The provincial government is asked to help strengthen its tourism industry.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) provided a list of suggestions to a legislative committee holding pre-budget meetings.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Sigwert says it includes more marketing dollars.
“Destination Ontario leads tourism marketing with an impressive track record in our province. Unfortunately, it receives about $10 million less in annual marketing funding than our competitor provinces of BC, Quebec and Alberta,” says Sigwert.
“TIAO is recommending that Destinations Ontario’s marketing funding be increased to the levels at least on par with these competing provinces.”
The association also wants to see updates to the regulations that allow municipalities to apply taxes to hotel and motel room rentals, known as the municipal accommodation tax framework.
“A few quick examples we could include a formal rate change process. We could include industry consultation on how municipal funds are used to drive our visitor economies, and we can ensure short-term rental businesses are at the table and participate.”
The association also supports the need for improved transportation
Sigwert says reliable transportation is essential for future tourism growth.
“Current challenges include declining regional air service, inadequate EV charging infrastructure and gaps in regional bus and rail connectivity. We recommend joint TIAO provincial advocacy to the federal government to remove barriers so that we can restore regional air service, particularly in northwestern Ontario.”
Other recommendations include extending the Skills Development Fund with a priority on Indigenous Tourism to fuel job creation, product development and economic growth.
It also wants increased provincial support for sport and culture tourism bids and cultural events.
