MARKING ONE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC: 
INSIGHTS FROM TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY LEADERS

March 11 marks one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since that time, the tourism and hospitality industry has been tested like no other. To mark one full year, Destination Toronto is asking three questions to three tourism and hospitality leaders each Friday in March to hear how the pandemic has impacted their business over the past year, and what the future looks like for Toronto’s visitor economy.

ONTARIO ESTABLISHES TOURISM ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASK FORCE

The Ontario government announced a new Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force. Chaired by former MPP Tim Hudak, the task force will give advice and recommendations on how to help the province's $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister MacLeod announced the task force this week, along with the mandate to deliver a report with its recommendations to the minister in spring 2021.

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE PANDEMIC’S TOLL ON TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

Last week, we released an analysis that shows the pandemic resulted in $8.35 billion in lost economic activity from the loss of visitor spending in Toronto over the past year. The analysis highlights the sectors hardest hit, how visitor spending has dropped year-over-year, and the devastating impact the pandemic has had on meetings, conferences and events industry.

Here are some media highlights covering the announcement: 

• CBC
• Global News
• CityNews
• Toronto Sun
• BlogTO
• Canadian Travel News

It’s up to all of us in the community to ensure that the impact on the tourism and hospitality industry continues to be part of the conversation. All of the graphics created are available for you to share on social, your site, or in newsletters using #HospitalityStrong to tell our story together.

INSIGHTS

DESTINATION CANADA RELEASES LATEST VISITOR ECONOMY REPORT

Destination Canada released their latest Visitor Economy Report that shows that Canadians are eager to get back and explore when it’s safe to do so.  Here are some of the key findings:

• 80% of Canadians plan to travel when restrictions are lifted
• 84% of Canadians believe that tourism is important
• Recovery is expected to take years, but a significant increase in domestic travel can accelerate recovery
  
  

INSIGHTS FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS GLOBAL TRAVEL TREND REPORT

American Express has also released its latest research on travelers’ sentiments. The Global Travel Trends Report compiled in seven major markets, including Canada, found that:

• 76% of respondents are creating wish lists of where they want to go when they can
• 65% say they travel again once they receive the COVID vaccine
• 61% said they’re planning to spend more on a trip than they normally would have this year to make up for the travel they missed in 2020
  
  

CONTACT YOUR MP AT TOURISMCOUNTS.CA

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada continues efforts to meet with MPs from all parties to talk about the 2021 Tourism Recovery Plan.

How can you help? Send a letter to your MP in support of the sector. Visit TourismCounts.ca and simply enter your name & address. You can also share with your networks by using TIAC’s instant share buttons or downloading one of our shareables at TourismCounts.ca. It’s up to us to ensure Toronto’s tourism voice is well-represented in Ottawa.

CANADA SHOWS SUPPORT FOR LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

The Department of Canadian Heritage announced details of a $40 million Support for Workers in the Live Arts and Music Sectors Fund. The funding stems from the Fall Economic Statement investment of $181.5 million in emergency supports for the arts and culture sectors. The Support for Workers in Live Arts and Music Sectors Fund will include an investment of $5 million through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals component and $20 million through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF).

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

DESTINATION ONTARIO PRESENTS GOOGLE MY BUSINESS

Destination Ontario is hosting its next educational webinar in their series: Google My Business. Learn how to optimize your digital presence in this free tourism-focused webinar. Google will provide an overview of Google My Business and other tools that can help enhance online presence (e.g. Test My Site, Google Ads, Google Trends). Google will also share the Google Guide for Small and Medium Businesses to help navigate through the readily available resources.

GMB is for:

• Local businesses with a physical location
• Service-area or roaming businesses (e.g. gardener, food truck)
• Seasonal businesses open for a limited time, if signage is displayed year-round (e.g. pumpkin patch)
• Businesses inside other businesses (e.g. stores inside a mall)

Thursday, March 18, 2021
9:30 – 11 a.m.

Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

INDUSTRY NEWS

One of a Kind Show launches new digital series for National Craft Month: The team behind the One of a Kind Shows has introduced One of a Kind Celebrates - a new digital series that puts a virtual spotlight on makers and their stories. The new series is part of National Craft Month in March. Throughout the month, 78 makers will be highlighted to help champion, appreciate and shop from these incredible small businesses.

Aga Khan Museum launches new digital experience: IAM: Dance of the Molecules by Toronto artist and scientist Radha Chaddah will eventually become a live four-act 50-minute immersive multimedia outdoor experience with the first act having premiered on March 5.