TOURISM COMMUNITY TAKES PART IN NEVER HAVE I EVER, TO

This week marked the launch of Never Have I Ever, TO – a tourism recovery campaign supporting some of the hardest hit businesses within Toronto’s tourism and hospitality community – and the response from businesses within the community has been tremendous! 

Thank you to all that have taken part in the early days of the campaign!

Here are just a few creative ideas that have stemmed from the community:

• Fairmont Royal York – Never have I ever been to a soiree like one in The Great Gatsby
• The Toronto Zoo – Never have I ever explored the zoo after nightfall
• Ports Toronto – Never have I ever taken the shortest ferry ride in the world
• Kimpton Saint George Hotel – Never have I ever taken a staycation with my furry BFF
• ROM – Never have I ever come face-to-face with a whale

The power of Never Have I Ever, TO is its inclusivity. Every business within the community can participate by creating your own Never Have I Ever message and share it on social.
 
How to take part:

• Use the “Never Have I Ever, TO” toolkit
• Access our official image library
• Be sure to include #NeverHaveIEverTO and #SeeTorontoNow hashtags on your social media posts
• Have a great idea for a tactic or a promotion that you’d like to collaborate with Destination Toronto to bring to market? Click here and share your ideas with our team.

Review the Never Have I Ever, TO Playbook for full details. You can read the official campaign announcement here and be sure to visit the campaign site.

SIGN UP FOR MY TORONTO PASS

Coinciding with the launch of Never Have I Ever, TO is My Toronto Pass - a digital pass that provides locals and visitors the opportunity to safely access and redeem special offers, value-adds, and unique one-of-a-kind experiences from businesses. 

If you have a Toronto attraction, tour, or culture & entertainment-based business, register your interest to be included in My Toronto Pass. 

ICYMI: WATCH CROSS-SECTOR PERSPECTIVES ON REOPENING

On August 11, Destination Toronto hosted its latest EDGE Event in the Readiness and Recovery Series. Cross-Sector Perspectives on Reopening featured a panel discussion with sector leaders about their experiences with reopening, expanding capacity and adapting operations. Thanks to all of the panelists for their perspectives and to the attendees who took part. 

If you weren’t able to attend the webinar, it’s now available for you to watch on the Research & Insights Terminal.

REMINDER: REGISTER FOR NEW DINING PROGRAM - DineTOgether

As a reminder, the City of Toronto has launched a new restaurant program, as part of its ShowLoveTO initiative. From September 17 to October 3, DineTOgether will showcase the breadth and diversity of Toronto's restaurants and encourage residents to patronize local eateries through a feature menu available by takeout, delivery, patio dining and/or indoor dining.
 
To ensure the program benefits as many restaurants as possible, there is no participation fee and registrants must meet minimal eligibility criteria. Restaurant listings and menus will be available in September at http://www.toronto.ca/showloveto. For any questions or for more information, please contact dinetogether@toronto.ca.

Online registration is now open and runs until August 31. 

ONTARIO PAUSES EXIST FROM ROADMAP TO RECOVERY

This week, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that the government was pausing the province's exit from the Roadmap to Reopen.  Dr. Moore confirmed that despite Ontario being close to reaching target thresholds, the province has indefinitely paused the planned exit of the roadmap, meaning that current restrictions and capacity limits will remain in place. 

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario summarized the announcement in their dedicated email this week

RESTAURATEURS REMINDED TO REMAIN VIGILANT AS REOPENING CONTINUES

As local restaurants and bars continue their reopening and recovery, Toronto Public Health is reminding businesses to continue following Step 3 protocols to reduce opportunities for virus spread. It’s heartening to know that the majority of establishments have been in compliance through the reopening phase. Please find below the reminder from TPH to remain vigilant and continue the tremendous work done by the industry to keep patrons safe. 

INDUSTRY NEWS

1 Hotel opens in downtown Toronto: The latest edition of Toronto’s suite of luxury  hotels is now open. 1 Hotel Toronto has opened at 550 Wellington St. W. The new sustainable hotel features 112 guest rooms including 21 suites with city and skyline views. 

MLSE announces new health and safety protocols: Effective mid-September, attendees (including employees, events staff and guests) will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to gain access to arenas, stadiums and restaurants. 

“The Quack is Back”: The world’s largest duck is returning to Toronto this fall...virtually. The infamous duck made a splash in Toronto in 2017 and returns via augmented reality this September.