Bloore Stepping Down As TIAO President, CEO
Christopher Bloore is stepping down from his role as President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) on Dec. 31, 2023 to return permanently to the United Kingdom.
Announcing his decision, Bloore observed: “One thousand, three hundred and nine days ago I started my first working day for TIAO. When I entered TIAO’s then University Avenue offices to work alongside Beth Potter, Carol Greenwood, and Alexandra Rodgers, little did we know that just a few days later, a worldwide health pandemic would jeopardize the very future of the tourism industry in Ontario.”
He continued: “Throughout this unprecedented period of lockdowns, border closures and restrictions on operations I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional operators, advocates, and leaders from within the tourism industry as we fought to mitigate the very worst consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whilst we may not have won every battle, I am proud of the critical financial support and regulatory changes we’ve delivered to support our members when they’ve needed it the most. Moreover, I am proud we have and will continue to tell the story about the tourism industry in Ontario and amplify the voices of those delivering exceptional experiences throughout our province.”
Bloore observed: “The collapse of the visitor economy during the height of the pandemic and its impact on associated industries has demonstrated the critical importance of tourism to the economic health of our province. The challenge to keep tourism at the heart of economic development policies at all levels of government is the greatest single challenge facing tourism leaders. It is the only way to answer the economic legacies of the pandemic such as debt but also answer the pre-existing challenges on affordable housing, building a sustainable workforce and playing our part in fighting the damaging impacts of climate-change.”
TIAO’s outgoing president and CEO thanked the associations members and stakeholders for their support and advice, saying that his final weeks as President and CEO will be focused on the next Ontario provincial budget and the Federal Fall Economic Statement and ensuring that the next President and CEO is in the best position possible to continue the fight for our members in 2024.
Rebecca Mackenzie, Chair of the TIAO Board of Directors said: “We will miss Chris’s incredible passion for the Ontario tourism industry. Chris took over the role as President & CEO in May of 2021 while the industry was in the peak of navigating operations during COVID-19. An incredible advocate, community connector and leader, Chris has made a significant impact in his time with TIAO.
Chris’s efforts strengthened TIAO’s presence with both government and media to show the value of tourism to the visitor economy and the need to rebuild right coming out of the pandemic.”
Mackenzie continued: “Under his leadership, he and the team have forged relationships with a number of ministries to support the industry in creating programs to tackle labour challenges, building capacity at the operator level and developing new visitor experiences. Membership in TIAO quadrupled under his leadership. He ensured Ontario was at the table on all national issues representing TIAO on the Provincial & Territorial Tourism Industry Associations.”
And she concluded by that Bloore “for all of his hard work and for the passion he showed for tourism in Ontario.”
TIAO’s Board of Directors and its leadership team are working with the executive recruitment firm, Boyden, to engage a new President & CEO for TIAO.”
You can read more and apply to be the next President and CEO of TIAO by clicking here
