Our industry is no stranger to innovation – especially now. Leading the front on drawing local and nearby visitors, while also practicing social distancing is The Toronto Zoo. The Zoo announced that you can now go camping overnight at Wildtails Family Campsite featuring a self-guided camping adventure, an evening of zoo exploration and after-hours access. This week, The Zoo also announced the return of Terra Lumina – the immersive futuristic sound and light experience that premiered last winter to rave reviews. The future looks bright at the Toronto Zoo!

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN TOURISM INDUSTRY FUTURE

This week, Minister Lisa MacLeod announced an investment of $1.5 million through the new Tourism Economic Development Fund. The fund will support projects that develop innovative tourism products and experiences, drive private sector tourism investments, workforce development, and support tourism operators to learn more through tourism industry associations.

The minister made the announcement during a fireside chat with tourism stakeholders at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre yesterday.

The fund is accessible via the Tourism Economic and Recovery Fund Application form which outlines the program overview and eligibility.

The Minister also announced officially announced that frontline workers will receive special promotions at several of the province's top tourist destinations

THE PATH TO REOPENING: MARKETING NOW - BUILDING CONFIDENCE
NEW DATE: AUGUST 18

Our next webinar in the Path to Reopening series has a new date.

AUGUST 18, 2020
10 – 11:30 AM

The global pandemic has reset the rules when it comes to how businesses are approaching their marketing and communication efforts. 

Join Destination Toronto and a panel of industry experts discussing the latest trends and insights into visitor and resident sentiment, as well as how businesses can adapt their marketing and communications in response to the evolving needs and expectations of customers and delegates.

PLUS

Destination Toronto will also share an overview of our upcoming marketing campaigns geared towards locals and drive-market visitors and outline.

Speakers and panelists include:

• Jon Mamela, EVP Marketing and CMO, Destination Toronto
• Peter Doyle, General Manager, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
• Robert Lemieux, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Accor Hotels Central Canada
• Oliver Martin, Partner, Twenty31 Consulting Inc.
• James Sauter, Partner, Rove Marketing
• Katie Grey, Strategic Communications Manager, Toronto Zoo
• Steven Hellmann, Founder, The Foodies Group
• Juliano Lissoni, Managing Director Canada, MCI

And more….

If you have already registered for the original webinar on Thursday, August 6, no action is required. If you can no longer attend the event on the new date, please go ahead and cancel your registration. A recording of the webinar will be posted to all invitees after the event concludes.

NEW LEAFS AND RAPTORS PLAYOFF DRIVE-IN AT ONTARIO PLACE ANNOUNCED

Toronto sports fans are thrilled to have their teams back in action. With the Raptors and Leafs having both kicked off their return, MLSE, Live Nation and OLG have announced OLG Play Stage, a new drive-in venue where fans can park and watch playoff games and live concerts.

The new venue is located on the east side of Ontario Place in Lot 2, right along the waterfront.

GOVERNMENT UPDATE:
CERB TO TRANSITION TO EI

The Prime Minister has announced the government’s goal to transition those currently on CERB to a revamped EI system. A catch-all program will be put in place to help those who don’t currently qualify for EI such as contractors. We’ll share more details as they become available.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CN Tower’s EDGE Walk returns: It’s official. The EDGE Walk experience is now open and accepting bookings. Tickets are now on sale for an attraction that’s the first-of-its-kind in North America.

Ontario Science Centre launches virtual program: The Ontario Science Centre has gone virtual this summer. Learn the language of volcanoes, find fireballs in the sky and cook a treat with the Sun during the Science Centre’s summer virtual programming.

McMichael Gallery officially reopens: The McMichael Gallery is re-opening this weekend, now with timed tickets and full access to 100 acres of grounds and trails.