DESTINATION TORONTO’S READINESS & RECOVER WEBINAR SERIES:
TWO UPCOMING FREE EVENTS

This week, Destination Toronto hosted the first of three webinars in the new Readiness and Recovery Series. The Market Readiness webinar focused on the current state of Toronto’s key markets and segments, and the signals framework to determine the return to travel. Andrew Weir, EVP of Destination Development and Drew Franklin, Business Intelligence Architect, unpacked the important cues that will determine when sales and marketing efforts will resume for Toronto.

Thanks to all of those who were able to attend. For those unable to join, you can watch a recording of the webinar here.

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE NEXT TWO READINESS AND RECOVERY WEBINARS

CROSS-SECTOR PERSPECTIVES ON REOPENING
A round table discussion with industry leaders from different types of businesses in tourism and hospitality to share key learnings from the early days of reopening.

Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 am  

EXPANDING YOUR DIGITAL REACH
Learn about the ongoing shifts and trends across digital and content marketing followed by an overview of Destination Toronto’s new content hub - designed to better engage visitors and locals, alike. Also learn how your business can take advantage of specific marketing opportunities on the content hub to drive your business success.

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 am

FEDERAL BUDGET PROPOSES $1 BILLION IN TOURISM SUPPORT OVER THREE YEARS

This week, the Government of Canada released its 2021 Federal Budget with proposed support of $1 billion over three years starting this year for the industry. Budget 2021

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada outlined tourism measures including:

• A $500 million Tourism Relief Fund for local tourism businesses;
• $200 million to support major festivals and events;
• A $70 million investment in the Canada Music Fund;
• And an extension of CEWS and CERS through the fall of 2021. 

Read TIAC’s rundown of proposed support below.

CANADA IMPOSES BAN ON PASSENGER FLIGHTS FROM INDIA AND PAKISTAN FOR 30 DAYS

The federal government will impose a 30-day ban on passenger flights from India and Pakistan started 11:30 pm last night, as COVID cases continue to surge in those countries. The move follows unanimous support from MPs calling on the suspension of non-essential flights from countries with high rates of COVID-19 variants.

SECOND CAFÉTO REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL APRIL 26

Local restaurants interested in an expanded curb lane or sidewalk café as part of CaféTO can apply as part of the second registration window through Monday, April 26. Operators approved could have their patios installed as soon as June. Learn more about the CaféTO program, watch a helpful webinar recording, and read the updated guidebook by visiting toronto.ca/cafeto.

COVID-19 ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Small businesses and registered charities may be eligible for up to $1,500 in support towards their electricity and natural gas bills and can apply for on-bill credits for both electricity and natural gas separately. Those who previously applied and received support for less than $1,500 may apply again but total on-bill credits cannot exceed that amount. Businesses can apply via the Ontario Energy Board. 

INDUSTRY NEWS

Toronto Pearson International and HMSHost launch Uber Eats order and pickup service: Toronto Pearson International has combined with global restaurateur HMSHost to become the world’s first airport to launch a mobile order and pickup service through Uber Eats. The service enables passengers to make contactless food & beverage orders and pick them up across a variety of restaurants in Terminals 1 and 3. It extends a partnership that began with a pilot project in 2019.

Casa Loma to get Medieval Maze of Lights & dragons this spring: The Imagine Dragons – Light Forest experience will welcome visitors into a medieval wonderland filled with dazzling lights and life-sized dragons. Event organizers hope to open after May 20 when Ontario's current stay-at-home order ends — if permitted at that time.

Toronto Zoo named one of Canada's Greenest Employers: Congratulations to the Toronto Zoo, named one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2021. The zoo was singled out for raises awareness of the need to protect endangered species and biodiversity, as well as offering educational opportunities for guests such as green sustainability tours and tour days devoted to saving particular animal species.

Royal Conservatory of Music launches new digital concert hall: Go to RoyalConservatory.Live for hours of free concert footage in addition to the debut of Music of My Life with guest Eugene Levy.