How TIAO Works For You
At TIAO, we work on behalf of our membership to take on pressing policy issues that impact the Ontario tourism industry. Through our policy strategy and government communications, we advocate at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels to ensure governments understand that tourism drives the economy and creates meaningful jobs in every region of the province.
Do you have a pressing issue in your sector?
Reach out directly by emailing us to discuss any issues that are affecting your tourism business in Ontario, and we will work with you to make your voice heard.
Forward Motion: Ontario’s Tourism Strategy
Initiated by TIAO, this strategy is a bold, sector-led roadmap designed to harness the collective strengths of Ontario’s diverse tourism ecosystem. Co-created through extensive, province wide consultation, it reflects the voices and insights of Indigenous leaders, small business owners, major attractions, regional tourism organizations (RTOs), sectoral organizations, destination marketing and management organizations (DMOs), educators, and public agencies
TIAO Always ON
TIAO is connecting with tourism partners, industry leaders, and decision-makers across Ontario. From events and roundtables to meetings and conferences, we’re bringing the voice of tourism forward wherever the industry gathers.
Advocacy in Action: Our Policy Wins
For more details on TIAO's legislative wins on behalf of the tourism industry, click on the plus sign next to the policy you want to learn more about.
Programs
Ontario Investing $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability
In 2026, the Ontario government announced $6.4 billion in new funding for the postsecondary sector, including $1.7 billion in funding for an additional 70,000 seats in high-demand sectors such as health care, STEM, education and skilled trades at publicly assisted colleges and universities across the province. As part of the call for proposals for this funding, colleges and universities will engage with local businesses and employers in their community to submit a growth plan to the government that ensures expanded seats are aligned with local labour market demands. TIAO continues to engage proactively to ensure that tourism is represented in these conversations, and to strengthen the bridge between operators and culinary, tourism, and hospitality programming.
Transportation Infrastructure Investment
Transportation is a key pillar of the Forward Motion tourism strategy, and expanding transportation infrastructure is critical to supporting tourism growth. TIAO therefore welcomes government efforts to improve connectivity in Ontario, such as the return of the Ontario Northlander, improved Go Train service, and ongoing dialogue regarding the future of Billy Bishop Airport. TIAO is also working to ensure that tourism is represented in conversations around the Alto High Speed Rail project, including a dedicated session about the project at the Ontario Tourism Summit 2026.
Province investing $3 million to help local communities host world-class events
Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program assists organizers and Ontario communities by providing $3 million in funding support to host national and international amateur sport events, reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for sport hosting. The program has supported over 260 events since 2018, contributing approximately $236 million to Ontario’s economy. TIAO continues to advocate for program funding and expansion to support the long-term success of sports tourism in Ontario, and to support operators and destinations as they apply for new funding opportunities.
MTGC’s Destination Development Commitments
TIAO continues to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming to support destination development across Ontario. This includes regional initiatives in Niagara, Wasaga Beach, and beyond, as well as ongoing investment in Ontario Place, the Ontario Art Gallery, and more. This support for the tourism industry is a valuable opportunity to catalyze private sector investment, and TIAO continues to advocate for policies that will accelerate capital spending in tourism.
The International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF)
TIAO welcomes the Government of Canada’s $15 million renewal of the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF). In collaboration with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), TIAO has been proud to participate in the nation-wide advocacy effort to extend this program - championing the importance of business events across Canada and within Ontario's tourism industry. ICAF's extension - which has so far helped Canadian cities secure 116 international events, projected to generate nearly $803.3 million in direct economic impact - is a great way to support market diversification, drive new spending, and build on Canada’s renewed global resonance.
Member Engagement and Advocacy Support
TIAO continues to monitor policy development across all levels of government and to engage proactively so that the tourism industry is considered in the decision-making process. From cross-border angling and ridesharing in Northern Ontario to province-wide issues like ticket reselling and ‘bring-your-own' permitting at festivals and events, TIAO works to connect members with policymakers, support public engagement, and convene stakeholders to support alignment.
Government Legislations, Resources & Grants
The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), established under Ontario Regulation 435/17: Transient Accommodation Tax, is a strategic tool designed to generate non-property tax revenue for municipalities while reinvesting in the local tourism economy. As a tax applied to short-term accommodations, the MAT was created with a dual purpose: to strengthen Ontario’s visitor economy through product development and management, marketing, communications or promotions, and to provide municipalities with dedicated resources to support local economies through non property tax funding. Since the regulation’s introduction, more than 80 municipalities have adopted MATs, collectively generating approximately $250 million annually across Ontario. With seven years of operational experience, Ontario’s tourism and municipal sectors have gained valuable insights into the administration, performance, and impacts of the MAT.
Our policy recommendations are grounded in an Evidence Generation Strategy (EGS)
The EGS informs the solutions we pursue, ensuring that our policy recommendations are evidence-based. Our EGS is determined on a case-by-case basis but can involve member surveys, consumer research, in-depth issue investigation, feedback from our Policy Advisory Committee or working groups, and stakeholder outreach.
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