TORONTO’S TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO GIVE BACK

Even with unprecedented struggles, businesses in the community continue to give back. Here are of some of the ways Toronto businesses are making spirits bright this holiday season.

Soulpepper raises funds for food bank: Soulpepper’s A Christmas Carol is a beloved holiday tradition. This year, Soulpepper is inviting everyone to join a very special cast reunion on December 17 to raise funds for the Fred Victor Regent Park Food Security Program.   

Farmhouse Tavern supports refugee families: Farmhouse Tavern is delivering meals to a local charity dedicated to supporting refugees in the city. Amidst the lockdown, the farm-to-table restaurant has partnered with Romero House to feed four families each and every weekend.

Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Drive-Thru supports food and toy donations: This past weekend, the Zoo hosted a food and toy drive supporting Second Harvest and those in need.

Four Seasons supports families in need: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is launching a giveback initiative. $20 from every Festive Feast purchase will directly benefit the Seeds of Hope Foundation, a nondenominational charitable organization that is committed to providing warm festive meals for families in need.

Henderson Brewing supports those under financial hardships: Henderson Brewing is giving back to the bartenders across the city by teaming up with Bartenders Benevolent Fund, a non-profit supporting those with financial struggles. Henderson is donating $1.50 of every can sold of Winter Blonde Ale, directly supporting those in need.

Paramount Fine Foods donates meals for the holidays: Paramount's holiday season campaign is on. For every $50 order, Paramount is donating a meal to someone in need. And when a customer adds a $5 donation to their purchase, Paramount is donating a family Holiday dinner on the guest’s behalf.

Be sure to share with us your story of how your business is giving back to the community! We would be happy to share more stories that illustrate community spirit.  

ONTARIO INVESTS $4.4 MILLION TO PROMOTE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The Ontario government is investing nearly $4.4 million to support the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry – including numerous festivals, events and outdoor experiences in Toronto and across the province. Festivals and events reflect the vibrancy and the heart of our communities. And this support is welcome news as we work towards the recovery of the industry.

Minister Lisa MacLeod was at Stackt Market in Toronto to announce the first recipients of the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program and the Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund.

The Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund is an application-based, cost-sharing program designed to provide funding for projects that encourage the development of innovative new tourism products. Applications are still being accepted on an on-going basis.

FEDERAL FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT INCLUDES TOURISM SECTOR SUPPORT

The Federal Government delivered its Fall Economic Statement this week with encouraging sectoral-specific support for the industry. The statement included the following impacting the tourism and hospitality community, as outlined by TIAC.

1. Creating the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program - a 100% government-backed credit availability loan program at low-interest rates for the hardest-hit businesses. 
2. Increasing the maximum rate of the wage subsidy program to 75% for the next three periods or until March 13, 2021.
3. Extending the current subsidy rates of the Government’s fixed cost relief program, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to March 13, 2021, to provide greater certainty to businesses.
4. Providing $500 million in additional funding to the Regional Development Agencies to provide financing support to local businesses unable to access other federal financial assistance.
5. Anticipated support for the air sector and festivals and events.

You can read TIAC’s update about the Statement below.

TORONTO NAMED SECOND-FASTEST RISING GLOBAL CITY

Toronto continues to emerge as a leading global city by businesses leaders around the world. Our city has been ranked as the 2^nd fasted rising city in A.T. Kearney's annual Global Cities Outlook out of 151 major cities across all continents. That’s up 9 spots since last year and 18 spots since 2017 – and the only Canadian city in the top 20.

While we work towards recovery, the future of Toronto’s visitor economy looks bright with growth and global recognition like this. Visitor arrivals and activity lead to future investments and talent migration, which in turn leads to our city becoming more desirable as a place to do business, to meet and to visit. This cycle of visitation and economic development is a vital engine for our city and regional economy.

You can read more about the ranking in BlogTO this week and in the full report below.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hazelton Hotel named one of the safest hotels in the world: Congratulations to the Hazleton Hotel in Yorkville, named as one of the safest hotels in the world in following health and safety guidelines. Forbes Travel Guide and Sharecare, a digital health and wellness advisor, administered their "seal of approval" to the Hazelton and 28 other spots worldwide.

Winter skating returns to the Bentway: The skate trail under the Gardiner returns December 18 with a fixed capacity of 25 people. Pre-registration for timed entry will begin on December 12. Welcome back, Bentway!

Toronto Zoo welcomes Tori, a baby Zebra: The Toronto Zoo has a new member of its family! Tori is a 10-day old endangered Grevy’s zebra. The Zoo welcomed the foal by posting a video montage of his first few days on their Instagram account.

Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Announces highlights of its 25th Edition: Toronto’s preeminent month-long festival will showcase public art installations by established and emerging Canadian and international artists in May 2021.