Photo by Karen Ottertail-Geerken
A new provincial task force is being formed to help the tourism sector recover from the pandemic.
Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries Minister Lisa McLeod says former Tourism Minister Tim Hudak will head the Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force.
The task force, in particular, will be looking at the travel incentive and how to build out itineraries across Ontario that looks at that authentic Ontario product and experience and really allows our regional tourism organizations to collaborate more frequently,” says McLeod.
Ontario is prepared to offer a 20 per cent rebate on your vacations this year if you visit somewhere in the province.
The task force is to submit its recommendations this spring.
Hudak has confidence the tourism sector will recover.
“We have incredible beauty, heritage, culture, world-leading attractions in a province, let alone the women and men who make them successful to our advantage. We have a talented task force that is very motivated by this cause,” says Hudak.
Hudak and Wilson see northern Ontario playing a role in that recovery. Wilson sees northern Ontario as one of the province’s key destination areas.
“I can assure you that the authentic experience offered in northern Ontario is like no other in the world. We are actively having conversations to see how we can best support them and ensure that more Ontarians take in the exquisite and authentic tourism experience,” says Wilson.
“We want to make sure that this tourism recovery is going to be felt in every part of the province. If we get more Ontarians discovering the beauty and attractions and history of northern Ontario, mission accomplished,” says Hudak.
