What's Happening...
News, Research, Reports & Submissions
Alberta federal tourism submission focuses on labour gap
TIAA's August 3 contribution covers wide-ranging issues on behalf of Alberta's tourism industry. Letter
Happy Tourism Week 2022, Alberta
May 29 - June 4 is a time to celebrate our industry’s contributions to the lives and livelihoods that are touched by the 25,546 tourism businesses in our province. Check out our #ABTourismWeek toolkit
Annual general meeting scheduled for June 14
TIAA members are invited to our online annual general meeting. Register by June 10 here. Download meeting package here.
Alberta tourism data at your finger tips now available
Enhance your decision-making with a snapshot of key tourism data including trends, economic impact, visitor and market intelligence. Details
2022 Board call for nominations, closes May 18
The Tourism Industry Association of Alberta is seeking nominations from members to fill two vacancies on its Board of Directors. Details
Tourism industry survey shows business operators are optimistic
In a first-of-its-kind online survey by the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta in partnership with Travel Alberta, businesses were polled in winter 2022 on the current state of the industry — covering viability, outlook, recruitment, finances and losses. Survey summary
2022 Alberta Tourism Industry Congress Postponed
Travel Alberta and the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta regretfully announce that we are postponing the 2022 Alberta Tourism Industry Congress planned for April 25. This year brought us unexpected logistical challenges, driven by significantly lower than expected registration numbers. More
TIAA Submits Budget Recommendations to Province
In advance of the 2022 provincial budget, TIAA ensured tourism was represented via a series of recommendations for what can help the industry's recovery. See the submission here.
TIAA's 2021 Report to Members is Now Available
After a year of determined fervor to ensure Alberta's visitor economy is positioned for recovery and growth, TIAA is proud to release its 2021 Report to Members. The report recaps the association's advocacy, research and collaborative efforts to support the whole of the tourism and hospitality sector. Read the report here.
Research Finds Alberta's Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates $2.3B in Trip-Related Expenditures
Thanks to the contributions of 19 motorized and non-motorized outdoor recreation groups, and input from Albertans across the province, TIAA's first-of a-kind study revealed the significant potential behind outdoor recreation as a powerful economic driver. The research found $376M was spent on outdoor equipment and accessories, with a contribution of $2.8B to the province's GDP. Read the study overview, the primary report or the technical report.
Report Unveiled Soon on Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Crown Lands
TIAA is working on the final details of a comprehensive study exploring the economic contributions of outdoor recreation on crown lands. The study, led by TIAA and informed through the expertise of 19 outdoor recreation user groups representing motorized and non-motorized activities, seeks to draw the government's attention to the immense opportunities available to further develop Alberta's outdoor recreation economy through the strategic alignment of policy and investment. The study will be released early September.
TIABC and TIAA Present to Conservative Party of Canada
On April 7, TIAA presented its thoughts and recommendations to the Conservative Party of Canada's Tourism Caucus Recovery Committee on the rebound of the nation's visitor economy. Darren Reeder, TIAA's Board Advisor introduced recommendations through four strategic goals in partnership with Walt Judas of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) including:
- ensuring the longevity of liquidity support measures until market forces resume
- articulating a predictive path to reopen the border to travel
- supporting Canada’s visitor economy to remain globally competitive through the introduction of a travel tax credit
- making sure that looming tourism labour shortages don’t drag on the sector’s economic recovery.
Joint Coalition Submission sent to Alberta Utilities Commission
At the end of March, TIAA participated in a broad coalition of industry associations to provide feedback on a recent Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”) decision that not only harms, but disenfranchises ratepayers. This decision came at a time when industry needs every opportunity to save on costs. The coalition identified a series of concerns and requested a meeting with Honourable Dale Nally, Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity to work towards a resolution. Read the submission
Travel Alberta's Budget to Increase for Next Three Years
As part of its Budget 2021, the Government of Alberta announced on February 26 an increase of $22M for each of the next three years for Travel Alberta. Since its inception, TIAA has been calling for Travel Alberta's funding to be restored and is pleased to see this in the budget. View this year's Fiscal Plan here.
TIAA Recommends Expansion of Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant to Account for Impacts on Tourism & Hospitality Sectors
In a January 25th letter issued to Premier Kenney & Minister Schweitzer, TIAA pressed the Alberta government to enhance the Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) for tourism and hospitality businesses, specifically, by doubling the grant to $40,000 and increasing the eligibility criteria to 30% of a business’ pre-COVID-19 monthly revenue.
2020 Report to Members Released, Showing a Busy Year
(January 7, 2021) TIAA unveiled its "Growing Through the Crisis - 2020 Report to Members" highlighting key advocacy activities and thematic areas of stakeholder support in its dynamic first year of supporting Alberta's tourism sector. Read the 2020 Report to Members
Tourism Levy to be Retained by Accommodation Providers
On December 4, 2020 the Government of Alberta announced that hotels and other lodging providers will now be able to keep the tourism levy amounts collected between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. This extension of the original abatement period, which was to end Dec. 31, will free up to $10 million in additional cash flow for the sector to employ staff, maintain operations and continue providing valuable services through the winter season. TIAA has been working hard on this request on behalf of industry and is pleased with this announcement. See the full details here.
2020 TIAC Tourism Congress Alberta Breakout Session Hosted by TIAA
(November 18, 2020) TIAA's Board Chair, Alida Visbach hosted esteemed speakers from across the province's tourism industry to discuss insights and trends that shape the visitor economy in Alberta. More than 230 tourism partners welcomed the panelists who included:
- Martin Long - Parliamentary Secretary of Small Business and Tourism, Government of Alberta
- David Goldstein - CEO, Travel Alberta
- Darren Reeder, TIAA Board Advisor
Watch the recap of the session
Recommendations Shared to Tourism & Hospitality's Red Tape Panel to Support Sector's Recovery
(October 1, 2020) TIAA submitted a series of recommendations to the province's Tourism & Hospitality Red Tape Panel aimed at supporting the recovery and expansion of Alberta's tourism economy. Recommendations ranged from support tourism and outdoor recreation development to accelerating a tourism project approvals framework and more. Read the submission
"Travelling Forward Webinar" Registration Announced, in partnership with MLT Aikins LLP
(September 11, 2020) On November 2, 2020 MLT Aikins LLP and TIAA will bring the industry a unique webinar, offering timely topics hosted by respected industry experts. Program includes:
- Risk management considerations for business
- Bill 32 - changes to Alberta's labour and employment legislation
- Corporate restructuring: things to consider when facing liquidity challenges
- Pandemic immigration - tourism and work related immigration in the face of COVID-19
Register here
A Call to Action: Recommendations to Accelerate the Recovery, Sustainable Growth and Resilience of Alberta's Visitor Economy
(June 30, 2020) The report, which was developed under the guidance of eight senior tourism sector leaders and informed through the input of over 20 sector associations, is the most comprehensive, industry-led effort to-date to assist the government in its understanding of the opportunities (and challenges) facing the whole of the visitor economy. The actions that the industry is asking the government to take – and which have all the greater context following the release of yesterday’s Alberta Recovery Plan – provide a policy roadmap to quickly advance the recovery and expansion of the visitor economy. The report is organized into eight focus areas, with each of the 40 priority policy recommendations organized by implementation timeframe and by ministry(s) responsible.
Read the Call to Action Report
Alberta's Recovery Plan
(June 29, 2020) Alberta's Recovery Plan focuses on building infrastructure, diversifying the economy and getting Albertans back to work. Read the Recovery Plan
Opening Soon: Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
(April 30, 2020) Premier Kenney today unveiled the province's strategy to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, outlining the conditions for a sequenced reopening of the economy in three stages. Read the Relaunch Strategy
Destination Next: Futures Study 2019 A Strategic Road Map for the Next Generation of Global Destination Organizations
Destination organizations today are collaborating more closely with their local communities to define a shared vision for the future that provides long-term benefits for both key stakeholders and residents. There is also a much greater emphasis on community-driven destination development that aligns around the three integrated pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability to drive competitive advantage in today’s global visitor economy. Continue Reading
Creating Middle Class Jobs: A Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
The new federal tourism growth strategy aims to capitalize on the tourism industry’s success by helping to create more opportunities for year-round, sustainable economic development in Canadian communities. The potential for tourism is greater than ever with Tourism now having become the seventh economic strategy table for the government: an approach that summons the attention of all government departments that are impacted by the industry. Continue Reading
Unlocking the Potential of Canada’s Visitor Economy
In its February 2017 report, the federal Minister of Finance’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth identified tourism as one of eight key sectors where “Canada has a strong endowment, untapped potential, and significant global growth potential.” The Council recommended that government and businesses take a targeted, collaborative approach to building each of these sectors. Given the outsized importance of tourism to Canada, and the substantial growth opportunity of the sector, this report is intended to stimulate discussion about the structure, performance and potential of the sector, and introduce possible avenues to grow Canada’s visitor economy. Continue Reading
Media
Industry veteran appointed CEO
Darren Reeder is TIAA President and CEO News release
Survey shows business operators are optimistic
Optimism is tempered by labour challenges and public health guidelines News release
Testing removal provides certainty for tourism industry
Hard-hit businesses can start the long road to recovery with summer ahead Statement
Travel guideline relaxation move in right direction
Much work remains in our country and province's image, brand and reputation, and ensuring that we are on travellers' itineraries. Media interview here
Tourism leaders call for changes to international visitor testing
As the Canadian borders have re-opened to U.S. travellers, confusion and cost around PCR testing requirements are a known deterrent. TIAA's board advisor, Darren Reeder said it is unnecessary for the federal government to require a family of four to pay $1,000 to come to Canada, or a PCR test at all. Read more here.
TIAA's Study Reveals Alberta's Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates $2.3B in Trip-Related Expenditures
A new study conducted by TIAA asserts that an intentional shift in management focus is needed to secure the future potential of Alberta’s outdoor recreation economy. View the complete package:
- Media Release
- Primary Report
- Technical Report
- Alberta's Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy - Study Overview
- Contributions Of Alberta’s Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy
- Alberta's Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy - Six Action Items
Border Opens to Fully Vaccinated U.S. Visitors & Tourism Sector is Ready
On Aug. 9 the Canadian border opened to American travelers who are fully vaccinated for the first time in 18 months. TIAA has been heavily called upon for comment by the media in recent days. See some of the coverage on Global News and the Calgary Herald.
TIAA Launches Tourism Week Campaign with Unique Plan
The campaign calls for the immediate expansion of the Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) with a dedicated tourism and hospitality stream, as well as the introduction of an Alberta travel tax credit or incentive program.
Outdoor Recreation on Alberta's Crown Lands Survey - now closed
This first of a kind survey will help land managers to understand and quantify the economic role that Crown Land based outdoor recreation plays in Alberta, while providing essential insights to help strengthen and align advocacy efforts by the stakeholders across the Crown Land
outdoor recreation ecosystem.
Travel Alberta's Mandate Formally Expands
On April 8, 2021 the Government of Alberta introduced amendments to the Travel Alberta Act, expanding the agency’s mandate to that of a destination management organization. These amendments are part of Bill 62, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021. This enables the crown corporation to play a more active role in developing new tourism destinations, products and experiences.
Understanding Alberta’s Growing Crown Land Outdoor Recreation Economy
TIAA has launched a collaborative, sector-wide study to research outdoor recreation participation on Crown lands and to estimate the economic contribution it makes provincially, and regionally. The study, a first of its kind in Alberta, will assist Crown land managers in better understanding, and quantifying, the powerful economic role that Crown land based outdoor recreation plays in Alberta, while providing essential insights to help... See More
TIAA Announces New Board of Directors, Board Chair
On January 26, 2021, the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), announcing the appointment of the organization’s 2021 Board of Directors. TIAA is the advocate for all segments of the tourism economy serving as a proxy voice for approximately 4,500 Alberta tourism and hospitality businesses.
David Goldstein to Lead Travel Alberta
November 5, 2020 (Alberta) David Goldstein was announced as Travel Alberta's new CEO. David’s extensive tourism experience and industry knowledge positions him well to understand the recovery challenges that we face from the devastating impacts of COVID-19.
TIAA Joins Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses
September 17, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) Today the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses launched a campaign calling on the federal government to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program at the full 75% rate for businesses facing an ongoing revenue decline of 50% or higher. Visit - www.HardestHit.ca
Marsha Walden Appointed as Destination Canada's CEO
(August 18, 2020) Marsha Walden will take top seat at Destination Canada. Resigning as Destination British Columbia's President and CEO since 2013, she will take the job at a critical time for the nation's tourism sector.
Strategy to Accelerate the Recovery of Alberta's Visitor Economy Released
TIAA Recommendations to Premier Kenney Regarding COVID-19 Crisis
March 23, 2020 (Calgary, Alberta)
TIAA wishes to articulate a few areas where we have observed gaps in the stimulus package measures announced by the federal government and where we believe the Govenrment of Alberta could assist in support of Albertans. View Letter