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Hello!

TIAO’s AGM took place virtually yesterday – it was a great opportunity for the TIAO team and our board to connect with many of our members, reflect on a very busy past year in tourism advocacy, and look ahead to TIAO’s 2024 priorities. 

In other tourism news, the issue of visa approvals for Canada has once again made headlines, with Calgary missing out on hosting a major international health conference due to visa processing delays.

Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) are seeking input from stakeholders to address the issue of delayed visa approvals. Please respond to Minto Schneider (Board Chair, MMBC) at minto@interoceaninc.ca and cc jng@tiaontario.ca with any feedback to the following:  

1. Are you aware of any conference/convention bids that were lost due to the length of time it takes for visas to be approved? 

1. Are you aware of any conference/conventions that were definite that were cancelled due to the time it takes for visas to be approved? 

1. Do you have any numbers related to attrition because of the visa approval process (either not approved or approved too late for the delegate to make travel arrangements)? 

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond – any information would be appreciated and will be used to determine next steps with TIAC and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  

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.

Jessica Ng

Director, Policy & Government Affairs
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario