Welcome to Forward Motion, the official podcast of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This is your go-to destination for insightful conversations, expert perspectives, and inspiring stories that drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward.
Each episode, Andrew Siegwart sits down with industry leaders, policymakers, business owners, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of tourism in Ontario. We’ll explore key trends, innovative strategies, and the challenges and opportunities facing our sector—from sustainability and workforce development to marketing, accessibility, and the latest government policies.
Whether you're a tourism operator, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the industry, Forward Motion keeps you informed and inspired. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that make Ontario a world-class destination.
Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward.
Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!
This episode features Andrew Siegwart and Madison Simmons from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) focused on the recent provincial election and the future of Ontario's tourism industry. Premier Doug Ford secured a third consecutive majority, with the election highlighting economic concerns and trade relations with the US as key priorities.
TIAO launched a pre-election campaign called "Ontario Needs Tourism," generating over 1,200 letters to candidates and emphasizing the sector's economic importance. The conversation explored several critical recommendations for tourism growth, including:
- Increasing marketing funding by $15 million to compete with other provinces
- Creating a $20 million fund to support sport and business event bidding
- Improving transportation infrastructure
- Addressing workforce challenges, particularly international student work permits
- Reforming municipal accommodation tax regulations
The discussion also previewed an upcoming Ontario Tourism Strategy developed through consultations with over 1,000 businesses. The strategy's six key priorities include:
- Strategic investment in tourism capacity
- Transportation infrastructure improvements
- Market diversification
- Sustainability initiatives
- Workforce development
- Enhanced collaboration among support organizations
The overarching message emphasized the need for focused, collaborative approaches to drive productivity and economic growth in the tourism sector, particularly in the context of current economic uncertainties.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
