Indigenous Tourism Ontario Newsletter – August 19, 2020
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ITO IN THE NEWS
ITO President & CEO Kevin Eshkawkogan appears in the Top 100 Canadian Professionals Magazine to share the story of ITO and the importance of Indigenous tourism as a means of improving the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people and communities.
DESTINATION NORTHERN ONTARIO
INDUSTRY LEADER AWARDS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Destination Northern Ontario has announced the third annual call for nominations for their Industry Leader Awards to be presented virtually at the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit. Nominations areopen to any Ontario-based organization, group or their membership base. Self Nominations are permitted. There is no cost to apply for the 2020 Destination Northern Ontario Industry Leader Awards. Nomination deadline is October 2nd 2020. Why not take a moment to nominate someone for one of the awards?
An important message from our partners at Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO):
While both the Provincial and the Federal Government are on their summer break, NOTO is taking the opportunity to collect new data on the impacts of COVID-19 on the resource-based tourism industry specifically.
We understand that many of you may feel survey’ed out, however it is important now more than ever to complete this survey. We know that many of you have recently participated in surveys circulated by TIAO (Tourism Industry Association of Ontario) and TIAC (Tourism Industry Association of Canada) and those are important surveys to continue to participate in. You see, the tourism industry is working together at all levels to ensure Government’s response supports the future of the tourism industry.
TIAC is representing all tourism sectors across Canada, TIAO represents all tourism sectors within Ontario and NOTO represents the Resource-based tourism industry in Ontario. NOTO is a member of both TIAO and TIAC and participates in opportunities to advance our sector’s goals on a regular basis and to partner with organizations who may have more access to Government leaders. These relationships are crucial to lobbying efforts, especially during times like we are presented with now.
While we often refer to the survey results generated by TIAO and TIAC, it is also very helpful for us to conduct surveys that specific reflect our sector.
NOTO has been in communication with the Federal and Provincial Governments to work on developing programs that won’t lead to additional debt for our industry. We need data to support these efforts.
This survey also focuses on the financial impacts of the Canada-US border closure which we know has impacted several operators, particularly those in the Northwest. We are also looking to get a feel on how operators feel about pushing for a gradual reopening with a proper plan in place (i.e. testing at the border, mandatory health checks, etc.) to have the border completely open by the beginning of the 2021 season.
We’re also working with MNRF to find a way to mitigate the impacts of a complete loss of the 2020 non-resident hunting season. We want to hear the losses operators have felt as a result of the border closure as well as receive feedback from the suggestions and ideas discussed with MNRF to date.
This survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete for most operators, however it may take up to 10 minutes for those who offer hunting services.
Participation is very important! Government is always searching for numbers to support our asks!
We thank you all very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to aid us in our efforts.
ITAC STIMULUS FUND UPDATE THURSDAY AUGUST 20TH, 1PM EDT
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has reached and signed the final agreement with Indigenous Services Canada on the terms of ITAC’s Development Stimulus Grants. ITAC will be giving a live update and a thorough analysis of the final terms of the agreement. Keith Henry, ITAC’s President & CEO, will be hosting the webinar presentation and answering questions from the audience. The live webinar will be held on Facebook Live tomorrow, Thursday August 20th, at 10:00am PDT / 1:00pm EDT
For additional information about the ITAC Stimulus Fund, see the links below:
