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TIAC Talk - The Official Newsletter of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada

August 20, 2009

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TIAC MAKES PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION TO STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

In advance of the Standing Committee on Finance’s pre-budget hearings process this fall, TIAC submitted to the committee its list of budget priorities. Submissions in this process are limited to three priorities, and the committee has requested an estimate on the total cost of implementing these items. TIAC focussed on three key areas which fall under the federal government’s oversight, and which will provide the greatest benefit to the broader tourism sector:

1. The elimination of Crown ground rental payments owed by Canadian Airport Authorities (Airport Rent). Cost: $280 million annually.

2. The implementation of an accountable, industry-administered GST/HST visitor rebate scheme for independent leisure travellers. Cost $80 to $100 million annually.

3. Making an initial $1 billion down payment on the construction of a dedicated High Speed Rail corridor.

Click here to view TIAC’s pre-budget submission.

For more information on the pre-budget process, please contact Chris Jones, TIAC Vice-President, Public Relations at cjones@tiac.travel or 613-238-7557.

STATISTICS CANADA RELEASES INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL NUMBERS FOR JUNE 2009

In the August 19 edition of The Daily, Statistics Canada released the preliminary figures for travel between Canada and other countries. These are the first numbers that reflect the possible impact of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative’s introduction of land and sea document requirements.

StatsCan’s numbers demonstrate that overnight visits from the United States are down 9.3% over the previous month (May 2009), and down 9.6% year-over-year, as compared to June 2008. Car trips were especially affected, as they are down 12.1% over May, and down 9.2% from over June 2008.

In other significant markets, Canada has also seen declines year-over-year:

United Kingdom: -20.2%
France: 0%
Germany: -10.7%
Australia: -19%
Mexico: - 26% (Note: This number predates the imposition of visa requirements.)
China: -6%
Japan: -50%

For more information on Statistics Canada’s June 2009 international visitation numbers, visit: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090819/t090819c1-eng.htm

TIAC AND PHOCUSWRIGHT FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: COLLABORATION PROVIDES CANADA A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN ONLINE TOURISM

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and PhoCusWright Inc. are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to produce groundbreaking research and innovative events. The partnership will empower tourism industry leaders to maximize their investment and exploit the full potential of Canada’s online tourism market.

The agreement covers two principal projects: PhoCusWright’s 2009 Canada Special Report on the Canadian travel market, and the next three editions of TIAC's Canada-e-Connect conference, the Canadian tourism industry's premier online strategy conference.

"TIAC is excited to join forces with an industry leader such as PhoCusWright on these two important projects for our membership and our industry," said Randy Williams, president and CEO of TIAC. "Through the information gleaned in the 2009 Special Report and the innovative sessions at the Canada-e-Connect conference, we will provide TIAC's members and our industry with a competitive advantage in the online travel sphere."

"Canada is an important market for PhoCusWright. TIAC's reputation and leadership in the travel industry make them an ideal partner," said Philip Wolf, PhoCusWright's president and CEO. "With the combined resources of our two organizations, we will delve into this vital market to promote innovation and sound strategic planning in Canada's tourism industry."

Canada-e-Connect, Canadian Tourism's Online Strategy Conference, examines how technology, online communications and Web applications can catalyze growth in the tourism sector. The conference provides delegates with fresh intelligence on the most relevant topics in the online area, including e-distribution and e-marketing strategies; social media marketing and e-communities; mobile marketing strategies; technology for small businesses; e-business strategies; analytics; and strategic blogging. Canada-e-Connect 2010 will take place January 27-29, 2010 at the Delta Centre-Ville in Montreal, QC.

TIAC FOUNDATION SEEKING DONATIONS FOR SUMMIT AUCTION

TIAC is seeking prize donations for a silent auction to be held in conjunction with Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit.  The auction raises money for the TIAC Foundation; a foundation aimed at assisting tourism students as well as providing support in times of catastrophic circumstances.  Last year more than $6,000 was raised for the newly formed foundation.

Your contribution to the Silent Auction is greatly appreciated.  Every donation, regardless of size or value is appreciated and will help ensure the success of the auction.  It is our intention to commence the bidding on-line in advance of the Summit, ensuring that you or your organization receives even greater exposure as a contributor to this worthy cause.

Canada's Tourism Leadership Summit brings together over 400 top-level tourism industry decision-makers under one roof over three days.  This unparalleled networking and educational opportunity will be held at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, November 2-4, 2009.

To contribute, please contact Jennifer Taylor, TIAC Events Manager at 902-698-0984 or  jtaylor@tiac.travel.

SECOND ANNUAL RTTF LEADERSHIP AWARD

The second annual Responsible Travel & Tourism™ Forum Leadership Award will be presented to a Canadian travel and tourism organization that has demonstrated commitment to socially and environmentally responsible practices.

The award is open to organizations that operate in Canada in the following categories:

  • Tour Operators (Inbound or Outbound)
  • Travel Agents (Leisure and Corporate)
  • Accommodation Providers (Chain and Independent)
  • Destinations (Convention & Visitor Bureaus, Tourist Boards, Tourism Authorities)

For information on the criteria, judges and to submit your entry, visit http://rttf.ca/index.php?p=award or contact award@rttf.ca.


IN THIS ISSUE

TIAC Makes Pre-Budget Submission to Standing Committee on Finance

Statistics Canada Releases International Travel Numbers for June 2009

TIAC and PhoCusWright Forge Strategic Partnership: Collaboration Provides Canada a Competitive Edge in Online Tourism

TIAC Foundation Seeking Donations for Summit Auction

Second Annual RTTF Leadership Award

Did You Know...

TIAC Member Benefits


DID YOU KNOW...
Presented by
The Globe and Mail

The UN World Tourism Organization lists Canada as the 14th most popular international tourist destination in the world.

 


ENROL TODAY

NEXUS

 


STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Deloitte

 

 

TIAC MEMBER BENEFITS

LAST CHANCE FOR SUMMIT EARLY BIRD RATE! Members receive a $200 discount on their Summit registration fees. Members who register for the Summit before August 31st, 2009 receive an additional $100 early bird discount!

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