April 2025

Dear Members,


As we move through 2025, I'm struck by the remarkable spirit I've witnessed across our tourism community. The road ahead for our tourism sector presents both hurdles and significant opportunities. Our industry continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience in the face of change. 


The recently implemented tariffs have created real obstacles for Canada's economy, including our tourism sector. While we're actively working to understand and address these impacts, I believe it's important to focus on what makes our industry uniquely resilient: the collective spirit and pride of everyone who calls Canada home. 


What we're witnessing across the country is remarkable – a renewed sense of pride and connection to local community, shared values, and Canadian experiences. This collective energy presents an opportunity for domestic tourism as more people look to explore and celebrate the diverse beauty and culture of Canada. At the same time, our international reputation as a destination of unparalleled natural beauty and authentic experiences remains our greatest asset in attracting visitors from around the world.  

Read Beth's Full Message

Tourism Powers Canada: Make Your Voice Heard Now! 

We're in the critical homestretch of our election outreach campaign, and your participation is more important than ever! Our electronic letter writing initiative on tourismcan.ca is now live, offering you a simple yet powerful way to make tourism a priority for all parties. 


In just a few minutes, you can send a personalized message directly to candidates in your riding, highlighting the challenges our industry faces and the support we need. Every letter amplifies our collective voice and increases our impact during this crucial election period. 


Ready to make a difference? Visit tourismcan.ca today and help ensure tourism remains a powerful economic driver for Canada. 


Remember: Tourism powers Canada — let's keep it strong! 


Learn More

Partner with TIAC to Shape Canadian Tourism in 2025 

 

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) invites you to elevate your brand and connect with leaders shaping the future of Canadian tourism through our 2025 sponsorship and partnership opportunities. From the Tourism Congress and Hill Days Reception to Tourism Week in Canada and Regional Tourism Roundtables, each initiative offers a platform to amplify your visibility and engage directly with policymakers, industry professionals, and decision-makers. 

 

Whether hosting a themed reception, becoming an industry patron, or bundling opportunities for maximum exposure, TIAC’s offerings align your organization with innovation and growth in the tourism sector. Explore how you can showcase your leadership and leave a lasting impression by reviewing our sponsorship prospectus.

Learn More

TIAC’s National Tourism READI™ Directory 


Following the READI Program official launch last month, TIAC is pleased to announce that there are several early adopters that have taken Tourism READI™ training, successfully completed the READI™ Assessment process and are now listed on the National Tourism READI™ Directory!


The National Tourism READI™ Directory is both a B2B and a consumer-facing platform that is accessible by Travel Trade and prospective visitors, providing public recognition of a business’ commitment to excellence in the tourism industry. 


Tourism businesses can fill out the online READI™ assessment forms in various READI™ categories and upon successful completion of the assessment process, tourism businesses can apply for a READI™ Stamp in their chosen category and then be added to the National Tourism READI™ Directory. While filling out the READI™ assessment forms is free of charge and does not require a TIAC membership, the READI™ Stamp Designation and the National Tourism READI™ Directory require that tourism businesses be TIAC members. 


Visit the TIAC site for more information on the READI™ Program, or its training programs: The Culinary Tourism Alliance and GreenStep.

Learn More

"Ask An Expert"


Watch this webinar and discover how to elevate your tourism business and how your organization could receive a READI™ designation and be part of the READI™ National Directory. This interactive session provides an overview of the following programs:



  • Culinary & Agritourism READI™ is designed to enhance culinary and agritourism experiences.
  • Export READI™ will prepare your business for international markets.
  • Sustainable & Regenerative READI™ is designed for businesses to assess their sustainability performance using global best practices


You Could Be One Of Our "Faces Behind the Places" 


Every day, you create extraordinary experiences that transform your region into a beloved destination. We're launching an exciting new campaign to spotlight the passionate individuals like you who make our tourism industry special – and we want to make you one of our stars. 


Your unique story has the power to inspire others and showcase the authentic heart of your community. Whether you're a tour guide sharing hidden local gems, a hotel concierge making visitors feel at home, or a restaurant owner serving up unforgettable memories, your impact ripples far beyond your business. 


Why participate? 

  • Gain valuable exposure for you and your business through our multi-channel promotion 
  • Connect with potential customers who value authentic, personal experiences 
  • Help shape our destination's story and inspire the next generation 


Ready to share your story? 

We'll work with you to craft a compelling feature that captures your unique contribution to our tourism community. Don't miss this opportunity to be recognized as a key figure in your region's tourism success story. Your passion deserves the spotlight! 


Spaces in this campaign are limited—submit your story today! 


Mark Your Calendar!  

TIAC Tourism Congress 2025

November 18–20 

Outaouais Region - Gatineau, QC 

Hilton Lac-Leamy 

Join the Atlantic Canada Territorial Regional Roundtable And Be A Part Of The Conversation! 

  

Tuesday, May 13 

St. John’s, Newfoundland 

 

This session will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in high-level discussions, share insights, and contribute to actionable solutions that drive sustainable growth and resilience in Canada’s tourism sector.  

   

We look forward to your participation in shaping the future of tourism in Atlantic Canada!  

 

And be sure to register for the Prairies Canada Regional Roundtable, taking place in Saskatoon on Tuesday, June 3! 


Join Us in Shaping Tourism Excellence—Call for Judges for the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards! 


It’s never too early to make an impact! The 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards may still be months away, but the journey to celebrating Canada’s tourism excellence starts now. We’re inviting TIAC members in good standing to step into the judge’s seat and help us recognize the outstanding people, places, and businesses that make Canada a world-class destination. Your insights and expertise will play a vital role in shining a light on the innovation and dedication driving our industry forward. 

 

Express your interest today and help us celebrate the best of Canadian tourism in November 2025! 

Apply Now

CTA Nominations Now Open

TIAC is thrilled to announce the nomination period for the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards is 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. These 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, 2024, to December 31, 2024, is eligible. 


This year, the Canadian Tourism Awards features such sponsors as Air Canada, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Floor13, MMBC and Tourism HR Canada.


CATEGORIES:


  • Business of the Year Award 
  • Indigenous Tourism Award 
  • Sustainable Tourism Award 
  • Employee of the Year Award 
  • Business Event of the Year Award 
  • Employer of the Year Award 
  • Small- or Medium-Sized Business of the Year Award 
  • Innovator of the Year Award 
  • Travel Media Professional of the Year Award 
  • Culinary Tourism Experience Award 
  • Under-30 Tourism Trailblazer Award 
  • Lifetime Achievement Award 
Submit A Nomination

May 27–30, 2025

RBC Convention Centre


Rendez-vous Canada is Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace where the international travel trade connects with Canada’s tourism industry partners.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Appointments Posted

April 30

Manual appointment requests begin

April 30

Media appointment requests begin

April 30

One-day seller registration deadline

May 1

MEET OUR SPONSORS


Rendez-vous Canada would like to thank the following partners and sponsors for their generous contributions to Rendez-vous Canada 2025 and their ongoing support of the Canadian tourism industry.

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Event Partners

Make Your Voice Count – Join TIAC Today 


Did you know? TIAC members save over $300 on Tourism Congress registration—and if you’re a member in good standing, we’ll waive the $100 nomination fee for the Canadian Tourism Awards. These are just a few of the powerful benefits of joining the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). 


As a not-for-profit organization, TIAC relies on membership dues and non-dues revenue coming from events and partnerships to launch national campaigns, advocate on Parliament Hill, and act boldly on behalf of our members and the entire tourism industry. For just over $1 a day—less than your morning coffee—you gain exclusive access to advocacy, early and discounted event registration, visibility through programs like READITM and the National READITM Directory and a seat at the table where Canada’s tourism future is shaped.

 

Members are our lifeline—and together, we are stronger. Join TIAC today and invest in your voice, your business, and your industry. 


What Does TIAC Do?


We champion bold ideas, advocate for policies that support tourism growth, and create opportunities that help businesses thrive. Together, we shape a stronger, more competitive tourism industry for Canada. 


For more information about the TIAC membership, please contact membership@tiac-aitc.ca. 

New and Renewed Member Recognition


We are thrilled to welcome our new and returning members to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)! 


By becoming a TIAC member, you’re taking a vital step toward. You are...


  • Amplifying your voice on key issues impacting the tourism industry. 
  • Accessing exclusive insights and resources to help your business grow. 
  • Building meaningful connections with industry leaders and partners across Canada. 
  • Shaping the future of tourism through advocacy and collaboration. 


Together, we’re driving progress and ensuring a vibrant future for Canada’s tourism sector. Welcome to the movement! 

NEW REGULAR MEMBERS:


BC Ferries

Moto Canada

Painted Warriors Ltd

Municipality Of Skagway Visitor Department

Upper Humber Settlement 

40 Knots Winery


 

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Town of Oromocto 

Ville de Saint-Quentin 

Plage Aboiteau Beach


We are truly grateful to the 55 organizations that renewed their Regular or Associate memberships in February. Your commitment keeps us moving forward, and together, we’re building something extraordinary. Your continued support means everything, and we can’t wait to achieve even more with you by our side! 

Become a Member!

Membership Essentials: Tips to Get the Most from your TIAC Membership 

 

Snag the Deals 

Why pay more? Your membership gets you over $300 off Tourism Congress, free award nomination fees, and sweet savings on events, training and programs all year long. 

 

Jump the Line 

Members get early access to event registration and appointment spots at RVC, and extra recognition, all the time. 

 

Show Off Your READIness™ 

Get READI™-designated (Export, Sustainable, Culinary... we’ve got options!) and score your spot on our National Directory. It’s like a gold star — but way better for business. 

 

Get the Scoop First 

From advocacy wins to policy changes, TIAC keeps you looped in. No more FOMO when decisions are made in Ottawa — we’ve got your back (and your inbox). And right now, we have the tool kit you need to make Tourism a priority this election. 

 

Meet Your People 

Connect with industry movers and shakers at roundtables, advisory committees, webinars, and events. Talk shop, swap stories, and maybe even score your next partnership over coffee (or cocktails). 

  

Pro Tip: The more you show up, the more value you get. So dive in, speak up, and let’s build Canadian tourism—together. 


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

FireCircle


Firecircle is Canada’s only award-winning, fully digital small business accelerator and membership designed exclusively to educate and support tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. 


Firecircle provides digital tourism & hospitality coaching, business advisory services and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses, with a focus on indigenous and rural development and raising the bar on Canada's market and export-ready tourism infrastructure and experiences.

Read More

STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT!

TIAC Members, this is your moment! We want to showcase your journey—your successes, challenges, and everything in between. Share your story to inspire fellow industry leaders, gain well-deserved recognition, and make a lasting impact on our tourism community. 


Your voice matters. Your story inspires.  


Submit Your Story Today

MEMBERS! Are you an expert in your field and would like to share a topic of interest to your fellow members? Reach out to Julie Gauvreau.

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 Ed Byers, Partnership Lead.

Preferred Partners 

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has partnered with a number of leading national suppliers to provide the highest quality services to our members at fantastic rates.  

 





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