Statement by Minister Boissonnault marking the TIAC 2021 Tourism Congress

December 1, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, made the following statement marking the TIAC 2021 Tourism Congress:

“This year’s TIAC Tourism Congress happened at a critical moment for the sector and for the Canadians who work in tourism across the country. The determination, adaptability and resilience of tourism businesses are remarkable, and I assured our partners that the government will be there to help the sector recover and position Canada as a destination of choice that tourists can confidently and safely visit.

“Throughout the pandemic, supports such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy have helped tourism businesses survive and kept workers on the job. We know that tourism is a major economic driver and one of the country’s most diverse and inclusive employers. The tourism sector’s recovery will be critical to larger economic and job growth, and our government will continue to support tourism businesses as they move from recovery to sustainable growth.

“While existing supports have helped doors stay open, the Tourism Relief Fund will help the sector build back, providing tourism businesses with support to welcome back guests by adapting their operations to meet public health requirements, improve their products and services, and prepare for post-pandemic economic recovery.

“The accelerated digital transformation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the tourism sector. Embracing digital technology is critical, and that’s why our government created the Canada Digital Adoption Program. CDAP will help tourism businesses use today’s technology to offer online sales and contactless experiences, allowing them to stay competitive.

“Our government is also aiming to work with its partners to help build confidence in travel and tourism. Highlighting our country’s focus on safety, high COVID-19 vaccination rates and abundance of wide-open spaces will help Canada stand out in a competitive global market.

“Our economy will not fully recover until our tourism sector recovers, and I look forward to working together to ensure recovery and further growth.”