July 2026

Hello,

My thoughts are with all those impacted by wildfires across the country. Tourism operators carry enormous responsibility during emergencies. Please use the resources below from our Emergency Preparedness Hub and continue following the guidance of local authorities.

Clear, accurate communication helps travellers confidently visit businesses and destinations that are safe and open while avoiding only areas where there is active risk. Together, we can support safe travel and a strong summer for our industry.

It’s the busiest time of year for tourism, so I’ll keep the rest brief. If you have eight minutes, please complete the Government of Canada's survey on priorities for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. I also encourage you to explore the learning and development tools below, including the free READI™ program self-assessment, to set you up for future success.

Thank you and take care,

Sébastien Benedict

President and CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada

In this issue:

Wildfire resources in the Tourism Emergency Preparedness Hub
Share your input about the future of Billy Bishop airport
New AI-powered tools to support your business or destination

Thank you to our

Industry Patrons

Search wildfire resources

Wildfire resources on the Tourism Emergency Preparedness Hub

There are more than 35 wildfire-related resources in TIAC’s Tourism Emergency Preparedness Hub, from health guidance and funding options, to Indigenous-focused information and national-level authorities and maps, like the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) and Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) Interactive Map.

Accurate, timely information is critical to tourism and our roles before, during and after emergencies:

In preventing emergencies and preparing businesses and communities
In effectively supporting affected people and communities
In communicating to visitors when and where it is safe to visit to maintain operations
In recovering and reopening for visitors.

Take the READI™ assessment

You’re more READI™ than you think

The READI™ Program is a national designation that proves your business offers exceptional tourism experiences and operates to the industry’s highest standards. You may already have the expertise to get designated across five readiness categories, including culinary and agritourism; digital; export; investor; and sustainable and regenerative. Take the free READI™ assessment today to be nationally recognized for your tourism and business experience.

Our READI™ Training Partners

Billy Bishop Airport federal survey

Have your say about the future of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. It’s vital that our industry contributes input to steer decisions about future operations, routes, and connectivity. Please share your perspectives through the federal government’s public consultation.

Share your input

Host the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2030

Special Olympics Canada is accepting bids to host the 2030 Summer Games. Letters of intent are due September 15, 2026 and the bid deadline is December 31, 2026.

View bid guidelines

RESOURCES

Destination Canada Launches National Tourism Investment Hub

Destination Canada has launched the Tourism Investment Hub, connecting communities, partners, and investors with investment-ready tourism projects across the country. The Hub combines a national pipeline of investment-ready projects with market intelligence and an AI-powered funding tool that surfaces incentives and financing programs. Tourism partners are invited to submit investment-ready opportunities to be featured on the Hub and showcased to potential investors.

Explore the hub

Try the Taste of Place Agent by Culinary Tourism Alliance and Tourismo

An easier way to find out what’s on the menu in your destination has arrived. The Taste of Place AI Agent by Culinary Tourism Alliance and Tourismo scans the web to find out what’s cooking and what ingredients your destination or operation still need to succeed. Catch the demo webinar on Tuesday, August 11, 1–2 p.m. ET.

New Canadian-made Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification by GreenStep

TIAC member and READI™ partner, GreenStep, is the first organization in North America to offer the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification to hotels, accommodations, and tour operators in Canada. Certification is quickly becoming an industry expectation: OTAs use it for search ranking, cruise lines and corporate travel buyers are setting supplier targets, and new laws in Canada and the EU require proof behind sustainability claims. Learn more about the standard and becoming certified.

Pursue GSTC Certification

Nominations are open for the 2026 Canadian Tourism Awards

It’s time to honour the best in the biz. Nominate your peers (or yourself) across 11 categories, including Business, Employee, and Employer of the Year, as well as Sustainable, Indigenous, and Culinary Experience of the Year.

Nominate by September 4

Meet Jean-François Bertholet, a 2026 Tourism Congress keynote speaker

Calling all tourism professionals: you don’t want to miss acclaimed HR specialist and international speaker Jean-François Bertholet discuss careers and success in tourism. Be at Congress in Fredericton November 17–19 to explore what makes a rewarding career and a resilient workforce.

Save the Date: Hill Day Reception October 7 in Ottawa

Join tourism leaders and federal decision-makers for a reception in downtown Ottawa on the evening of October 7 during our joint advocacy Hill Days with Hotels Canada. Registration details coming soon.

Welcome to our new TIAC members

Your support powers Canada’s tourism momentum—building connections, shaping policy, and driving growth nationwide. We’re glad you’re with us!

Get the latest news, wins, and thought leadership pieces from your fellow members. If you have a story or news to share with the TIAC community, please email us at communications@tiac-aitc.ca.

Le Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en tourisme (CQRHT)

Canmore Inn & Suites

True North Bus Tours

Become a member today

The future of tourism in Canada is being decided right now.

Are you at the table?

Your membership isn’t just a card—it’s a seat at the table where Canada’s tourism future is shaped. Join TIAC and gain the influence, connections, and national platform to grow your business and shape what comes next.

Our Company | Contact Us | Join TIAC | Privacy Policy