Tourism Week 2022 Evening Reception

On the evening of May 30, 2022, TIAC co-hosted a well-attended reception with the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus Co-Chairs at the Delta Hotel in downtown Ottawa. The packed house heard from TIAC's Beth Potter, as well as Minister Boissonnault, in addition to all members of the executive of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus. The evening resulted in five mentions that week in both the House of Commons and the Senate – watch them here!

1. Parliamentary Secretary Rachel Bendayan
2. MP Patrick Weiler 
3. MP Michelle Ferreri
4. MP Julie Vignola
5. Senator Karen Sorensen

Elimination of Vaccination Mandates

TIAC is pleased that the Government of Canada is eliminating the COVID-19 vaccine mandates for domestic travel on planes and trains, as well as outbound international travel, which have been in effect since Oct. 30, 2021. This is progress, but still falls short of where science and the rest of the world is on travel and tourism.

Today’s announcement will help alleviate the situation at our airports, streamlining our processes and aligning them with other countries. However, while this is good news for domestic and outbound travel, it does not address any of the current issues for inbound travellers or our cruise sector. TIAC urges the federal government to now turn its attention to eliminating barriers to travel in these important areas, and do so quickly so we can promote a resurgence in travel over the summer months. 

On behalf of our industry’s thousands of businesses across the country, we continue to advocate for the removal of all pandemic-related border restrictions, including the elimination of the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. With pre-departure and arrival testing now eliminated in many countries around the world, it no longer makes sense to force travellers to use ArriveCAN when entering Canada. For the industry first hit, hardest hit and last to recover, we continue to advocate for a full return to normal at our borders.

Ontario Lifts Mask Mandates 

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced recently that most of the province’s remaining provincial masking requirements, including on public transit, expired as of 12 a.m. on June 11, 2022. Dr. Kieran Moore stated that remaining Directives were revoked and replaced with Ministry of Health guidance for health care workers and organizations (although organizations may implement their own policies). 

Beth Potter Wins Award

As co-chairs of the Coalition for Hardest Hit Businesses, Beth Potter and Susie Grynol, President of the Hotel Association of Canada, were recently chosen to receive the 2022 Canadian Live Music Industry’s Unsung Hero Award. The Award recognizes their work supporting the live music industry and was presented to them in Toronto on June 10 at the first show the Canadian Live Music Industry has had since 2019.

2022 Canadian Tourism Awards   

The 2022 Canadian Tourism Award (CTA) nomination process is now open, accepting applications in nine categories. The CTAs are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry and have become the standard of excellence for businesses and organizations in the travel industry, showcasing the nation's best in tourism. 

The 2022 CTAs will take place this year on Nov. 23 during TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress (Nov. 22 and 23) at the Westin Ottawa. Award categories include Business of the Year; Small or Medium-Sized Business of the Year; Indigenous Tourism; Sustainable Tourism; Employee of the Year; Innovator of the Year; and Travel Media Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award  

Considered the single highest and most revered honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by TIAC at its Tourism Congress. This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution of energy, service, and talent towards the growth of the Canadian tourism industry, through volunteer work, service, or business accomplishments. 

Focusing on tourism building, the recipient demonstrates leadership, vision and innovation built on a solid foundation of strong values and sound business strategies. The 2022 recipient will be recognized on the evening of Nov. 23 during the Canadian Tourism Awards celebration at the Westin Ottawa. 



TIAC’s 30 Under 30 Achievers

We know there are many up-and-coming young tourism leaders across this great country. Over the last few years, many have stepped up to help guide the industry through the greatest challenge it has ever faced, started a new business, or contributed to the transformation of an existing one. Do you know an “Under 30 Achiever”? 

TIAC wants to acknowledge and recognize these  achievers during the Air Canada Luncheon taking place at the 2022 Tourism Congress. During the Luncheon, TIAC will recognize up to 30 individuals, 30 years of age and younger, working in the tourism industry and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry. Nominations close July 31, 2022. Submit your nomination today!

Future Leaders Contest  

In partnership with Air Canada, TIAC is launching the 2022 Future Leaders Contest that will enable two Travel and Tourism students to attend the 2022 TIAC Tourism Congress. During the Tourism Congress, the students will be presented with special recognition for their achievements. 

Students are invited to complete the online application and submit their questions by Oct. 1, 2022. The winning students will receive one complimentary registration, two nights of hotel accommodations at the Westin Ottawa, and round-trip airfare on Air Canada (Economy Class) to attend TIAC’s Tourism Congress!

Make Your Voice Count

Have you filled out TIAC's survey? Your input matters as TIAC will use it to draft its submission for the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Your feedback will ensure the submission accurately reflects the industry's priorities for immediate investment, long-term growth, and greater economic stability. We need to hear from you! But hurry, the deadline to respond to the survey is this Friday June 17, 2022. 

TIAC Members-Only Event at Rendez-vous Canada 2022 

After three years, more than 400 TIAC Member Sellers, RVC Buyers, and Media enjoyed an exclusive gathering during Rendez-vous Canada 2022 in Toronto. Known as “The Office,” the 2022 edition of the TIAC Members-only RVC+ 2022 event took place at Little Canada, a fabulous, unique attraction (and TIAC member!).

In addition to the great food, drink, and company, attendees heard from Beth Potter, Minister Boissonnault; Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, Founder and President of Little Canada; and David McClung, President, Baxter Travel Media, which has hosted The Office for many years at Rendez-vous Canada! 

TIAC Member Talks Resume this Fall

With the start of a hotly anticipated busy summer season, the next few months are critical for many in the business and TIAC is aware that your schedule will be packed and focused on operations. For this reason, we have decided to pause our monthly online chats. We will resume our virtual meetings on the second Tuesday of the month, starting Sept. 13, 2022. Stay tuned to your TIAC Talk newsletter for more details!