expected participation from across the province to our Ontario Tourism Strategy Survey. THANK YOU to each and every one of you who took the time to give us your thoughts. Your insights are crucial for shaping the future of Ontario tourism. We are now looking to announce our focus groups and online panel plans as the next step in the process. Please stay tuned for more details...

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT  

TIAO’s President and CEO Andrew Siegwart spoke with the Ontario Motor Coach Association’s (OMCA) Board of Directors in advance of their 2024 Marketplace in Windsor, earlier this week. OMCA is a valued member – motor coach travel plays a vital role in the Ontario tourism industry.

This week, Andrew had a chance to speak at the RTO12 2024 Regional Tourism Summit held in Muskoka this week. This was an opportunity to delve further into the importance of the tourism strategy work that TIAO is undertaking, and the significance of participation from all regions across the province.

I had a chance to visit the official opening of the pop-up of Ontario Science Centre at Sherway Gardens – featuring some extraordinary exhibitions. The Centre is holding pop-ups and events at different locations – the newest being Harbourfront Centre starting December 2024.

TASTE OF ONTARIO RECEPTION – DECEMBER 10

A favoured reception has returned. Tourism Day at Queen’s Park ends with a special Taste of Ontario Reception. Please join us and meet tourism delegates from across the province. Register here.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me an email at msimmons@tiaontario.ca.

Sincerely,