INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & UPDATES FOR JULY 8, 2022

WATCH THE EDGE EVENT: BEYOND THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On June 28, guest speakers Billy Alexander, Director of Programs at Culinary Tourism Alliance, and Kevin Eshkawkogan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Tourism Ontario, joined moderator Sarah Jarvis, Director, Community Engagement at Destination Toronto, for the lastest EDGE Event: Beyond the Land Acknowledgement. 

The discussion with Billy and Kevin centered around how to create a land acknowledgement that respectfully recognizes the traditional Territories and Treaties and honours the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on Turtle Island for centuries, examining why they matter today and the importance of creating meaningful action that goes beyond the land acknowledgement. 

To watch a recording of the video, read more about creating a meaningful land acknowledgement, and for helpful resources to further your reading and deepen your understanding, please visit the Research & Insights Terminal. 

NOMINATIONS FOR 2022 ONTARIO TOURISM RESILIENCY AWARDS ARE OPEN!

2021 continued to be a year that challenged the industry, reinforcing the need for determination and perseverance. Because of this, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario will recognize those that have shown resiliency, gained inspiration from others, and worked towards rebuilding, with the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards.

Click the here to learn more and begin the nomination process!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE GTHA / DESTINATION TORONTO GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Annual Greater Toronto Hotel Association and Destination Toronto Golf Tournament is back!

Join the GTHA and Destination Toronto members, industry partners and guests on August 11th at 8 am for a day of golf and business networking.

Golf day includes: light breakfast, networking reception, lunch and 18 holes of golf (cart included).

Spaces are limited so register early!

REMINDER: FEEDBACK WANTED ON CITY OF TORONTO RESTAURANT PROGRAMMING INITIATIVES

City of Toronto Restaurant Programs are designed to support local businesses, inspire local tourism, foster community engagement, and encourage economic growth within the City.

The City is looking for your feedback through a short survey which will help determine future City of Toronto programming initiatives.

Deadline to submit is July 18.

SUPPORT TO MUSIC VENUES AND CONCERT PROMOTERS

As part of the Canada Arts and Culture Recovery Program (CACRP), $14 million is to be delivered through the Canada Music Fund (CMF) in 2022-2023 as Support to Music Venues and Concert Promoters.

This initiative aims to keep Canadian-owned music venues and concert promoters operating during this time of socio-economic uncertainty, ensuring Canadian artists may continue to perform to audiences across Canada.

The deadline to apply is July 25, 2022, at 5:00pm ET.

TOURISM HR CANADA FREE RESOURCE GUIDE: NOW HIRING

Tourism’s workforce issues did not begin with the pandemic, but COVID has heightened and amplified the problem.

To assist employers in moving forward, Tourism HR Canada has created a new, free resource, Now Hiring: A Guide to Help Employers Attract and Retain Workers in a Post-Pandemic Environment.

The tools in this guide are intended to help tourism businesses get started on the path to recovery, with both short-term and long-term strategies to attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce. Now Hiring covers a range of essential HR practices, tips to implement them, and practical checklists and forms to help tackle key issues.

Upcoming citywide meetings and events in July and August:

• Globl Jam 2022 Toronto, Canada Basketball, July 1-10
• 2022 Serra International Convention, July 11-17
• 2022 Unifor National Convention, Aug 8-12
• 2023 Yamaha Watercraft Product Premiere, Aug 14-26

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND AIR INDUSTRY TAKING MORE ACTION TO REDUCE CONGESTION AT CANADA'S BUSIEST AIRPORTS

The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, and the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, issued an update on July 6, 2022 on progress being made by the Government of Canada and industry partners to reduce wait times and congestion at Canadian airports.

From too many flights, to not enough staff, there is no single reason for these delays – but the Government of Canada and air industry partners stated they are committed to continue to make significant efforts to add resources and streamline processes to ease congestion and help keep travellers moving.

HAVE YOUR SAY BEFORE JULY 20: FEDERAL TOURISM GROWTH STRATEGY

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting a public consultation on the development of a new post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

To continue supporting Canada's tourism sector and help bolster its recovery, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, will work with tourism businesses, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism partners to develop a post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy that will plot a course for growth, investment and stability.

Have your say on the post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy by July 20, 2022.

CULTURAL HOTSPOT PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS THE GOLDEN MILE AND LITTLE JAMAICA

The City of Toronto is launching the ninth annual Cultural Hotspot program with 26 new community-based arts projects.

Cultural Hotspot, a celebration of arts, culture and community, connects and invests in Toronto’s diverse outside-the-core neighbourhoods. This year, the program shines spotlights on the vibrant Golden Mile and Little Jamaica neighbourhoods, with community-based arts projects running from June to October.

Six Reasons Why Toronto Stands Out- Reasons to choose Toronto for a meeting, sponsored content from Destination Toronto on the Professional Convention Management Association website. 

'Summer of recovery': Pandemic-stricken tourism industry sees signs of optimism - Canadian Press article on signs of recovery in the tourism industry. 

4 Toronto Neighborhoods You Need To Visit This Summer - Forbes article on neighbourhoods to visit in Toronto.

5 Ways To Celebrate Pride In Toronto - Celebrating Toronto Pride on Do the Daniel blog.

Quoi faire à Toronto ? - Where to visit in Toronto for the French blog Cendrine.

Toronto's getting a new public beach with skyline views -  A new beach and green space is set to be built in the Port Lands. Leslie Slip Lookout Park will transform an industrialized area into a gorgeous multi-use community space.

Pierre Lassonde Family Foundation donates $25 million to City of Toronto to create new waterfront public art trail - The donation, the single largest arts-related gift the City has ever received, will serve as a prominent and enduring legacy for ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art.

TIFF Announces Plans For Industry Conference and an Exciting Return to Business - The five-day Industry Conference will be held at the Glenn Gould Studio September 9–13, while the Industry Centre returns to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Festival Village.

Ontario Place Summer Live Music Festival - Ontario Place has partnered with Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival (TUJF) and SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival for a 2nd year to bring live music festival to their waterfront location. 

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