The Ontario government released a report today prepared by the Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force, which makes recommendations on how to support the province’s $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report provides 10 key recommendations about how to rebuild and reshape the future of Ontario’s tourism industry.
See the report here.
The recommendations include reducing red tape for tourism businesses, restoring consumer confidence in visitors through collaboration between public health officials and the tourism industry and encouraging Ontarians to experience the province through industry co-ordinated travel days. The report also suggests new opportunities to showcase the best Ontario has to offer through itineraries, packages, and trails that will make it easier to find local Ontario products and experiences.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on Ontario’s tourism industry," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism and Culture. “As we look to the future, the recommendations and proposals presented in this report will play a vital role in helping our government develop a clear path forward to ensure the long-term recovery of Ontario’s tourism industry."
The Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force was asked to provide strategies and advice to help position Ontario and its local communities as destinations of choice for travel, as well as identify products and experiences that enhance destination development. The task force’s report is informed by industry research, advice and recommendations put forward by the 14 Ministerial Advisory Councils at the onset of the pandemic, and formal submissions received from individuals and sector associations across Ontario’s tourism industry.
“After the changes and challenges that were brought on by this global pandemic, Ontarians will want to create new memories and experiences with their families," said MacLeod.
"We want to help make that happen and want to help Ontarians rediscover all of the amazing attractions Ontario has to offer,” said Tim Hudak, Chair, Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force.
Ontario will now review the task force’s recommendations.
“Arts and culture tourism is an essential part of the overall tourism economy and one that punches well above its weight in terms of economic amplification. Arts tourists stay for long periods and invest in other activities; eating at local restaurants, staying at hotels, visiting wineries, markets and local shops and enjoying many other tourism destinations,” said Tim Jennings, Executive Director of the Shaw Festival.
Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario – in 2018, the tourism industry supported more than 390,000 jobs and generated over $36 billion of economic activity for the province.
