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Message from the President & CEO
I’d like to begin by congratulating Minister Martinez Ferrada on her appointment as the new Minister of Tourism. The importance of tourism to Canada’s economic, cultural and social fabric as well as its contribution to our nation’s brand globally cannot be overstated. At the end of 2019, total tourism spending had achieved an all-time high of $105 billion; there were more than two million tourism supported jobs; GDP was $43.5 billion; there were 233,354 active tourism businesses. More than its economic might, tourism is a prime vehicle for diplomacy, demonstrating to the world Canada’s ideals as a nation – resilience, tolerance and inclusivity. On behalf of the association and its members, I’d like to thank outgoing Minister Randy Boissonnault for his dedication to the sector.
Read more on the CEBA repayment deadline and the federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
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CEBA Repayment Deadline
The recent debt level survey we carried out alongside our provincial and territorial counterparts shows more than half of our businesses in Canada are worried about keeping their doors open and the lights on over the next three years. This is why we are pushing for greater government intervention by extending the CEBA repayment deadline. The fact that more than 250 other industry association partners signed onto the coalition that presented the letter is a testament to the importance the government should place on this issue.
Specifically, 45 per cent of Canada's tourism businesses reported that they are likely or somewhat likely to close within the next three years, without government intervention into their mounting debt load. The survey found that 55 per cent of tourism sector businesses who NANOS Research spoke to say they are somewhat not or not confident that their company will be able to make debt payments (principal and interest) that are due over the next two years. This includes loans through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) and the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP). (...)
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2023 Canadian Tourism Awards (CTA) Nominations Now Open
Nominate a person, place or organization that is truly one of Canada’s best, offering travellers superior experiences, and authentically presenting the very best of Canada.
Submissions closing soon!
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We’re looking for enthusiastic people to judge the CTAs!
TIAC is now accepting submissions for judges for the Canadian Tourism Awards (CTAs) taking place at The Westin Ottawa on November 22, 2023.
TIAC will be accepting judge applicants up to August 15, 2023. TIAC will advise on judge selection by August 25.
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Save the Date! TIAC’s Tourism Congress to take place November 21-22, 2023
Tourism Congress will take place at the Westin Ottawa on November 21 and 22, 2023. This annual event brings together over 500 industry leaders and peers from across the country and includes innovative programming, motivational speakers, expert panelists and a balance of networking and gathering opportunities.
The two-day event concludes with an evening of celebration at TIAC's Canadian Tourism Awards.
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Tourism Congress Sponsorship Opportunities
By becoming a sponsor of the 2023 TIAC Tourism Congress, your organization will gain the following:
- Unparalleled brand exposure to a diverse audience of industry professionals.
- Networking opportunities with key decision-makers and industry leaders.
- Enhanced reputation as a committed supporter of the Canadian tourism sector.
- Access to valuable insights and knowledge through engaging sessions.
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Ignite Your Tourism Business at the Inaugural
TIAC's Investors Forum
Are you a visionary tourism entrepreneur seeking to take your business to new heights?
Don't miss the opportunity to join us at the inaugural TIAC Investors Forum from November 26 to November 29, 2023, at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale. This exclusive event is designed to connect you with influential sources of capital, provide expert insights, and uncover lucrative opportunities within the thriving Canadian tourism sector.
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Why Join TIAC: Discover the Benefits of Joining the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
The tourism industry is a vital contributor to Canada's economy and cultural landscape, drawing millions of visitors from around the world to experience its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Behind this thriving industry lies the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), a not-for-profit membership-driven organization serving as the national voice for the travel sector. If you are a part of the Canadian tourism business or aspire to be, here are compelling reasons why you should consider joining TIAC.
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A Word from our Member
"TIAC is an extremely important association for the tourism industry. TIAC is our voice at the federal level and continuously fights for our industry. I truly believe that without their hard work and dedication over the last three years that a lot of tourism operators would not have survived, possibly even the whole industry. TIAC opened the eyes of the federal government to the importance of tourism to Canada's GDP. The work done by TIAC is crucial for the survival of our industry. Over and above the advocacy, TIAC offers many great programs, educational webinars and networking opportunities that help us learn and improve our position in each province. Continue the great work, TIAC!”
Carol Alderdice
President, New Brunswick Aviation Museum
We invite you to craft a testimonial that reflects your unique TIAC journey. You can submit your testimonial in the form of a written article, a video, or even a podcast. We encourage creativity and authenticity in your storytelling to help others truly connect with your experiences.
To share your testimonial, please click here.
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Thank You, Industry Patrons
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) expresses its most profound gratitude to its Industry Patrons for their significant financial investment and support of the association. TIAC's Industry Patrons are leading companies who have been instrumental in creating positive change, fostering international tourism growth, and advancing Canada's travel and tourism portfolio.
To become an TIAC Industry Patron contact Jenn Taylor, VP Business Development and Member Relations at 902-698-0984 or [email protected]
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Website Safety Notice
TIAC has recently been made aware of a website that is impersonating our organization online. Our legitimate website is www.tiac-aitc.ca. Please be mindful of the web address when logging into your member portal. If you believe you have logged into a fake TIAC website with your member credentials, please change your password on our legitimate site immediately. We have taken additional steps to make sure the system is safe. No personal information has been compromised. Any emails coming from an email address ending in @tiac.travel are not legitimate.
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Michel Boyer, Senior Director of Communications
Michel Boyer is joining TIAC as Senior Director, Communications and Media Relations. Michel brings a wealth of experience after a successful national career as a journalist and television correspondent for CTV News, Global News and Bell Media Radio. He also served as Chief of Staff in the aviation industry. We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to him lending his leadership and expertise in communications, public affairs and media.
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Gaby Azahar, Executive Assistant
Gaby is a travel enthusiast with a diploma in Tourism and Travel from La Cité collégiale. She spent a few years in the hospitality industry, following nearly five years as an executive assistant in the federal government. Beyond her professional life, Gaby is a bridal makeup artist, concert lover and hiking fanatic. Having moved to Canada at the age of 10, she speaks Spanish, English and French. Gaby resides with her partner, Alex and their dog, Dobby, forming an adventurous trio.
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Michel Kafrouny – Events Team Member
With over a decade of experience, Michel excels in inspiring and motivating teams to achieve goals. His analytical mindset and client-focused approach result in successful solutions in diverse environments. Michel thrives under pressure, seeking challenges that bring out his best. His blend of creativity, innovation, and people management has led to great events. His outstanding contributions have earned him recognition from reputable organizations, such as MPI Global listing him as fifty up and coming to watch in the industry, and voted as Ottawa's Best Event Planner by Faces Magazine for two consecutive years.
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Sarah Gay – Events Team
Sarah joins TIAC with more than 15 years of expertise in corporate event and project management, community relations, as well as corporate sponsorship and marketing. She has also contributed to the success of The North West Company, Payworks and most recently Ottawa Tourism. I originally hail from The 204, otherwise known as Winnipeg. Go Jets Go!
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We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to all the new and renewed members of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). It is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you in advancing the growth and prosperity of Canada's tourism industry.
NEW Members:
TouriScope
Six Nations Tourism
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Hello to New and Renewed TIAC Members
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our loyal members who have renewed their membership. Your unwavering commitment to TIAC demonstrates the trust and confidence you have in us, and we pledge to continue serving you with dedication and excellence.
We encourage you to take full advantage of the numerous benefits and resources available through your TIAC membership. Whether it be networking opportunities, access to valuable industry insights, advocacy support, or professional development initiatives, TIAC is here to support you every step of the way. By actively engaging and contributing to our community, you have the chance to shape the future of Canadian tourism.
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To learn more about what TIAC does and the benefits of membership, contact Jennifer Taylor, VP Business Development & Member Relations at [email protected] or Julie Gauvreau, Manager, Member Services at [email protected].
Not a member? Become one!
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Making a Splash: Tourism's Role in Water Conservation
Written by Shaylyn Robertson, GreenStep Solutions
It’s that time of year again, where drought conditions worsen across the country, while floods threaten and devastate others. Based on where you are located and how strongly those conditions are present in your community, response to drought from municipalities varies from recommendations to improve water conservation, to legal restrictions and outright banning on certain usage. For a country that boasts 20% of the world’s fresh water, we have a lot to learn as “massive data deficiencies for basic freshwater health indicators means we don’t have an informed understanding of the total impact of human activities on our watersheds” (WWF). (...)
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CEBA Repayment Deadline
On July 24, TIAC spearheaded a CEBA letter coalition where, along with over 250 industry associations, we sent an open letter addressed to Minister Freeland, urging the government to extend the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline.
This historic coalition recognizes that the government did a good thing during the pandemic by responding to businesses in crisis and giving them a lifeline with the CEBA loan program. However, not all businesses have recovered and in the face of extreme inflation, unreliable supply chains and a labour shortage, they need more time to pay the government back.
We are proud of our industry and the more than 250 industry associations for banding together to urge the Federal government to continue its support of our industry as it recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
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For Garden and Tourism stakeholders to increase their Destination’s appeal
The Canadian Garden Council in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria have joined forces to organize the International Garden Tourism Conference in Victoria BC, taking place from November 1 to 4, 2023.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how garden and tourism experts from various parts of the world are leveraging their garden experiences to develop and promote their destination.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity and start making plans to join us in Victoria. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information and to register please visit www.gardentourism.org
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National Virtual Career and Job Fair
- October 26, 2023
- More information coming soon
Tourism Congress
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Canadian Tourism Awards
TIAC’s Investors Form
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