Northeastern Ontario Tourism (NeONT) is a not-for-profit destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting the Northeastern Ontario region. We provide resources for consumers, groups and organizations on travelling to our region for outdoor activities, touring, events and attractions, arts and culture, and fishing.
We work closely with Destination Northern Ontario and Destination Ontario to ensure Northeastern Ontario is represented in pan-Northern and pan-Ontario marketing efforts.
Our partners span every sector of the industry, from our largest municipalities, to the smallest mom and pop motel owners. If you haven’t renewed your partnership yet, please visit our website.
INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENTS
2021 Ontario Budget – Recently
Announced
While COVID‑19 is a health emergency, the measures that have been necessary to save lives and preserve capacity in Ontario’s health care system have had serious economic consequences.
Ontario’s tourism, hospitality, culture, sports and recreation sectors have been among the most heavily impacted by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Tourism and hospitality‑related industries experienced a total combined loss of 140,1001 jobs between February 2020 and 2021.
In response to the unique challenges these sectors are facing, Ontario is announcing a wide range of initiatives to help the tourism, hospitality and culture sectors survive the COVID‑19 pandemic and thrive in the future. In the 2021 Budget, Ontario is investing more than $400 million over the next three years in new initiatives to support these sectors. This builds on investments of $225 million announced earlier, bringing the total to more than $625 million since the pandemic began.
Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario government is introducing a new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant, which will provide an estimated $100 million in a one-time payout of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible tourism and hospitality small businesses.
The is meant to protect jobs in local communities to help small businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and once again offer world-class tourism and hospitality experiences.
Examples of Eligible Businesses for the Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant
- Hotels
- Motels
- Travel Agencies
- Amusement and Water Parks
- Hunting and Fishing Camps
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (e.g., children’s overnight summer camps)
Any small businesses that received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not be eligible for this new grant. Further details can be obtained at Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.
Encouraging Residents to Vacation within Ontario when it is Safe
The government has set aside $150 million and intends to introduce legislation for a tax credit to encourage residents to explore Ontario when public health experts advise that it is safe to travel.
Standing Behind Ontario’s Arts Community
To support the arts sector during COVID‑19, the government is increasing its investment in Ontario’s arts community by $10 million in 2021–22. With support from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), this increased investment will assist with significant costs incurred when preparing for activities and events that could not go forward in 2020–21.
Providing More Opportunities to Enjoy Ontario Parks
Ontario is encouraging visits to provincial parks by offering free day‑use entry on Mondays through Thursdays, from May 1 to September 2 this year. Ontario will also invest an estimated $3.9 million over three years to enhance the provincial park experience by using technology to better connect the people of Ontario with a one‑stop shop to help them find recreational opportunities that fit their location and interests.
Providing Financial Relief for Resource‑Based Tourism Businesses
Eligible Commercial Outpost Camps and hunting and fishing outfitters would receive another year of relief from certain rents and fees, providing approximately $1.3 million in financial assistance. This relief will help with the recovery of the sector by supporting businesses that employ residents and contribute to local communities.
Investing in Sport and Community Infrastructure
Ontario is investing around $200 million to provide infrastructure funding to larger, strategic projects and to sports facilities through the newly established Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure Fund. This fund will help address some of the unmet demand under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which received more applications than could be funded under that program. The fund will also support the sport and recreation sector, which was one of the hardest hit sectors during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Supporting Restaurants and Bars
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the Ontario government is supporting jobs in the hospitality sector by:
- Permanently allowing licensed restaurants and bars to include alcohol with food as part of a takeout or delivery order to help restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries and distilleries rebuild and recover. This is one more step in the government’s work to ensure choice and convenience for consumers.
- Helping to offset the costs of purchasing PPE with up to $1,000 in financial support. Eligible small businesses in the accommodation and food services sector can apply for support through the Main Street Relief Grant.
- Permanently allowing off-peak deliveries to retail stores, restaurants, hotels and distribution facilities to help ensure that shelves stay stocked, and businesses can operate efficiently.
- Helping small and independent restaurants during COVID‑19 where indoor dining is prohibited by capping the fees charged by food delivery companies.
Supporting Local Alcohol Producers
Ontario’s rural communities and local agri‑tourism businesses have been severely impacted as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. These include wineries that had to cancel tours, tastings, weddings and other events that these businesses rely on.
The Ontario government made a number of changes to support local beverage alcohol producers, including expanding made in Ontario options at the LCBO and changes to permit the sale of 100 per cent Ontario wine and eligible spirits at farmers’ markets. The government will also permit the sale of Ontario beer at farmers’ markets for the upcoming season.
The government is providing a one‑time $10 million grant in 2021 to help wineries and cideries impacted by lockdown measures, and help ensure that agricultural production and local jobs are maintained in Ontario’s rural communities.
The government is also increasing funding for the Small Distillery Support Program by an additional $1.2 million in 2021–22 to help small distillers recover from the impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
In addition, the government is extending the funding to 2022–23 for the following programs:
- VQA Wine Support Program ($7.5 million);
- Small Cidery ($1.8 million) and Small Distillery Support Programs ($0.8 million); and
- Marketing, Tourism and Export Development; Performance Measurement and Research and Innovation Development Initiatives ($5.3 million).
Supporting Jobs – Helping Ontario’s Tourism Industry Rebuild and Recover
The Ontario government is investing $100 million into Ontario Tourism Recovery Program to help tourism operators, anchor businesses and attractions recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Additional Funding for NOHFC:
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is changing to better serve the Northern economy. In September 2020, the government launched the short-term Northern Ontario Recovery Program (NORP). In February 2021, the government announced an improved NOHFC program with a focus on culture, talent, business development and community infrastructure. Alongside these programs, an additional $50 million over the next two years will be allocated to the NOHFC to support investments in infrastructure, culture, economic development and training. These new programs will help increase economic development and promote job creation in all regions of the North.
Doubling the Ontario Small Business Support Grant: Small businesses who have been determined as eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically be entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they received. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding. Other announcements made today include additional supports for Regional Tourism Organizations, more investments in highways, rail and broadband, creating opportunities for job training, and more. We will provide more details on these items in our weekly COVID-19 update.
Ontario Invests in the Future of Francophone Tourism
Funding will support safe performances, festivals and local marketing campaigns
March 19, 2021
- The Ontario government is investing more than $2M to support Francophone tourism across the province.
- $1.5M through the Ontario Arts Council to support 36 organizations that offer safe public performances and activities of interest to Francophone tourists.
- Nearly $300,000 through Celebrate Ontario and the Reconnect Festival and Event Program.
- $250,000 to support Société économique de l’Ontario.
- $75,000 through the Tourism Economic and Development Recovery Fund to support Le Centre culturel ARTEM.
Ontario Investing in the Sport and Recreation Sector
New funding will encourage physical activity during the pandemic
March 17, 2021
The Ontario government is providing more than $15 million to support grassroots activities, sport and recreation organizations and high-performance athletes. This funding will encourage even more children, youth, families and athletes to get active and return to play safely, as the sector continues to follow COVID-19 restrictions and reopening regulations.
Ontario Supports Tourism, Culture, Sport and Recreation Organizations
New grant program will help those who are struggling during COVID-19
March 16, 2021
The Ontario government is investing $105 million through the new Community Building Fund to support non-profit tourism, culture, sport and recreation organizations. The funding will be used to help these non-profits recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the needs of their communities.
The fund will be administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) through two program streams:
- The $55-million operating funding stream will provide community non-profits with the support they need to help sustain their operations and create new experiences and events – such as trail systems, heritage attractions, winter activities and local sport and recreation programming – that are critical to the economic and social well-being of their communities.
- The $50-million capital funding stream will go to municipalities and non-profit organizations to carry out sport- and recreation-facility infrastructure repairs, including retrofits and rehabilitation to meet COVID-19 public health protocol requirements and local community needs.
The operating stream of the Community Building Fund will open for applications on March 31, 2021, while the fund’s capital stream will open later in 2021.
New Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force
TORONTO – The Ontario government announced the new Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force. It will be chaired by former MPP and Cabinet minister Tim Hudak, and give expert advice and recommendations on how to help the province’s $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details were provided by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
“The impact of COVID-19 has been absolutely devastating for Ontario’s tourism industry,” said Minister MacLeod. “The Tourism Economic Task Force will play a vital role in helping our government rebuild and reshape the future of tourism in our province. It is critical to help industry organizations, operators and communities find new ways to engage Ontarians and, when it is safe to do so, reconnect tourists from at home and abroad with everything our province has to offer.”
DNO Executive Director, David MacLachlan has been invited to serve on the task force.
To read more » CLICK HERE
Destination Canada Board Vacancies
The Government of Canada has launched open selection processes to fill upcoming vacancies on the Destination Canada Board of Directors. Selection processes for the roles of Chairperson and Directors
The role of the Board of Directors will be particularly important over the coming years, as Destination Canada continues to adapt its work to best support the Canadian tourism sector throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic and the economic recovery.
Selection process for Chairperson: https://bit.ly/
Selection process for Director: https://bit.ly/
NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO TOURISM NEWS
Northeastern Ontario Tourism 2021 Partnership
As an incorporated not-for-profit organization dependent on Partnership revenues to support our operating costs, specifically as they relate to carrying out our destination marketing mission and mandate while promoting safe travel within Northeastern Ontario, your Partnership renewal is important to us, to the sector and to the communities we call home.
In February 2021, we launched our revised website. It features an updated design, new and enhanced landing pages, revised partnership profiles, new content, and a separate information section for our Industry Partners. We also launched new print and digital templated marketing resources for all of our partners to use free of charge. These “fill in the blanks” ad mats are especially valuable to businesses and communities who do not have marketing firms to design their ads.
As a Partner, you will have access to up-to-date industry news and resources, along with future add-on promotional opportunities in travel guides, maps, special projects to name a few, as they arise.
REPORTS & RESOURCES
Ontario Provides More Than $1 Billion In Support for Small Business
The Ontario government has to-date provided more than $1 billion through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant to help eligible business owners affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. The grant provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 and can be used in whatever way makes the most sense for individual businesses; from paying employee wages, to offsetting the cost of rent, to purchasing inventory.
For more information » CLICK HERE
2021 Reconnect Festival and Event Program
The launch of the 2021 Reconnect Festival and Event Program for eligible festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.
These innovative ideas are creating opportunities for people across Ontario to reconnect with the beauty and diversity of their communities in new ways, whether in person or online, while providing local jobs.
For more information » CLICK HERE
Revisiting Tourism: Canada’s Visitor Economy One Year Into the Global Pandemic
Earlier this month, Destination Canada released research detailing the impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s tourism economy, one year into the global pandemic.
The report outlines the unprecedented losses 2020 saw for the sector, and calls on Canadians to play a key role in bolstering the tourism economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses by spending their tourism dollars in Canada.
Dashboard 2.0 – March 2021
The ‘State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19’ Dashboard 2.0, compiled by Twenty31 analysts, provides a monthly snapshot of tourism health and economic updates, and insights on the impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry’s path to recovery.
This month’s dashboard discusses Indigenous women and their important role in tourism recovery, provides an update on IATA’s Travel Pass, and looks at tech transformations in tourism and how technology is especially vital in the era of COVID, with customer expectations shifting.
Travel between Canada and other countries, January 2021
While the number of Canadians flying home from abroad in January was down 89.9% year over year, over 233,200 Canadians flew home during the month, up by over one-third (+36.6%) from December 2020.
Travel restrictions continue
Restrictions on non-essential travel to and from Canada have been in place for over 10 months. In January, the advisory against non-essential travel outside Canada remained in effect, as did the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for Canadians returning from abroad.
With the resurgence of the pandemic currently affecting many parts of the world, additional restrictions were announced by the federal government at the end of January to limit arrivals in Canada.
International Border Crossings to Ontario
International border crossings declined 91.9% in January 2021 compared to January 2020
| Month | Int Border Crossings to Ont % chg vs same month previous year |
| January 2021 | -91.9% |
| December 2020 | -92.4% |
| November 2020 | -92.7% |
| October 2020 | -94.0% |
| September 2020 | -94.5% |
| August 2020 | -96.3% |
| July 2020 | -96.8% |
| June 2020 | -96.7% |
| May 2020 | -96.9% |
| April 2020 | -96.8% |
| March 2020 | -56.9% |
| February 2020 | 7.2% |
| January 2020 | 8.5% |
Note: Effective March 16, 2020 the Canadian government closed its international border to all travelers, except for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and US citizens. The Canada-US border was closed on March 21, 2020 to non-essential travel
- International border crossings were down 91.9% in January 2021 and were down 84.0% in Jan-Dec 2020
- US border crossings were down 92.7% in January 2021 and were down 83.8% in Jan-Dec 2020
- Overseas border crossings were down 88.7% in January 2021 and were down 85.0% in Jan-Dec 2020
| Into Ontario | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| International | 65,704 | -91.9% | 2,631,055 | -84.0% |
| US | 47,615 | -92.7% | 2,137,970 | -83.8% |
| Overseas | 18,089 | -88.7% | 493,085 | -85.0% |
| Overseas Countries to Ontario | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| U.K. | 907 | -94.2% | 52,890 | -88.3% |
| China | 812 | -97.1% | 46,894 | -85.9% |
| India | 3,783 | -59.8% | 46,146 | -77.2% |
| Mexico | 2,131 | -82.6% | 41,702 | -81.3% |
| Germany | 657 | -86.8% | 18,604 | -88.2% |
| Brazil | 289 | -95.1% | 15,567 | -86.6% |
| South Korea | 286 | -95.5% | 14,674 | -88.9% |
| France | 435 | -89.7% | 14,064 | -88.5% |
| Hong Kong | 267 | -94.2% | 11,023 | -83.5% |
| Japan | 13 | -99.6% | 8,591 | -88.4% |
| Australia | 39 | -98.9% | 7,902 | -88.3% |
| Italy | 288 | -89.4% | 6,834 | -92.2% |
- US border crossings via automobile were down 91.4% in January 2021 and were down 82.9% in Jan-Dec 2020
| US Entries by Type of Transportation | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| Total | 47,615 | -92.7% | 2,137,970 | -83.8% |
| Automobile | 42,254 | -91.4% | 1,678,841 | -82.9% |
| Plane | 5,000 | -96.2% | 373,475 | -85.4% |
| Bus | 198 | -99.3% | 66,943 | -86.3% |
| Train | 0 | -100.0% | 543 | -91.1% |
| Boat | 0 | -100.0% | 502 | -98.9% |
| Other | 163 | -97.2% | 17,666 | -92.6% |
- In January 2021, 48% of US automobile entries were captured via Integrated Primary Inspection Line (IPIL)* with entries from New York state down 94% and entries from Michigan down 95%
| US Entries by Auto IPIL* | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| All states | 20,296 | -94.8% | 1,228,019 | -85.1% |
| New York | 8,264 | -94.5% | 499,429 | -81.5% |
| Michigan | 7,092 | -95.3% | 449,590 | -82.2% |
| Ohio | 532 | -96.4% | 42,920 | -89.8% |
| Minnesota | 410 | -96.2% | 32,311 | -87.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 376 | -97.1% | 37,838 | -90.7% |
- In January 2021, US and Overseas crossings declined to all regions of Canada
| Border Crossings by Province | January 2021 vs January 2020 | |||
| Into Canada % chg | Into BC % chg | Into Ontario % chg | Into Quebec % chg | |
| International | -92.3% | -93.0% | -91.9% | -92.9% |
| US | -92.8% | -92.7% | -92.7% | -94.6% |
| Overseas | -90.6% | -93.7% | -88.7% | -89.3% |
· In January 2021, the majority of US entries to Canada were through Ontario at 55%. Ontario also accounted for the largest proportion of overseas entries into Canada at 52%
| Distribution of Border Crossings | January 2021 | |||
| Into Canada | Into BC | Into Ontario | Into Quebec | |
| International | 100.0% | 25.2% | 54.3% | 11.4% |
| US | 100.0% | 25.9% | 55.1% | 8.4% |
| Overseas | 100.0% | 23.5% | 52.5% | 18.8% |
Entries to Canada
- International border crossings to Canada were down 92.3% in January 2021 and were down 84.4% in Jan-Dec 2020
- US border crossings were down 92.8% in January 2021 and were down 84.0% in Jan-Dec 2020
- Overseas border crossings declined 90.6% in January 2021 and were down 85.6% in Jan-Dec 2020
| Into Canada | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| International | 120,921 | -92.3% | 5,068,350 | -84.4% |
| US | 86,456 | -92.8% | 3,990,560 | -84.0% |
| Overseas | 34,465 | -90.6% | 1,077,790 | -85.6% |
| Overseas Countries to Canada | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg | |
| U.K. | 1,521 | -94.8% | 101,185 | -88.9% |
| China | 3,974 | -87.0% | 101,081 | -80.2% |
| Mexico | 1,655 | -97.3% | 100,905 | -86.5% |
| France | 2,694 | -90.2% | 97,923 | -85.6% |
| India | 5,369 | -61.8% | 66,301 | -81.3% |
| Australia | 145 | -99.5% | 50,018 | -86.6% |
| Germany | 1,544 | -85.9% | 41,335 | -90.5% |
| South Korea | 773 | -94.9% | 33,859 | -87.3% |
| Hong Kong | 645 | -95.1% | 32,591 | -81.7% |
| Japan | 601 | -94.0% | 31,626 | -87.9% |
| Brazil | 403 | -96.4% | 26,867 | -85.7% |
| Italy | 857 | -81.7% | 12,372 | -91.4% |
Outbound Border Crossings
- In January 2021, Ontario residents returning from the US declined 88.9% and decreased 73.1% in Jan-Dec 2020
| Outbound to The U.S. | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Province | Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg |
| Canadians Residents Returning From The U.S. | 264,999 | -91.4% | 10,443,310 | -76.2% |
| Canadians Returning From U.S. Through Ontario Ports | 177,448 | -88.9% | 5,794,093 | -73.1% |
| Canadians Returning From U.S. Through Quebec Ports | 28,684 | -91.4% | 1,082,390 | -78.4% |
| Canadians Returning From U.S. Through B.C. Ports | 24,275 | -96.7% | 2,118,529 | -81.5% |
Note: assumes Cdn resident entered US and returned to Canada in same month
- In January 2021, Ontario residents returning from Overseas countries declined 88.0% and decreased 67.0% in Jan-Dec 2020
| Outbound to Overseas Countries | January 2021 vs January 2020 | Jan-Dec 2020 vs Jan-Dec 2019 | ||
| Province | Entries | % chg | Entries | % chg |
| Canadians Residents Returning From Overseas | 160,522 | -88.2% | 4,162,037 | -66.3% |
| Canadians Returning From Overseas Through Ontario Ports | 78,217 | -88.0% | 1,983,579 | -67.0% |
| Canadians Returning From Overseas Through Quebec Ports | 52,425 | -85.0% | 1,050,461 | -65.0% |
| Canadians Returning From Overseas Through B.C. Ports | 18,056 | -91.2% | 632,181 | -67.8% |
Note: assumes Cdn resident entered Overseas Country and returned to Canada in same month
*The data provide counts of US residents entering Canada through IPIL ports in automobiles licensed in the United States, and Canadian residents returning from the United States through IPIL ports in automobiles licensed in Canada. Data are available by the travellers’ state or province of residence and by province of entry into Canada. A traveller’s state or province of residence is estimated from the licence plate of the automobile used to enter Canada.
The IPIL data exclude travellers who cross the border using a NEXUS card, those who cross through ports that are not equipped with the IPIL system and those whose crossing is recorded only on a paper E-62 Entry Tally. They also exclude US travellers in automobiles with Canadian licence plates and Canadian travellers in automobiles with US licence plates.
SAFE TRAVELS STAMP ADMINISTERED BY TIAO
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
The future is unpredictable but as Ontario begins the rollout of vaccinations and the province opens up, we want you to be ready to operate and welcome guests safely. Get certified with the Safe Travels Stamp this year and provide travellers with the confidence that your business has the necessary measures in place for a safe visit.
Northeastern Ontario Tourism encourages its members to strive for traveler confidence; one way to ensure your business is following safety standards and effectively communicating those standards to potential visitors is having a Safe Travel Stamp.
See full list of businesses with the Safe Travel Stamp here.
WEBINARS & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
TIAC & Twenty31’s March Webinar
Join TIAC and Twenty31 on Tuesday, March 30 at 11 am EDT for a candid conversation about how COVID-19 has impacted destinations and tourism operators in Canada, as well as globally.
Tune in to hear Twenty31’s take on high-level findings from the ‘State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19’ dashboard report, joined by special guests to discuss Opportunities for Canada’s Tourism Economy’s Recovery.
Moderator
- Joe Naaman, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Twenty31 Consulting Inc.
Panelists
- Michele McKenzie, Principal at McKenzie Business Strategies
- Pierre Charbonneau, Director, Passenger at International Air Transport Association (IATA)
** This is a TIAC Members-only webinar, to access the Zoom info please click here.
Other Upcoming Events
- IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism / March 31, 2021 – 11:30-1:00 EST
- Rendez-vous Canada / May 17 – 20, 2021
- Tourism Week 2021 / May 23 – 30, 2021
- TIAC Tourism Congress / November 29 – December 1, 2021
Free Webinar: Welcoming Cyclists in Northern Ontario
The Ontario By Bike Network certifies tourism businesses and locations as bicycle friendly, helping businesses reach the growing number of cycle tourists in Ontario, promoting and further developing cycle tourism in destinations across Ontario.
Why Participate in this Webinar?
- Now more than ever, cycling and cycle tourism is increasingly popular
- Become more familiar with cycle tourism market and find out how welcoming cyclists can be good for business
- Hear about updates to local, regional and provincial promotions and projects supporting cycling and cycle tourism and more!
Date And TimeFri, April 16, 2021
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT
Join virtually this April for our Northern Ontario Tourism Spring Training Week!
Destination Northern Ontario and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario are pleased to bring you a free virtual Spring Training Week this April as we prepare for the reopening of Ontario. COVID-19 has created challenges for tourism businesses and operators around the province, now more then ever it is essential to be ready for re-opening, recovery and resiliency. Our three-day training week is set to provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies, and connections for both today and the future.
This year, registration is free to all industry partners, so you can focus on operations, saving money, and staying safe.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other tourism businesses, communities, build new partnerships, ask questions and get inspired for what’s possible in 2021!
Mental Health Support with Minister Lisa MacLeod & Minister Michael Tibollo
The last 11 months have been incredibly challenging and uncertain. The global pandemic has had far-reaching implications.
On Monday February 22nd, joined by
Minister Michael Tibollo, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and other mental health experts, Minister Lisa MacLeod delivered a webinar to discuss available mental health supports in the face of COVID-19.
To view the recorded webinar and available resources » CLICK HERE
Diversity & Inclusion Workshops 
Join a Navigating LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry workshop facilitated by CGLCC and funded by the Government of Canada in your region to learn the basics of an LGBT+-inclusive vocabulary, space, and workplace.
Sign up for available virtual sessions in Northern Ontario!
To Register » CLICK HERE
Safe Travel Stamp Administered by TIAO
TIAO has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
To view the Safe Travels Stamp webinar recording from the ADAPT 2020 series
» CLICK HERE
To apply » CLICK HERE
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
2021 Canadian Tourism Awards
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by TIAC to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry. The Awards honour those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
This year’s Awards categories reflect our industry’s resilience and highlight the extraordinary efforts that collectively have forged a path to recovery. This year’s categories are:
- Air Canada Tourism Business of the Year Award
- Championing Tourism Safety Award
- Keeping Canada Globally Competitive Tourism Award
- Employee of the Year Award
- ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award
- Lifetime Achievement Tourism Award
Website launches and nominations OPEN Tuesday, April 6th, 2021.
Keep in-the-loop with Awards and other event announcements by subscribing to our TIAC Event Announcements here.
Tourism Day at Queen’s Park, April 15th
Tourism Day at Queen’s Park remains one of the most important and popular lobby events for the tourism industry in Ontario. There has never been a more important time for the tourism industry to have strong links with government. We must ensure that our industry is given the support it needs to recover from the effects of COVID-19.
Exclusive to TIAO Members, Tourism Day at Queen’s Park is TIAO’s annual lobby day event at the provincial legislature.
Please note that due to a high volume number of requests to attend, TIAO cannot guarantee every applicant will be able to attend. Registering below DOES NOT confirm attendance.
Express your interest here.
SAVE THE DATE: TIAO AGM HAPPENING JUNE 1ST
Links and relevant documents will follow by email after registration opens.
COVID-19 RESOURCE LINKS
Stay Informed About Covid-19 Announcements, Including Activity Restrictions by District Health Unit Region
Enhancing public health and workplace safety measures in the province-wide shutdown
Learn about the second declaration of emergency to address COVID-19 in Ontario.
Learn more here.
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace
Find sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario.
Learn more here.
Health Units in Northeastern Ontario
Resources and information from the Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit (NPSDHU) here.
Resources and information from the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) here.
Resources and information from the Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) here.
Resources and information from the Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) here.
