Crooked Slide Park photo: Sharon Gardiner
Ontario will consult with tourism operators and tourists to build a new tourism strategy to maximize the economic impact of Ontario’s $34 billion tourism industry, and unlock its limitless potential.
Sylvia Jones, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, made the announcement today in Windsor, at the Ontario Tourism Summit hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario. Our government for the people promised Ontario will once again be open for business. That’s why we acted quickly to help job-creating businesses by reducing WSIB premiums and addressing minimum wage,” said Minister Jones. “With Ontario’s new tourism strategy, we’ll create a positive business environment where this vital sector can flourish and create good and sustainable jobs. We’ll consult tourism operators and tourists to learn how to make Ontario a travel destination of choice and bring visitors back again and again.
Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said:
Tourism is a vital sector for Ontario’s economy. That’s why we encouraged the new Ontario government to implement a strategic plan for the tourism sector. We’re very pleased Minister Jones has announced that the government will be working with tourism stakeholders to create a new tourism strategy that’ll lead to an even stronger tourism industry in Ontario.
Consultations will launch in late fall 2018 and seek feedback on issues affecting the industry, ranging from the role of government and industry to workforce challenges and regulatory burdens.
QUICK FACTS
- Tourism accounts for over four per cent of the province’s GDP, contributing more than agriculture, mining and forestry combined.
- The tourism industry supports 390,000 jobs in communities across Ontario.
- The TIAO summit is an annual gathering of tourism delegates representing many of Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism sector.
Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, (2018, Oct.23) Ontario’s Government for the People Strengthening Tourism Sector [Press release]
Regarding Tourism Initiative by our Provincial Government:
Tourism is the one service that should be promoted aggressively by our Township as it is the only initiative that has a Return on Investment immediately!
The coffers in our stores are the real gauge for efforts that should be a priority for our Recreation and Economic Development staff and committees!
The Ontario Government was working on making Tourism a core service before they were voted out. This initiative by our new Government will be so welcome and should help us get back to being the NUMBER ONE DESTINATION in Renfrew County.
Our new Council will see an opportunity to promote MV Township with this positive move by the Ford Government.