The Voice of Canada News

Representatives from TIAC and the tourism industry attended a private luncheon with Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz and members of his senior team to discuss the importance of tourism to the Canadian economy.

TIAC President and CEO Charlotte Bell was joined by several TIAC Board members, including Vice-Chairs David McKenna and John Dunn, Johanne Bélanger and Don Cleary. Also in attendance was Daniel Robert Gooch, President of the Canadian Airports Council.

The luncheon was a great forum for TIAC to raise awareness on a number of topics related to the economics of the tourism industry, including:

• The importance of tourism to the Canadian economy, including the meetings and events sector
• The impact of exchange rate on tourism
• Access to capital
• The impact of tightening Canadian labour markets and minimum wage legislation on the Canadian tourism sector
• The impact of US political and economic conditions on Tourism in Canada
• The impact of technology on the tourism industry

TIAC President and CEO Charlotte Bell led the discussion on behalf of the tourism industry representatives. Discussion topics were introduced by various TIAC participants followed by an open dialogue with Bank of Canada representatives.

TIAC was honoured to be invited to participate in this private forum where tourism issues, including challenges and opportunities were discussed candidly and openly with Governor Poloz and his team.  Meetings such as this help plant the seeds of positive, long-term advancement for the industry with key stakeholders.