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Message from the President & CEO
With the arrival of June comes the arrival of summer and with it, one of the tourism industry’s busiest times. For us at TIAC summer welcomes our signature event co-hosted with Destination Canada, Rendez-vous Canada (RVC).
Celebrating its 47th year, RVC 2023 provides more than 1,500 international tourism industry leaders with the opportunity to meet one-on-one. This year’s event wrapped up on June 2 in beautiful Québec City. With quick and efficient pre-scheduled appointments buyers, sellers and media gained focused engagement around the best of the best in Canadian tourism experiences. (...)
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Economic and Cultural Importance of Tourism in Canada
TIAC is preparing for release of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which will help trigger the identification of new tourism advocacy priorities for the next 12 to 18-months.
The economic and cultural importance of tourism in Canada cannot be overstated and advocating for the continued investment and support of provincial governments and the federal government is a top priority for TIAC.
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Advocating for British Columbia's Professional Whale Watching Community
TIAC is proud to have worked in close collaboration with British Columbia’s professional whale watching community to ensure the economic, educational and conservational value of the sector was recognized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. We are especially pleased with the recent announcement related to the 2023-24 Southern Resident killer whale management measures to preserve a professional viewing distance of 200-metres from thriving Bigg’s (transient) and Northern resident killer whales through Transport Canada’s Sustainable Whale Watch Agreement.
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A Recap: Rendez-vous Canada
Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) 2023, hosted in Québec City was a huge success. Together, with Destination Canada, we hosted more than 1,500 delegates - including more than 400 buyers from 23 countries - who participated in 51,000 appointments over four days.
Events like RVC are vital in supporting the recovery of Canada’s tourism sector in the years ahead, driving prosperity back into local businesses and their communities. Now more than ever it is important for visitors around the world to know that Canada and its destinations are ready to welcome them back with open arms.
As co-hosts of Canada’s premier international tourism marketplace, we are aligned with Destination Canada’s goal to connect international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses to create meaningful opportunities for all delegates. (...)
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“As a startup that came about due to the pandemic, I wanted to be part of a group of like-minded professionals that were putting a voice forward to the government. Although I have only been a member for a few months, I have already seen an enormous ROI, 1 - participating in the upcoming Rendez Canada, 2 - Being allowed to participate in the masterclass: Regenerative Event Management Program. This qualification will provide Reps4Rent with an advantage over our competitors when bidding for events. My personal growth and thought process has already been influenced after one session. I highly recommend professionals in the travel industry to join TIAC.”
Reps4Rent – Dianne Jackson
Would you like to be featured in our monthly TIAC Talk, social channels and on our website? TIAC Member Testimonial provides visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIAC Talk and other platforms, click here to submit your testimonial.
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Did You Know?
Did you know your membership with TIAC allows you to add secondary contacts? What does that mean, and what is the value?
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) membership belongs to the company, organization, association, or agency. One primary contact is appointed to manage the account content, renew the membership, and add any secondary contacts.
TIAC Membership and associated benefits belong to the one (1) primary business address, not the owner; staff member; affiliated businesses or membership. Membership is not transferable from one property to another, or multiple businesses associated with the Applicant.
The appointed primary contact for the membership has complete control of your organization's content. The primary contact can initiate membership renewals, update profile and contact information, update address, change password and add/change logo/photo. The primary contact can also add secondary contacts to the membership.
Secondary contacts will receive their own login information and can enjoy member benefits. This allows secondary contacts to enjoy full member benefits, including access to the website's member section.
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“Being a member and partner within Team Tourism in Canada via TIAC is critical for TMAC. Collaborating and networking with our Tourism Industry colleagues is key for our TMAC members. We have a critical and significant role in building back better, influencing and mobilizing travellers to and within Canada...”
Donna Hatt, CAO, TMAC
Read Donna's full interview here.
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We would love to hear from you and share your message in an upcoming TIAC Talk.
Click here to submit your message.
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Ask an Expert Session:
Canada's Francophone and Bilingual and Tourism Industry
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Our next Ask An Expert Webinar will be held on JUNE 21, 2023, from 2 – 3 pm EDT. June’s Ask An Expert is titled: Canada's Francophone and Bilingual Tourism Industry with guest speakers Chantal Nadeau and Roukya Abdi Aden of RDÉE Canada.
The recent resurgence in tourism activity and the context currently taking shape could have important spin-offs for Canada's francophone and bilingual tourism industry. There are over 320 million potential travellers in the domestic and international French-speaking markets, with 7.9 million French-speaking Canadians, including (6.9 million) from Quebec. Through its website, Salut Canada offers the only promotional showcase for francophone and bilingual tourism thanks to its French services classification tool that informs visitors of the level of service in French they will receive at tourist sites. Discover how we can help you welcome French-speaking visitors based on the National French Language Services Classification and assist you with implementing marketing strategies specific to French-speaking markets.
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Calling out to all TIAC Members and Associates, we invite you to participate in our Annual Member Survey. Your input and perspectives are invaluable to help us understand the evolving landscape and shape the future of our association.
As a token of our appreciation for your participation, all survey respondents will be entered into a chance to win a
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$500 VIA Rail gift certificate valid across Canada on any VIA Rail train or service, offering you a chance to benefit from your contribution.
At the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), we firmly believe that the success of our efforts lies in the collective wisdom and collaboration of our members. By participating in this survey, you will play a crucial role in providing valuable insights and helping us identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities that our industry faces. In addition, it will help us better understand the needs and services you turn to TIAC to deliver.
Your responses will contribute to a comprehensive analysis of TIAC’s membership program, our advocacy efforts and many projects and events we deliver. Your input will enable us to develop initiatives, programs, and resources that align with your needs.
By dedicating just a few minutes of your time, you will have a direct impact on shaping the future of TIAC.
Rest assured that all responses will remain strictly confidential, and the data will be analyzed and reported in an aggregated and anonymous manner. We value your privacy and are committed to handling your information securely and ethically.
The deadline for completing the survey is June 20. Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the collected data.
Thank you in advance for your valuable time and commitment to our industry. Together, we can drive positive change and shape a prosperous future. If you have any questions or encounter any issues with the survey, please feel free to contact us at membership@tiac-aitc.ca
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TIAC Advisory Committees
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about the tourism sector. We seek expressions of interest from qualified individuals to join one of several Advisory committees.
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TIAC’s Advisory Committees provide insights, expertise, and strategic guidance to the TIAC Team as we build out projects and programs. Each committee of industry professionals will serve as a collective voice, representing the diverse interests of the tourism community.
We believe a strong Advisory Committee is essential for fostering innovation, supporting sustainable growth, and addressing the needs of the Canadian tourism industry. As such, we seek individuals with a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the industry, and a passion for driving positive change.
TIAC is building four committees focused on the following subjects:
- Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism
- Investor Development
- Digital Readiness
- Export Readiness
TIAC’s Advisory Committees will meet a minimum of 6 times per year. Terms of Reference will be provided to all committee members. To be considered for a TIAC Advisory Committee, you must be a member in good standing (associate members do not qualify).
TIAC will accept these four committees' applications until June 23, 2023. Following the submission deadline, the TIAC team will review all applications and contact shortlisted candidates for further discussions and interviews.
We look forward to receiving your expressions of interest and welcoming dedicated professionals to help shape the future of the Canadian tourism industry. Together, we can drive innovation, resilience and sustainable growth in this vital sector.
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TIAC Tourism Investor Forum
Take Your Brand to New Heights
Calling all visionary entrepreneurs & trailblazers in the tourism industry in Canada! Are you ready to take your business to new heights? This is the golden opportunity you've been waiting for to secure the capital needed to support your endeavour. Look no further than the Tourism Investor Forum, Powered by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). Here's why this event is an absolute must for ambitious business owners like you:
- Unlock access to decision-making from the sources
- Showcase your investment potential
- Learn from industry experts
- Networking opportunities
- Face-to-face meetings
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is delighted to welcome our newest members who joined us in May:
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Hello to New and Renewed TIAC Members
New Associate Members:
- BC's Guide to Arts & Culture
- District of Carleton North
- Edmonton Riverboat
- Ottawa Yacht Tours
- River Gambler
- Terre Boréale
- Tourism Langley
- Yankee Lady Yacht Charters
Thank you to the TIAC Members who have renewed and continue to support our advocacy efforts. Our success depends on you! TIAC is the Champion of Canada’s Tourism Industry with a 90-year track record of creating positive change and growth opportunities and driving success for our members.
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Celebrating National Indigenous History Month with ITAC
Contributed by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
June is National Indigenous Peoples Month in Canada. During this month, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) encourages its members, partners and Canadians more broadly to commemorate this celebration.
This is the time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. From coast to coast to coast, experiences and opportunities to learn and celebrate Indigenous cultures will shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of Indigenous communities to share with Canadians.
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Indigenous Tourism in Canada
In 2021, ITAC created The Original Original mark of excellence; a key component of The Original Original is a brand mark to help travellers better identify and book experiences from Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada.
The Original Original mark identifies businesses vetted by ITAC, including four key criteria:
- At least 51 per cent Indigenous-owned;
- Embraces the values of Indigenous tourism;
- Offers a market or export-ready experience; and
- Current ITAC member.
2022 was a year of great growth and continued rebuilding towards ITAC’s ultimate goal of returning Indigenous tourism to the peaks of GDP and employment seen in 2019. The association is actively working daily towards $1.9 billion of direct GDP contributions, 1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses, and more than 39,000 Indigenous tourism employees by 2025.
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Get Involved with ITAC
ITAC has many ways for partners and industry to get involved:
Watch this video to learn more about ITAC’s 2030 Vision of making Canada become the global leader in Indigenous tourism.
Download ITAC’s pledge and join #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada to support Canada in becoming the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030. Consider signing and sharing it on your social media using #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada.
Become an ITAC member. Any person or organization (Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike) interested in advancing Indigenous tourism in Canada is welcome to apply to become an ITAC member.
Visit DestinationIndigenous.ca to find and visit Indigenous tourism experiences across Canada.
Follow Destination Indigenous on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Welcome the land of the #TheOriginalOriginal.
Watch The Original Original video series.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month.
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Wait, Weed are Flowers Too!
Contributed by GreenStep
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As summer approaches, many businesses and destinations are busy preparing for the seasonal influx of visitors. Across the country, tourism stakeholders are tending to the land, pruning trees, and planting flowers to create an inviting and visually appealing environment for guests.
But before you pull up those pesky weeds, take a moment to consider their value. Those “weeds” may play an important role in maintaining ecological balance or hold surprising beauty.
Because after all, “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them”.
This important lesson encourages us to re-evaluate how we perceive our environment. Whether you manage a park or plaza, the landscaping around your building, or even a few garden containers, there is great value in following Milne’s advice. It is important to look beyond the appearance of “weeds” and find their natural value to the world.
Wildflowers play an important role in sustaining local ecosystems. Wildflowers provide food and shelter to pollinating insects and support many animal habitats. According to Dr. Eric Lyons from the University of Guelph, one of the best ways to reduce the negative ecological impacts of the built landscape is to create wildflower zones or corridors with pollinator-friendly grasses, shrubs, and native plants. Further, wildflowers and native plants are often more resilient requiring less watering and maintenance. (...)
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Save the Date!
TIAC's Tourism Congress to take place November 21-23, 2023
The 2023 Edition of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Tourism Congress will take place at the Westin Ottawa on November 21 and 22.
This annual event brings together over 400 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.
Take advantage of the best prices!
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2023 Canadian Tourism Awards (CTA) Nominations Now Open
TIAC is thrilled to announce submissions for the 2023 Canadian Tourism Awards are now open!
Nominate a person, place or organization that is truly one of Canada’s best, offering travellers superior experiences, authentically present the very best of Canada. These coveted awards are highly competitive and showcase the best-of-the-best in the Canadian tourism industry.
Any Canadian tourism-related product, business, association, initiative, or service that occurred from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 is eligible. (...)
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