TIAC calls on federal election candidates to prioritize tourism
Those with a stake in this country’s tourist trade are being urged by TIAC to reach out to federal election candidates, telling them of the importance of tourism to the national economy and the challenges before it.
TIAC CEO Beth Potter told an April 3 webinar said she fully expects candidates will be receptive to hearing from those in tourism.
“Local candidates love hearing from local businesses about the challenges they face,” she said. Potter’s appeal comes on the advent of April 7-11 National Tourism Week. Potter said an engaged travel industry can help ensure that “tourism is understood and prioritized at every corner of Canada.”
But Potter’s colleague Amy Butcher said those in the industry should engage not only with candidates but also the “broader public” in hopes of travel receiving the attention it deserves. All federal parties must be contacted by the industry, she continued.
The impact of tourism
TIAC reports that those working in tourism account for 10% of this country’s labour force. TIAC has created what is called an election toolkit and is also asking members to request meetings with local candidates during which they could share their concerns and recommendations directly with them.
The association has already heard welcome calls from some of those running, including a call to lift tolls on Confederation Bridge, which links New Brunswick and P.E.I.
TIAC’s Thomas De Groot said April 14 will see the start of a letter-writing campaign that will have travel industry members sent a pre-written letter to candidates touting tourism’s importance to the national economy and its current challenges.
“Talking points we’ve made available for you” are available through TIAC’s tourismCan.ca website for those wanting to engage candidates, he added.
Share
Tags: Beth Potter, TIAC
