TIANB

TIAC Talk: India trade mission, year-end tourism statistics and more...

TIAC Talk Budget 2013

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Special edition

Stats Can newsletter

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The March 2013 edition of the Newsletter for Small and Medium-sized Businesses is now online.

Inside you will find the following articles:

· Survey of Household Spending, 201

· Trends in Homeownership by Age and Household Income, 1981 to 2006

· Urban Productivity: Who Benefits from Agglomeration Economies?

· Amusement and Recreation,2011

Happy reading!

Help us spread the word

If you know a business or an organization that may benefit from what this newsletter has to offer, please pass it on or put them in contact with us.

Sarah Cassidy
Communication Advisor / Conseillère en communications
Eastern Region/ Région de l'Est
Statistics Canada/ Statistique Canada
1888 Brunswick Street, 1st Floor/ Halifax,NS
1888,rue Brunswick 1er étage/ Halifax,NE B3J 2G7
Tél : (902) 426-4881
Fax : (902)426-9538

emerit

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

National Occupational Standards Available from emerit

National Occupational Standards from emerit are manuals listing the skills and knowledge required to be successful in a wide range of tourism and hospitality occupations, including:

National Occupational Standards are developed and validated by hospitality professionals, tourism educators and other industry experts. They represent what employers look for in new hires, and reflect workplace conditions and issues affecting the occupation.

Individuals, businesses and educators will find dozens of practical uses for National Occupational Standards, such as:

Determining training needs
Benchmarking training or curriculum
Developing training or curriculum
Providing career advice and guidance
Creating job descriptions
Reviewing employee performance
Formulating interview strategies
Identifying candidates for advancement

For more information on how National Occupational Standards and other emerit resources can be incorporated into your training or curriculum, please visit emerit.ca or call 1.800.486.9158

Brochure distribution program

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

New Brunswick

Private Sector Brochure Distribution Program 2013

The New Brunswick Private Sector Brochure Distribution Program 2013 is available to Tourism operators in New Brunswick to promote their business through distribution of their brochures at the 7 Provincial Visitor Information Centres (VICs) and approximately 50 Municipal Visitor Information Centres (VICs).

For only pennies a brochure, D+H (formally Resolve Corporation), the New Brunswick Tourism Literature Distribution Centre, can distribute your brochures (in quantities as small as 25 brochures) to the VICs of your choice. This is an excellent opportunity to promote your business by getting your brochure into the hands of visitors who are traveling in New Brunswick. This program is available to the New Brunswick Tourism Private Sector and participation is voluntary.

Request for input

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Hello/ Bonjour:

We received a letter from the Department of Transportation on March 8th, asking for our industry input to the questions below. Please forward written comments and answers to the questions to info@tianb.com by March 14th.

Thank you/Merci.

Kathy Weir

March 8th letter/la letter a 8 mars
from/de: Jean-Marc Dupuis
Deputy Minister/Sous-ministre
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure/le ministère des Transports et de l'Infrastructure

In moving forward with the Government's Vision, the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (NBDTI) has embarked on developing a long term strategic infrastructure planning process for capital infrastructure projects (both new and rehabilitative) under our current mandate (I.E.; highways, bridges, public buildings, etc.). It will be based on a comprehensive decision framework for infrastructure investment that considers asset management (a means of minimizing the total cost of ownership over the life of an asset) a social-economic and environmental factors as well as stakeholder input. The decision framework will assist the Department in more effectively planning and delivering capital project, allowing the more efficient and effective utilization of limited resources.

As a first step we are looking for your help to develop our decision framework for long term capital infrastructure investment and we would appreciate receiving your comments on the following where applicable;

A. With regard to the transportation system in New Brunswick
1. Please describe the role of the New Brunswick's transportation system in ensuring the success of your organization from an economic, social, environmental and cultural perspective.
2. What aspects of the provincial transportation system could be improved to help your organization reach its goals?
3. What key benefits of the transportation system should the province consider when evaluating capital infrastructure projects of a transportation nature?

B. With regard to public buildings (excluding schools and hospitals) in New Brunswick
4. Please describe the role of New Brunswick's public buildings (excluding schools and hospitals) in ensuring the success of your organization from an economic, social, environmental and cultural perspective.
5. What are the key benefits of public buildings that the province should consider when evaluating capital infrastructure projects for public buildings?

TIAC Talk

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism Best Practices

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca

NEWS RELEASE

570 Queen Street, P.O. Box 578, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A6

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS TOURISM BEST PRACTICES MISSIONS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING TOURISM IN ATLANTIC CANADA

FREDERICTON (NB) – MARCH 5, 2013 –

"Our Government understands the significant contribution the tourism sector makes to the economy of Atlantic Canada," said Minister Shea. "The Tourism Best Practices Missions provide a unique opportunity for our region?s tourism operators to interact with leading-edge industry professionals throughout North America and to gain new insights on how to offer the best possible tourism experience."

Created in 2000, the Tourism Best Practices Program was designed to match participants with individuals or groups that can share successful models of marketing, experiential product development, tourism season extension, and developing partnerships within this competitive industry. The missions and destinations are selected based on emerging tourism trends. To date, 916 participants have gained valuable insight through 98 missions. The intent of the missions is to generate new product ideas, improve practices in customer service, and stimulate innovative operational techniques.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $392,700 in the Best Practices Program, over a two year period.

"Atlantic Canada is a premier travel destination. It is a fact we never want to take for granted. Looking forward and striving for improvement is a must in this competitive industry," said Kathy Weir, President of TIANB. "These strategically arranged missions bring together like-minded individuals to discuss best practices in areas from products, services and experiences to sustainability and infrastructure."

The missions are developed with a Tourism Working Group comprised of representatives from ACOA, the four provincial Departments of Tourism and the four Tourism Industry Associations. The program has been successfully established with the goal of increasing Atlantic Canada?s tourism competitiveness and activity.

"The Best Practices Mission I attended allowed me to step away from the business and develop a new sense of confidence and assurance to finalize plans for a conference space addition," said Luke Fisher, General Manager, Conferences and Events, Fishers Loft Inn, Newfoundland and Labrador. "With invaluable input from the „Resorts Operations Mission?, we revamped our plans and expanded our facility nearly forty per cent more than our original design and also modified our product offering significantly."

The Spring 2013 Missions have been designed based on the following themes: Arts and Culture – Tourism Product Clustering; Rural Tourism; Family Tourism – Multi-Generational Travel; and Festival and Event Tourism. For more information on the Tourism Best Practices Missions, please visit,

www.tourismbestpractices.com.

The Government of Canada remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families; the safety of our streets and communities; their pride in being a citizen of this country; and of course, their personal financial security.

Tourism industry representatives from Atlantic Canada have a unique opportunity to learn through industry best practices thanks to the Government of Canada. The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced support for the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) to continue to coordinate and manage the Tourism Best Practices Program.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

National Revenue and ACOA Minister Gail Shea today announced nearly $393,000 dollars of Government of Canada support for the Tourism Best Practices Program. The program introduces Atlantic Canadians to like-minded individuals or groups across North America that can share successful models of marketing, experiential product development, tourism season extension, and developing partnerships within this competitive industry.

The missions and destinations are selected based on emerging tourism trends. The Tourism Best Practices Program has been successfully established with the goal of increasing Atlantic Canada?s tourism competitiveness and activity.

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For more information, contact:

Jana Parker ACOA PEI & Tourism 902-368-0264

Restigouche Sport Tourism forum

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Restigouche Tourism Association would like to invite you to their 5^th forum under the theme «Sport Tourism», Tuesday, March 19^th 2013 at the Recreaplex in Dalhousie.

Please foward this information to your contact.

Joyce Somers

Agente touristique

Ville de Saint-Quentin

Centre touristique de l’ancienne gare

144-A, rue Canada

Saint-Quentin, N.B.

E8A 1G7

1-888-666-2425

Tel : (506) 235-3282

Fax : (505) 235-9801

Courriel: ctanciennegare@saintquentin.nb.ca

Site Web: www.saintquentin.nb.ca

«SAINT-QUENTIN, CAPITALE DE L’ÉRABLE DE L’ATLANTIQUE»

THC Information Sessions 2013

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

We invite you to join us at the Tourism, Heritage and Culture 2013 Information Sessions and learn about what the department is doing to get ready for the 2013 Tourism season.

These ½ day workshops are free of charge. The 2013 Information Sessions will include but not be limited to:

Industry Communications Plan
Tourism Self-Serve and TripAdvisor
Online Booking Update
New Agency Model
Marketing and Sales Strategy
Campaigns : 2012 results and 2013 campaign
Marketing Opportunities
Group Discussion

There will be a session near you, and you can register using this Registration link. Your confirmation email will provide location details.

Here are the dates and locations:
April 8 – Woodstock (English 1 to 4 pm)
April 9 – Edmundston (French 9 to 12 noon)
April 10 – Campbellton (French 9 to 12 noon and English 1 to 4 pm)
April 11 – Caraquet (French 9 to 12 noon)
April 12 – Fredericton (English 9 to 12 noon)
April 15 – Alma (English 1 to 4 pm)
April 16 – Moncton (French 9 to 12 noon and English 1 to 4 pm)
April 18 – Saint John (English 9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
April 19 – St. Andrews (English 9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
April 22 – Miramichi (English 1 to 4 pm)
April 23 – Bathurst (English 9 to 12 noon and French 1 to 4 pm)
May 15 – Grand Manan (English 9 to 12 noon)

Please register by March 22, 2013.

Thank you.

Tourism Best Practices - Spring Missions

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Spring 2013 Newsletter / Missions du printemps 2013

Click here to view newsletter

Arts and Culture - Tourism Product Clustering

March 24 - March 29 - Visiting Southern Ontario - Niagara-on-the-Lake (Home of the Shaw Festival), Cambridge, Stratford, Waterloo County, and Toronto - This mission will visit destinations that have a high arts/culture critical mass which assists competiveness. This mission will focus on high arts and how to showcase a destination through the performing arts, museums, art galleries, etc. Participants will visit a variety of communities that have been successful in theming and clustering their... read more

Rural Tourism

April 1 - April 6 - Visiting Western rural communities in North Carolina - This mission will visit rural destinations that once relied on traditional industries, and are now using tourism as the driving economic force in the communities. Ultimately, this mission aims to assist the viability of tourism SMEs in rural areas.Becky Anderson will be facilitating the mission. Becky serves as a consultant for cultural and economic development programs and was named one of “America’s Top Tw... read more

Family Tourism – Multi-Generational Travel

April 7 - April 12 - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee - This mission will explore new family product based on top-level trends we understand in the market such as multi-generational, the “new Canadian” market, etc. This mission will visit a destination(s) that has tailored the destination/operators to meet the various needs of the family and has succeeded at marketing the destination/operators as multi-generational friendly. Target Participants:&ndash... read more

Festival and Event Tourism

April 14 – April 19 - Visiting Norfolk, Virginia - This mission will visit destination(s), similar in size, that use festivals to drive tourism. Destination(s) visited will have developed numerous events under seasonal theme(s). Destinations visited not only develop new product for the festival, but product that is now offered outside the festival dates. Participants will meet with stakeholders who have developed products (preferably ones that ‘lived on’ as legacy events... read more

Fall 2012 Wrap Up

Another season of the Best Practices Missions has wrapped up with two successful missions, which were:– Meetings and Conventions (October 15 - 20, 2012) visitedKelowna, Okanagan, Vancouver and Victoria, BC– Adventure Tourism (November 12-17, 2012) visited Nanaimo, Tofino, Port Alberni, and Victoria, BC. The best practices missions continue to be a popular mechanism for the region’s private operators and local communities to learn best practices from other like-minded individu... read more

Did You Know?

- The Tourism Best Practices program was launched in 2000.- Since inception, the Tourism Best Practices Program has led 98 missions with 916 industry participants. read more

TIAC Talk

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Latest TIAC newsletter

TIAC Press Release

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

For immediate release

Tourism Policy Named One of the Top Ten Competitiveness Barriers Inhibiting the Canadian Economy

OTTAWA, February 12, 2013 - In highly-anticipated presentation before the Economic Club of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Perrin Beatty today named uncompetitive travel and tourism policies as one of Canada's top ten barriers to competitiveness for 2013. The announcement affirms that public policy challenges are not only inhibiting growth within the travel and tourism sector itself, but squandering one of the great Canadian economic opportunities, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

"There is an unparalleled opportunity to drive export activity and create jobs by increasing international travel to Canada, but this won't occur without public policy fixes," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. "Attracting lucrative international visitors requires competitive investment in international marketing and aviation policy freed from excessive taxes, fees and levies."

With unprecedented growth in international tourism demand, Canada's travel industry could make a more meaningful contribution to the Canadian economy if not for structural challenges particularly in the areas of tourism marketing and access to Canada. The Canadian Tourism Commission's budget is being cut by nearly 20% at a time when all of Canada's major competitors are bolstering their investments in tourism marketing.

Canada's economic growth is also being unnecessarily hindered by an inhibitive taxation structure. This "triple dip" includes more than $850M in aviation taxes, fees and levies, $90M in GST on those aviation taxes, and $460M in GST on foreign visitor spending. Canada is the only G8 country with a value-added tax that does not offer a whole or partial rebate for individual foreign visitors.

"Through a combination of high transportation costs and steadily reduced marketing efforts, Canada has slipped from seventh place among the world's tourism destinations to 18th place in just a decade," said Beatty. "A huge industry, critical in every region, is struggling with its competitiveness and needs public policies that are forward-looking and supportive."

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Director, Communications
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
dlauer@tiac.travel
(t) 613-238-9400

New online courses at UBC

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Dear TIANB,

I am writing to let you know about two new online courses offered by the recently launched University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Cultural Planning and Development. We are getting the word out to individuals and organizations committed to developing strength and sustainability with the tourism sector, and we are happy to be able to share information about our program with you and your colleagues.

Festivals, Events, and Eventful Communities

100% Online. Apr 2 – Jun 2. Instructor: Robert Palmer, Strasbourg, France

Cultural Tourism: Impacting Communities Worldwide

100% Online. Apr 2 – Jun 2. Instructor: Cheryl Hargrove, Washington, DC, USA

These courses are delivered 100% online and include interactive discussions, case studies and group-based learning activities that build on shared interests, place-based experiences and actual community development projects. Those who register before the earlybird deadline on March 15 will save $100 on the standard tuition fee.

The UBC Centre for Cultural Planning and Development is an international centre dedicated to the creation and strengthening of a global community of professionals advancing cultural development as a vital component of successful communities and sustainable growth. Taught by an international group of senior practitioners, we also offer a Certificate in Cultural Planning and other online professional development courses – including Creative Placemaking, the Foundations of Cultural Planning, Creating Culture Plans – that engage participants from across North America and Europe.

Please see the attached program materials or visit our website for more information about our unique program http://cstudies.ubc.ca/cultural-planning-and-development/courses.html We encourage you to share this information with anyone who you think may find these courses and/or program of interest.

Kerri Arthurs

Assistant Program Leader | Continuing Studies | Cultural Planning and Development

The University of British Columbia | Vancouver Campus

410 – 5950 University Boulevard | Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3

Phone 604 822 1459

kerri.arthurs@ubc.ca | www.cstudies.ubc.ca

Tourism Week

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Calling all Tourism Champions: June 10-16, 2013 is Tourism Week in Canada

More information

One-Job Pledge

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The New Brunswick government is creating a new initiative, called the One-Job Pledge, to help businesses create quality jobs and new opportunities for recent graduates in the province.

Premier David Alward made the announcement today at LuminUltra Technologies Ltd., a leading biotechnology and information technology solution provider based in Fredericton. He was joined by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy and Pat Whalen, president and chief executive officer of the company.

"Slow global growth means New Brunswick businesses are having difficulty creating jobs, and New Brunswick graduates are having difficulty finding career opportunities here at home," said Alward. "The One-Job Pledge initiative is an investment in our young people as well New Brunswick businesses that are poised to grow despite challenging economic circumstances. Working with New Brunswick businesses to create jobs is a key part of our government's plan to rebuild New Brunswick."

Under the One-Job Pledge, New Brunswick businesses that qualify will receive a one-year wage incentive when they hire, a permanent, full-time employee who graduated from a post-secondary institution in the past four years. These businesses must pay a minimum salary of $14 per hour. The initiative will allow for the reimbursement of 70 per cent of the salary to a maximum of $10 per hour for 52 weeks.

"A post-secondary educated workforce is the key to attracting industries and investment to our province," said Soucy. "In a world where the competitive edge relies on technological advances and capitalizing on resources such as people, investing in the development of young New Brunswickers is a viable option for organization wishing to remain, or become, competitive in the global marketplace."

The One-Job Pledge is part of the Workforce Expansion Program administered by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

"Our company welcomes the opportunity to participate in the launch of the One-Job Pledge Initiative," said Whalen. "As a New Brunswick-based employer, I recognize the importance in creating quality opportunities for our recent post-secondary graduates here at home. Their talent and energy are indispensable components in the sustainable development and growth of high-tech companies such as ours, especially given today's global economic climate."

The Workforce Expansion Program is among several initiatives made possible through the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreement. More information is available by calling the nearest provincial employment office or by visiting the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour website.

HAC - President's Message

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

From the Desk of the President

Understanding Your Communication Needs; TIANBs commitment to the membership

Member survey

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Happy new year to our valuable members.

Thank you for your ongoing support and feedback. To that end we are asking for your time to fill out the survey at the link below. Please take two minutes and help us to serve you better.

The purpose of this research is to better understand your communication needs and how TIANB can better deliver information that works for you.

Again, we want to thank you for your support.

Kathy Weir

President

TIAC Press Release

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For immediate distribution

Canada's Tourism Industry Welcomes
New Airfare Advertising Rules

OTTAWA, December 18, 2012 - Canada's new all-inclusive airfare advertising regulations will promote fair competition among airfare advertisers and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

The new regulations require air service advertisers to display the total price a consumer must pay in order to fly, including all taxes, fees and charges. They also ensure that customers can access a breakdown of the taxes, fees and charges that make up the total cost of their fare.

The rules were formalized today by Hon. Denis Lebel, federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities after an extensive consultation process initiated by the Canadian Transportation Agency over the past year.

"Canada's tourism industry welcomes the new airfare advertising regulations announced today by Minister Lebel," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of TIAC. "The open and transparent consultation process undertaken by the Canadian Transportation Agency in the development of the new advertising rules should serve as a model for future cooperation between industry, consumer organizations and regulatory bodies."

TIAC looks forward to working with the federal government to address some of the outstanding issues affecting Canada's aviation competitiveness with the ultimate aim of bringing down the price of air travel in Canada.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Director, Communications
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
dlauer@tiac.travel
(t) 613-238-9400

About the Tourism Industry Association of Canada

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $78.8 billion tourism industry. TIAC's members include air and passenger rail services, airport authorities, local and provincial destination authorities, hotels, attractions and tour operators.

Tis the season

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The holidays are almost here, hauling out the holly, stringing up the lights, and dashing through the snow. The holidays also mean lots of fun & festive parties to celebrate.

These celebrations usually feature an array of delectable foods and tasty drinks, but if you're hosting a party- either at your business or in your home, you have more to worry about than added pounds or lumpy gravy.

To protect yourself, your patrons and your guests be prepared with the
Responsible Beverage Training and the National Food Safety Training Program to ensure a safe, happy and healthy holiday for everyone!

Responsible Beverage is an Alcohol Service and Safety Training program for New Brunswick, now available both in class and online

Price Online: $45 + HST
Price In-class (members) $75 + HST
Price In-class (non-members) $95 + HST

"Any client who takes a proactive approach towards risk management is favored by insurers. The result of having such training can result in possible rate credits and in some instances can impact whether or not a company will insure the risk. I think the program being offered by TIANB will be of benefit to many businesses. " - Melanie Maunder, CAIB Commercial Insurance Specialist, Cain Insurance Services Ltd.

Thank You!

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Thank you for your input

TIANB wants to thank you for taking the time to respond to our request for input into signage issues in this province, how it has impacted your business and for your terrific suggestions.

As you are aware, it is one thing to identify problems but it is an entirely different thing when you can also provide solutions. To be able to provide possible solutions makes any presentation or meeting multiple times stronger. With your support we were able to do exactly that. We identified areas of concern and with your comments, provide possible solutions.

We made a presentation to the committee reviewing the signage policies at 9:00 am on Monday December 3 in Fredericton. The committee, made up of staff from the departments of Tourism, Heritage & Culture and Transportation & Infrastructure, were attentive and receptive. We produced a report which included all submissions sent in (un-attributed) for the committee to use as they proceeded with their work reviewing and updating the signage policies. We will post that report without the submissions on our website in the near future.

Again, we want to thank you for your support. TIANB's work making sure the tourism industry, your voice is at the table for these types of government reviews, shows the value of membership and commitment by your association and how we are relevant to you.

Kathy Weir

President

TIANB Restructuring

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In an effort to become more efficient and strategic, TIANB is undergoing a restructuring exercise. Effective Friday, November 23rd, 2012, Réal Robichaud will no longer be assuming the role of Executive Director of TIANB.

We take this time to thank Réal for his number of valued years as our industry leader, and for all the successes he has brought to TIANB. We wish him well in his new ventures. Operations will continue as usual during the remainder of the restructuring exercise, and TIANB staff and the Board of Directors will be working together over the coming months to deliver the best possible service and value to our members.

It is our role as executive of TIANB to ensure that our organization remains the voice of tourism in New Brunswick. It is also our role to move our organization forward in a strategic and successful way, to meet the ever-changing demands of our industry. We indeed are listening to you.

Thank you for your support and partnership!

The TIANB Executive Committee

Tourism Special Report

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

HLT Advisory Inc. is pleased to have collaborated with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada ("TIAC") and Visa Canada to produce a special report on Canadian tourism. This report was recently released at TIAC's annual conference at the Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec.

The report is a comprehensive summary of key performance metrics profiling the current state of Canada's tourism industry as well as insights drawn from these data.

The report is available by clicking on www.hlta.ca.

Feedback for signage review

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure in conjunction with the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture is reviewing the highway commercial signing program currently available to tourism oriented businesses in New Brunswick.

As part of the review, TIANB on behalf of the tourism industry has been requested to present on issues and concerns regarding tourism signage at a meeting to be held on December 3, 2012.

To prepare ourselves for the meeting, we ask that you please provide us with your concerns and issues along with recommendations by responding to the questions below no later than Tuesday November 27th, 4:30PM by e-mail to realr@tianb.com

As the time frame is relatively short, only written submissions will be accepted. Thank you.

Questions:

What are your issues and concerns in regard to the current highway commercial signing program available to tourism oriented businesses in New Brunswick?

What do you propose for solutions to addressing the above mentioned issues and concerns in regards to the current highway commercial signing program available to tourism oriented businesses in New Brunswick?

Press Release

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Tourism season sees growth for 2012

(Fredericton) - The tourism sector is reporting modest growth for the 2012 summer tourism season. Though there are still a few indicators yet to be tallied, reports from members of the Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) and some of the statistics from the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture are leading to the conclusion that the tourism sector grew by about 2% this year.

Kathy Weir, President of TIANB and Operations Manager of the Broadleaf Guest Ranch in Albert County, said: “Challenges faced this year were around the higher customs allowances on US purchases that went from $400.00 to $800.00 after a 48 hour stay, drawing some of our Quebec visitors south of the border on shopping sprees while vacationing in the US. Our great summer weather kept our visitors in the outdoors so indoor attractions or urban accommodation numbers were less than hoped for during June and July.”

August saw a turnaround. A vacationing trend that seems to be developing is that our "peak summer" months have become August and September, where our visitors enjoy great weather and beautiful fall colors. We had an increase in Cruise visitors which continues to encourage the tourism growth and good turnout at our Festivals and Sporting Events. The Meeting and Convention Market improved the urban numbers this Fall as well,” continued Weir.

Weir further added, “The ingenuity and creativity of our tourism operators throughout the province is key in delivering on a promised unforgettable experience in our province. Also important is concerted marketing efforts and regional partnerships that allow our industry to compete in global markets” to conclude Weir.

The Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, who actively gathers visitor data from a number of sources, show that the data tells a story that is varied and complex. The overall picture, however, is one of continued growth in the tourism sector.

One of the most encouraging statistics points to an increase in visitor spending of 3 per cent over last year – greater than the rate of inflation.

“This year, we saw an increase in room nights sold to US and other international visitors,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder. “More cruise passengers came to the port of Saint John this year than last year, and St. Andrews also welcomed 6 ships to their port, with Caraquet welcoming its first cruise ship ever.”

In the summer, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint investment of $600,000 to upgrade and improve the St. Andrews wharf, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and visiting cruise ships.

And just a few weeks ago, Minister Holder announced that the provincial government will invest in a feasibility study to determine if the Port of Saint John could become a Home Port for cruise ships in the future. As well, an RFP for the development of a Northern Cruise strategy has just been published. This study will help identify opportunities for northern ports and also assist in identifying what these locations need to do to become market-ready for cruise ships.

“I firmly believe we need to make strategic investments that will pay dividends in the future,” said Holder. “The tourism industry is a growth industry in New Brunswick. The economic development potential is great for our businesses, stakeholders, attractions, parks and the industry overall.”

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick acts as the provincial tourism and hospitality organization of the province, existing to fulfill the needs of its membership, in cooperation with both private and public sector partners. As a representative and industry driven organization, the Association provides leadership and direction, aiming towards making tourism and hospitality the leading and most viably sustainable industry in New Brunswick.

ACTP promoting tourism internationally

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP HELPS PROMOTE ATLANTIC CANADA TOURISM TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

November 05, 2012 - HALIFAX, NS

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie), the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for Newfoundland and Labrador and Government Co-chair for the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP), and
Ms. Joanne Bérubé Gagné, Industry Co-chair of the ACTP Management Committee, today joined tourism industry representatives to announce a three-year renewal of funding for the ACTP. This $19,950,000 agreement is designed to position Atlantic Canada as a leading travel destination.

“Our Government understands the vital contribution tourism makes to job creation and economic development in our region, and for sure Atlantic Canada has a lot to offer domestic and foreign travelers,” said Minister Valcourt. “The Government of Canada is proud to support this partnership aimed at increasing awareness of Atlantic Canada as a premier tourism destination which enables the four provinces to penetrate markets that are inaccessible individually.”

ACTP is dedicated to promoting Atlantic Canada as a leading vacation destination in priority markets in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Over the next three years, this pan-Atlantic partnership will focus its efforts and resources on being market-driven, strategic, efficient and innovative.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, will invest $9,975,000 in the ACTP. The multi-year project involves the pooling of resources for international marketing from the nine-member, pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four provincial departments responsible for tourism, and the four provincial tourism industry associations.

“The ACTP agreement extends the reach of the Nova Scotia tourism brand into priority markets that we would be unable to reach on our own,” said the Honourable Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “This agreement promotes regional cooperation and at the same time creates unique opportunities for increased visitation and increased growth of export revenues in
Nova Scotia.”

The ACTP marketing consortium has a direct-to-consumer approach which includes advertising, media relations and joint marketing accords with tour operators that yield millions of dollars in export revenues. ACTP enables the four Atlantic Provinces and the collective industry to pool resources and create significant tourism synergies which enables each partner to penetrate markets that are inaccessible individually.

“Our industry’s collective contribution in, and commitment to, the ACTP, has generated significant gains for tourism in Atlantic Canada,” said Ms. Bérubé Gagné. “It is important for industry to sit at the table with the provincial governments and ACOA to map out go-forward plans for a prosperous future in tourism. Without ACTP, many of the opportunities gained through the partnership would simply be unattainable.”

ACTP has proven to be an effective marketing partnership. Since its inception, ACTP’s consumer marketing efforts in the United States have generated almost 580,000 party visits and more than $695 million in revenues for tourism businesses in Atlantic Canada. On average, ACTP’s marketing efforts have generated almost $15.00 in visitor spending for every $1.00 invested in direct-to-consumer advertising in the United States. In overseas markets, ACTP’s joint marketing agreements with European tour operators have generated more than $86 million in revenues for tourism businesses in Atlantic Canada.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt joined Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister
Terry French and members of the Atlantic Canada tourism industry today to announce the renewal of the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership. The project, worth nearly
20 million dollars, runs from 2012 to 2015 and is a joint partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic provincial departments responsible for tourism, and the four Atlantic provincial tourism industry associations. The pan-Atlantic agreement is designed to pool resources from its partners and position Atlantic Canada as a leading travel destination.

Over the next three years, this pan-Atlantic partnership will focus its efforts and resources on being market-driven, strategic, efficient and innovative in priority markets in the United States and the United Kingdom.

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INFORMATION:

Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637

Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264

Don Cudmore
Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership, Secretariat
902-566-5008

2014 World Acadian Congress

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS EDMUNDSTON REGION BUSINESSES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 2014 WORLD ACADIAN CONGRESS

November 05, 2012 - Edmundston, NB

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie) announced today a federal investment that will help the Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce assist small and medium-sized businesses with marketing activities, as the region prepares to welcome delegates to the 2014 World Acadian Congress.

“Our Government’s top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians,” said Minister Valcourt. "We are proud to support the Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce as it helps businesses in the region indentify economic development opportunities flowing from the upcoming 2014 World Acadian Congress – a major international event. Our investment is a positive step in supporting the development of northern New Brunswick’s economy.”

This investment will enable the Chamber to hire coordinators to provide local SMEs with the marketing tools they need to promote their business and sell their products to new clients. The coordinator will ensure that SME websites and brochures are ready to serve potential clients from all over the world, including those coming to the Edmundston region for the 2014 World Acadian Congress. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $50,000 through its Business Development Program (BDP), under the 2008-2013 Roadmap for Linguistic Duality. The Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce is also investing $24,666 in this initiative.

“The Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce and its members are delighted to have ACOA’s support in ensuring that the Madawaska region is well prepared to welcome the influx of visitors from around the world in 2014,” said Gilles Daigle, President of the Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce. “With the government’s support, we will be able to better equip our merchants and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to profit from the event and generate a significant positive economic impact for the region.”

In 2014, the world will be focused on the Edmundston region as it hosts the 5th edition of the World Acadian Congress. This event is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors, generating significant revenue for the region. The Government of Canada is investing more than $4 million to support the organization of the 5th World Acadian Congress.

FOR BROADCAST USE

ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt announced today an investment of $50,000 in the Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce, which will enable the organization to hire experts to help small- and medium-sized businesses with various marketing activities, as the region prepares to welcome delegates to the 2014 World Acadian Congress.

Minister Valcourt indicated that this federal government investment is another positive step in supporting the development of northern New Brunswick’s economy and the 2014 World Acadian Congress, which is expected to attract 50, 000 visitors to the region.

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INFORMATION

Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637

Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Communications Manager
ACOA New Brunswick
506-451-2677

Gilles Daigle
President
Edmundston Region Chamber of Commerce
506-737-1868

Aquila shared the region with over 70,000 passengers

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT

31 Oct 2012

For immediate release

Aquila shared the region with over 70,000 passengers this season!

With the last ship sailing last evening back to safe waters, Aquila says goodbye to another great cruise season. At a “1980s Party” with its team of 60-plus guides and pierside staff, Aquila ended the 2012 season with a celebration that also recognized the company’s 30 years in business. This year marked a million guests on tours over the years for Aquila and the impact locally on small businesses from these passengers is incredible. Although some of the tour experiences take guests all the way to Hopewell Rocks, 80% of passengers are on tours of about two hours, leaving them lots of time to experience on their own. The cruise industry brings over $30 Million annually in economic spinoffs to the Saint John and Southern New Brunswick economy.

Aquila has gained a lot of experience over the last 30 years, and today is sharing that knowledge with tour operators and tour guides around the world. Aquila's Center for Cruise Excellence was launched five years ago and today tour operators and hundreds of tour guides from places far and wide have taken advantage of Aquila’s knowledge, as well as their online International Certification and training program.

Aquila’s President, Beth Kelly Hatt, has travelled extensively over the last few months to destinations such as Guatemala, Aruba, Curaçao and Puerto Rico to share its knowledge and Best Practices with local tour operators and stakeholders in those ports. 2012 has been a tremendous year for Aquila, both locally and internationally. Aquila’s certifications and designations have been endorsed by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and Aquila continues to be used as a model of excellence throughout the cruise industry around the world.

A Tour Operator in Saint John since 1982, Aquila has provided a wide range of experiences for its guests over the past 30 years – on local city tours for convention and event delegates, on group tours around the world – but the vast majority of their guests have been on shore excursions of Saint John and the Bay of Fundy from visiting cruise ships. With the growth of the cruise industry in Saint John, today Aquila’s business is solely focused on cruise, providing shore excursions in Saint John, as well as offering training and certification for Tour Guides and Tour Operators in the cruise industry in other parts of world. Through Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence, these offerings include training programs in the areas of Tour Operator Excellence, Tour Guide Excellence, and Port Excellence, all designed to help the key players in cruise destinations around the world achieve excellence in their ports, tours, guides and businesses.

For more information:

Beth Kelly Hatt

President, Aquila Tours

beth@aquilatours.com

506-633-1224

New TIANB Board members

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Kathy Weir, President of TIANB is pleased to welcome three new members to the Board of Directors following a call for nomination from our membership.

Robert Gallant of Ravens Sun will be representing the Festival and Events Sector

Greta Lynn Terris Drapeau will be representing the Hotel/Motel sector.

If you wish to communicate with those individuals, you can find their contact information here Who we are – The Board

New $20 released in November

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Historically, when a new series of bank notes is introduced, counterfeiters make one final push to target the outgoing series. They also tend to target the $20, since it's the most frequently used note and less closely scrutinized.

So be vigilant. Polymer and paper $20 notes will both circulate for several years, and paper notes may well be the focus of counterfeiters for some time.

http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes

This newsletter is intended to keep businesses informed of important updates to Canadian bank notes.

In November, the new polymer $20 note will begin circulating. Are you ready for it? The $20 makes up half

of all bank notes in circulation, so you'll want to be prepared for it.

If your business has automated banking machines (ABMs), vending machines, self-serve checkouts or cash counters, you'll want to check that this equipment is compatible with polymer notes. As with the introduction of any new currency, your equipment may need to be upgraded, or in some cases replaced.

The Bank of Canada recommends that you get in touch with your equipment supplier or manufacturer if you are unsure about your equipment compatibility or impending upgrades.

The Bank has tools to help you as Canada transitions to the new, more secure and more durable polymer notes. Please contact us for more information.

Regards,

Monique LeBlanc

Senior Regional Representative (Currency)

Atlantic Canada

Bank of Canada

(902) 420-4657

mleblanc@bank-banque-canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Showcase 2012!

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ST. JOHN’S SET TO HOST ATLANTIC CANADA SHOWCASE 2012!

ST. JOHN’S (NL) – SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 - St. John’s will welcome tourism partners from around the world as Atlantic Canada Showcase (ACS) 2012 begins at the St. John’s Convention Centre next week.

ACS is a buyer-seated marketplace designed especially for the motorcoach, group, F.I.T. and specialty travel industry. This biennial event will be hosted in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador from September 30 to October 2, 2012. The event schedule entails three impactful days of meetings, networking events and sessions that will allow international buyers and sellers an opportunity to experience and meet with tourism product and service providers from all four Atlantic Provinces.

As an initiative of the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and all ACS event supporters are paramount in making this event a success.

The ACS event, which rotates throughout the Atlantic Provinces was last held in Nova Scotia in 2010 and hosted 49 buyers and 103 sellers of tourism, products and services from around the world. A committee comprised of private and public representatives from all four Atlantic Provinces have been working diligently to ensure that the 2012 event surpasses all expectations.

“This market place is important to our New Brunswick operators for a number of reasons. Market places like provide excellent opportunities for our operators to build new relationships and develop existing relationships, thereby helping grow this very important industry for the benefit of our province,” said Trevor Holder, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living.

The cornerstone of the ACS event is the ACS Marketplace, a series of pre-scheduled, timed meetings that provide buyers and sellers an opportunity to meet to discuss potential business partnerships. The business environment is complimented with a number of social networking events. Such events showcase the unique attributes of each Atlantic Province and are hosted in some of St. John’s most notable venues with the grand finale, Atlantic Canada Night taking place on the final evening of the event.

Kathy Weir, President of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick was quoted as saying “The Atlantic Canada Showcase (ACS) is a terrific opportunity for us in Atlantic Canada to show off what makes this part of the world unique. Tourism being a highly competitive global market, the Atlantic Canada Showcase provides us with the opportunity as a region to work together”. “In the marketing world, nothing is more effective and more powerful than being able to show people why they should come to this region. The Atlantic Canada Showcase is a very powerful marketing tool for us” concluded Weir.

For more information on Atlantic Canada Showcase 2012 please visit, www.atlanticcanadashowcase.com.

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Media Contact:

Melanie Britton

NB Government

Acting Manager

Tourism and Parks

E: Melanie.Britton@gnb.ca

P: 506-453-2147; 506-457-6701

C: 506-461-1062

Réal Robichaud

Executive Director/Directeur général

TIANB/AITNB

E : realr@tianb.com

P : 506-458-5646

Atlantic Canada Supporters

This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership (ACTP). ACTP is a nine member pan-Atlantic partnership comprised of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

Platinum Signature Sponsor

Fortis Properties

Gold Sponsors

Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, NL

Department of Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living, NB

Prince Edward Island 2014 Celebrations Inc.

Silver Sponsors

Destination St. John’s

Discover Saint John

Destination Cape Breton

Elite Productions

The Rooms, NL

Bronze Sponsors

D.P. Murphy Hotels & Resorts

Destination Halifax

Group Travel Planner – TC Media

Maxxim Vacations

Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development & Tourism

Parsons and Sons Transportation Inc.

Hillview Terrace Suites

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

HAC Roomers

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Hotel Association of Canada newsletter

Roomers

HAC - Grass Roots Campaign

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

2012 Grass Roots Campaign Action - Update

Dear Valued Member,

In July the HAC launched its 2012 Government Relations Grass Roots Program. We put out a Call to Action to hoteliers across Canada. We asked you to pick up the phone and call your MP requesting a meeting.

As you know, Canada's tourism industry is in crisis. We are not attracting enough people to come to Canada and once they arrive we lack sufficient individuals in our hotels to serve them.

The solution is for long-term sustained funding for the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) which has responsibility for global marketing. The CTC simply cannot create awareness and demand with its existing $72 million budget, let alone with a proposed budget of $58 million for 2013. We are asking the government to support a competitive, sustainable and results based model for the CTC through a reinvestment of the international visitor's GST or a Visitor Levy on non-Canadians travelling to Canada by air.

To alleviate the drastic shortage of people working in our hotels we are recommending the government double Provincial Nominee Certificates to accommodate the demand for semi-skilled occupations reducing our dependency on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Our Grass Roots Program documents can be accessed by going directly to the HAC website at www.hotelassociation.ca/grassroots.

You are the Canadian Lodging Industry's front line representative. Your knowledge gives you credibility in issues that affect the tourism industry. Your understanding and expertise is what makes you an affective lobbyist. You provide a face to the story of how important the lodging industry is in your community.

Many of you have responded to our call to action. As of today, 142 meetings between hoteliers and MPs have taken place. To those of you who have responded to our call - You are making a big difference. To those of you who have as yet to pick up the phone and call your MP, we ask you to do so today.

Sincerely,

Anthony P. Pollard

President

Join CTHRC newsletters!

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

We hope you have enjoyed receiving news and information from the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC). This is a short note to let you know that we are changing the way we communicate with people like you, and helping you to communicate with others in the tourism, education and HR communities.

Beginning in October, all CTHRC communications will be distributed through My Tourism Pulse, our fully customizable subscriptions service for all things tourism. Through My Tourism Pulse, you can continue receiving great articles, links, and information covering everything from Tourism Research and Labour Market Information to HR Resources and Programs, from Certification and Education to Tourism News and Events. You can choose to receive CTHRC News and Community News from your areas of interest once a day, weekly, or monthly. You can also become a community member and post your own news and events. Best of all, subscribing and becoming a member is free!

A message from TIAC

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Meeting members and stakeholders allows us to take the pulse of the industry, which is vital to the work that we do at TIAC. It helps us serve you better, and helps us put a face to some of the issues that we deal with on a daily basis. I sincerely appreciate all of you who have taken the time to meet with me in recent months, and we will carry your concerns with us as we embark on a busy fall session of Parliament.

To that point, my focus in the coming weeks will be on the nation's capital, as we welcome your Members of Parliament back to Ottawa, and renew our engagement with them on the policy issues facing tourism. In particular, we will follow up on the positive recommendations made in Senate Report on Canada's aviation industry, and we will make the case for increased funding for Canada's national tourism marketing efforts.

Help Make the Case for a Competitively-Funded CTC

As you may have seen through the summer, we have launched an initiative to help make it easy for TIAC members and other tourism businesses to reach out to their MPs and express their support for a competitively-funded Canadian Tourism Commission. We have had a good initial response, but with the pre-budget consultations on the horizon, it is essential that we amplify our voice to make the case.

If you haven't already sent a note to your MP, I'd ask you to visit the campaign homepage on TIAC's website, to fill in a simple template letter to automatically send an email to your MP. If you've already sent a note along, we'd ask that you share this with your co-workers, friends and colleagues in the tourism sector and beyond. As elected officials increasingly hear this message - especially from those in their own communities - our chances of success increase. Your voice will give urgency to the industry's call for a competitively-funded CTC.

Meet You in the National Capital - Tourism Congress 2012

We're looking forward to a busy but productive fall in Ottawa, and we hope that you'll help us cap it off by joining us for the Tourism Congress, TIAC's annual conference.

Taking place in Gatineau, Quebec from November 19-21, the Congress is a great opportunity for the industry to meet each other and the decision makers affecting tourism policy in Canada. At the 2011 event, more than 45 parliamentarians attended either the Congress or the Canadian Tourism Awards gala. This level of engagement allowed us to show MPs first-hand some of the economic and social benefits of travel and tourism, both from a national perspective as well as on the local level.

We have a great collection of speakers set for this year, and the Awards Gala has become a must-attend event for both members of the tourism industry and Members of Parliament. We hope you can join us for what is shaping up to be the best Congress yet.

Onward...

Over the past few years, we've made great strides forward on a number of tourism files. The launch of the Federal Tourism Strategy has provided some important momentum on a number of files, and we're seeing a new appreciation for our sector among departmental staff and the political class.

But there is still much to do, and the coming weeks will be crucial for TIAC on both the marketing funding and aviation cost structure files. I will be focussing my energy here for much of the fall, and working with the TIAC team to push hard for the change that you need to help you succeed.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you by phone or email throughout the coming months, and I look forward to reporting positive news to you when we meet in November.

Sincerely,

A Message from David Goldstein,

President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada

As the traditional summer season closes, it's easy to find yourself mentally buckling down for the fall session. We may not be heading back to school, but as the calendar turns to September, we often still find ourselves sharpening our pencils for the semester ahead.

Before I look forward, I'd like to take a moment to reflect back on the spring and summer. In recent months, I've had the opportunity to travel to the east and west coasts and into Canada's north, visiting eight provinces and two territories, some of them on multiple occasions. I've been from Cape Breton to Whistler to Whitehorse, through Saint John and Vancouver and Calgary and Montreal and Iqualuit. I've met with the broad cross-section of TIAC's members and partners along the way, at large meetings of the provincial and territorial tourism industry associations, as well as smaller meetings arranged by local and regional tourism and lodging groups.

While in Nova Scotia, David Goldstein met with Danny Morton, President and CEO of the White Point Beach Resort. After a major fire only ten months ago, the impressive new main lodge is under construction in the background.

David F. Goldstein

President and CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

ED awarded Diamond Jubilee Medal

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism Executive Director Awarded Diamond Jubilee Medal

(Fredericton) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) is proud to announce that their Executive Director, Réal Robichaud has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to celebrate those whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community, their organizations and Canada.

Réal Robichaud has been a fundamental part of TIANB for 13 years. In that time he has worked tirelessly to promote the tourism sector in the province. The changes the sector has seen over that period of time has required a person who not only has the ability to keep an eye on what is happening globally but also what is happening within the province. Robichaud has been advocating for the businesses in NB’s tourism industry on issues that have an impact on them and their employees. He has been the leader of a team that has developed some of the best training programs in the country and has been out front on consulting the industry about what direction they want to see. This award is recognition of the role he has played in creating one of the most dynamic industry sectors in the province. While other sectors have seen declines, the tourism sector has experienced continued growth.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is one of a number of prestigious awards that have been earned by Robichaud and his team at TIANB. The nomination for this award came from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, an organization that Robichaud has been a champion of for many years.

ED Blog - August 31, 2012

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Weekly ED Blog – August 31, 2012

It is really the end of summer?

Today August 31^st, most of us would say, holy…..already? Where did the summer go? School is starting next week in NB and has already started in other provinces. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I would hear parents with teens at home!! For the tourism industry, it means the slowing of business for some, while for others it is the start of the more mature traffic. Fall festivals and event will be starting soon and hopefully attracting visitors from near and far! Are we going to have the traffic to compensate for the slow start, or it that impossible? Some operators refer to our industry as a sector having to constantly deal with perishable inventory.

If we don’t get our numbers in June, July, etc , that’s it, can’t have those numbers back. For a campground, or cottage operator not being able to fill on July 5^th, well that site or cottage revenue has perished, it’s gone! We have variants to deal with in the likes of Mother Nature, gas prices, economic climate’s effect on disposable income, bugs, beach water temperature and I can go on and on!

The biggest question that comes to my mind from where I sit is: How is it, with all that our devoted tourism operators have to deal with that we are still the sector showing the most economical growth in our province, in our country and frankly throughout the world? How many times have we herd government bail-outs to the tourism industry because we had bad weather in the summer or no snow in the winter? What do you think? Share your thoughts!

Have a great long Labour Day week end and hope it will be a profit making one. Thank you

Réal Robichaud, TIANB

ED Blog

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ED Blog – August 24 2012

Times are changing!

It seems that after the summer months are slowly wasting away that we are at that time again where we’re paying a closer look at our operations or to the rules of engagements to play in this game and of the changes occurring all around us! One of those important upcoming changes would be in my fair opinion, the rejuvenation of the NB Liquor control Act.

Some of you have answered the call to participate in public consultations held earlier this summer and voiced your comments, complaints and possible solutions. As you may know, the consultative process is still ongoing and we are preparing for a meeting with Public Safety to weigh-in on what needs to be changed and how the new Act should look like. As a representative industry association, we cannot just assume we know all of the problems or for that matter, the solutions to them, why we sent out a survey to get you feedback. Less than 24 hours out and we’ve already received 38 responses, pretty good so far!

Licensing type, closing time, Bring your own liquor, re-corking, bottle service, Off sales, exclusivity arrangements, advertising restrictions, due diligence to under-age and over service, minimum pricing and the establishment of a non-compliances register are discussion items we will be tackling. An association is as strong as the inputs it receives from its membership, so help us help you and complete the survey or simply write to us before September 11^th so we can bring your issues to the table. You know the drill; realr@tianb.com is the connection to resolving issues together.

Thank you.

Tourism Best Practices

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Spring mission wrap ups

Fall mission details / registration

Meetings and Conventions October 15 - 20, 2012 - Kelowna, Okanagan, Vancouver, and Victoria, BC. There is a gap in the Meetings and Conventions market and the need exists to fully explore the best practices of similar size destinations with comparable Meetings and Conventions capacity. This mission will explore the WOW factors and how the industry can come together to deliver and exceed this niche market's expectations.

Agri - Tourism October 22 – 27, 2012 - Vermont, USA. This mission will visit destinations where agricultural districts have created quality focused tourism destinations. The primary focus will be on farm-stays, farm markets, slow-food communities, educational tourism programming, farm retail, bed and breakfast operations in farm/winery communities, farm to table, farm-stays and experiential agri-tourism products.

Adventure Tourism November 12 – 17, 2012 - Vancouver Island: Nanaimo, Tofino, Port Alberni, and Victoria, BC. Adventure Tourism is an industry experiencing significant growth. Back by popular demand, the purpose of this mission is to showcase adventure companies that demonstrate Best Practices on Vancouver Island.

www.tourismbestpractices.com

CCDA Red Seal review

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Sent on behalf of Dan Mills, Chair of the CCDA

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recently completed its report entitled Lessons Learned, Next Steps on the Strengthening the Red Seal consultations and pilot projects. We invite you to visit the Red Seal website at www.red-seal.ca (click on “Strengthening the Red Seal” on the left hand column) to read or download a copy of the report and/or executive summary.

To respond to labour market needs and enhance skills assessment, the CCDA launched the Strengthening the Red Seal initiative in 2009. The goal of the initiative is to explore enhanced occupational standards and methods of assessment in addition to the existing multiple-choice written examination.

The CCDA felt strongly that an important component of the initiative was consulting with, and gathering input from, industry and other stakeholders, as well as testing, through pilot projects, the ideas behind the Strengthening the Red Seal initiative. In addition to conducting multiple assessment pilot projects in the Cook and Heavy Duty Equipment Technician trades (2008-2011), the CCDA facilitated in-person consultations across the country in 2010, engaging more than 300 stakeholders in a meaningful discussion early in the development of the initiative. The CCDA also hosted an online survey with invitations extended by jurisdictional apprenticeship authorities to additional stakeholders. In the summer of 2011, 1346 people participated in the survey.

Strengthening the Red Seal: Lessons Learned, Next Steps, summarizes the learnings from the pilot projects and the consultations as well as identifying next steps for the initiative.

I would like to recognize those who participated in the consultations and pilot projects, and who contributed their expertise to this initiative.

Please feel free to share this email with others you think may be interested in reading the report. Thank you for your participation and interest in the Strengthening the Red Seal initiative. The CCDA will continue to communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of ongoing progress of the initiative.

Dan Mills, CCDA Chair

Director, Apprenticeship & Certification

Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour

506 444-3657

35 million directors project

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Lights, camera, action!

Canada’s Tourism Commission puts Canadians in the director’s chair for new video.

35 Million Directors project will help inspire more travellers around the world to come and explore Canada.

Tweet: Canadians in the director's chair for new video project to capture 100s of #travel experiences http://ht.ly/cDLrp #35MDirectors

Vancouver, BC, August 20, 2012 — Move over Hollywood, get ready TIFF, there’s a new show in production as Canada becomes the country-wide set for a tourism video, one where the stars—and directors—are all local and getting reel.

The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is reaching out to Canadians through its 35 Million Directors project to help create a new video to inspire more travellers from around the world to choose Canada for their vacation. Starting today, Canadians can upload experiences from coast to coast to coast, videos or images, to a new website. Footage and photos must showcase Canadian travel experiences - from a favourite hike to a music festival, a sporting event to dining al fresco downtown. ‘Directors’ will want to capture moments that will whet the appetite of international travellers looking for unique and authentic examples of what is available across Canada.

The cherry on top: a contest with prizes for the best entries and even a random draw so everyone’s got a shot. The contest runs until September 16, 2012, when the CTC will then look at the story-line Canadians have created, select the best entries, and mix in the work of a few professional directors to create a grassroots video advertisement to inspire travellers from around the world to visit Canada.

“We’re out to create a story from the point of view of Canadians and what makes them proud about our great cities, our geography and nature, our cuisine, our culture, or perhaps the friendliness of a local festival,” says Michele McKenzie, CTC president and CEO. “We hope Canadians are out there this summer enjoying what our country offers whether on a trip or during a lunch break. Many are already capturing what moves them on phones and cameras and sharing with friends and family. We want to share these images big time with the world, and add a grassroots dimension to our marketing efforts in attracting more and more international visitors to Canada.”

Inspirational help will be on hand as well from Canada’s deep pool of talent. Renowned visual artist Douglas Coupland has stepped forward to post his own video. Film-school students are encouraged to upload clips of their own.

The final two-minute video will debut at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) Congress in November and be shared with Canadians before CTC starts using the video in international travel campaigns.

Web links

Background information about the video project
35 Million Directors website
CTC Corporate Profile
Tourism Fact Sheet

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About the Canadian Tourism Commission
The Canadian Tourism Commission is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. A federal Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, we lead the Canadian tourism industry in marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination. Our vision is to inspire the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we promote Canada's extraordinary experiences in 11 countries around the world, conduct market research, offer stunning visuals through the Brand Canada Library and provide resources to help industry leverage Canada's successful tourism brand—"Canada. Keep Exploring." To stay current, subscribe to CTC News, search our corporate website, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel.

For further information, please contact:

Margaret Nevin

Senior Communications Advisor

Canadian Tourism Commission

Tel: 604-638-8406

ED Blog

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ED Blog – August 17, 2012

They’re coming back!

Just came back from vacation yesterday and glad to be back in the seat! My travels took my family and I to our yearly stop in Paspebiac on the Gaspé Peninsula, then on to Buctouche, Cornwall PEI and finally to Lower Darnley, PEI. Did all kinds of fun activities, visited the Pays de la Sagouine, Chalrottetown and of course beaches and more beaches. Of course being in this business, one cannot walk or drive by without looking at license plates and talking to other campers. What I’ve heard was “Oh! We’re just over to visit family!” or “We used to travel far away but this year we decided to visit our own region!” or “Oh! We’re just from the next town and we came over for the festival this weekend!” Of course we’ve seen the usual plates from Quebec and Ontario and a few from the US along the shores. A question came to mind – is our visitor numbers growing or are we just seeing locals travel closer to home? If our “new visitors” are coming for festivals and events, why is it most of them are concentrated in the peak of summer? Wouldn’t it be better to have multiple events to attract visitors over a longer period? Most organizers would say, to ensure the success of their event, they have to organize it during heavy visitor traffic. A lot of those events have started very small, but over the years, have grown in popularity, hence the increase in traffic. Consider this – What influences travel destination choices? So, are they really coming back and how long will this last?

Give us your thoughts at realr@tianb.com and we’ll post on our website!

Have a good weekend!

Réal

TIAC Take Action

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

TIAC has heard from many of our members this summer, and we share your concern over the significant decrease in the Canadian Tourism Commission's annual budget. This summer, TIAC has been making the case that we need increased funding for our national tourism marketing activities.

Now, we need you to reach out to your Member of Parliament to help strengthen our case and to put a local face on the importance of this issue.

By contributing a few moments of your time, you can help us make the case for increased funding more compelling. As elected officials hear this message more frequently, our chances of success increase - especially when it originates from those in their own communities.

Here's how you can help:

Only have a minute? Fill in our template letter to automatically send an email to your MP.
Have a bit more time? You can follow up your letter with a meeting with your MP to discuss this very real threat to the industry. TIAC has an online advocacy centre with tips on scheduling a meeting with your MP, tips on conducting an effective meeting, talking points and an information kit to leave with your MP.

Affecting change requires a new, sustained approach with the involvement of tourism stakeholders from coast to coast. As the tourism industry's front line representatives, you give a face to the story of how important our sector is in your community. Your voice will give urgency to the industry's call for a competitively-funded CTC.

Please take action today by reaching out to your elected official and sharing this important message with your colleagues.

Why Funding the CTC is More Important Than Ever Before

The CTC budget for 2013/14 is $57.8 million - a decrease of 41.5% in just a decade.

Yet, funding the CTC is more important than ever. Tourism continues to grow globally, but Canada's share continues to erode. We have slipped from 7th to 18th in the world for international visitors and we are one of only five countries to experience a drop in arrivals in the last 10 years. With less money to promote Canada in key markets, we will unquestionably struggle to take advantage of the growth in international travel.

What is TIAC doing about it?

TIAC continues to make the case in Ottawa for increased tourism marketing funds. This includes regular, constructive dialogue with key decision-makers, including senior representatives in the offices of the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the office of the Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism).

Additionally, TIAC`s recent submission to the pre-budget consultation process to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance this month focused on the need for long-term, sustainable and increased tourism marketing funding. We also worked with our provincial and sectoral colleagues to help make a broad and profound national case for this funding through this budget process.

For more information, please contact Adrienne Foster at afoster@tiac.travel or (613) 238-6378.

On behalf of the industry, thank you in advance for your invaluable contribution.

Sincerely,

David F. Goldstein

President & CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Telegraph Journal Commentary

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Telegraph Journal, August 4, 2012

Click the attachment to read the article

ED Blog

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ED Blog July 25

The Marketing investment of yesterday on today’s reality!

Most tourism operators had to or still do today, pack the kiosk, the cases and cases of printed paraphernalia and head to Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa or wherever the Consumer trade show is being held. All this in an attempt to hopefully pass out all your booklets, have a chance to talk to people visiting your kiosk and convince them to come visit the following summer. Months of preparation and you’re actually hoping for bad weather so people would actually pay a couple of bucks to go to the show instead of going skiing on a nice sunny winter afternoon.

Ok you’re all set! This is your fifth year of doing this and you got it down to a science. You have the same promotional budget since starting this gig 5 years ago, all of a sudden, you notice on set up night that the kiosk that had been your neighbour for the last 5 years and that you had made good friends with, have been moved to another section of the show. The person leading the set up crew looks at you and greets you with “Gutten Tag”. Having spent a bit on time on the road you immediately realise that the Germans are in town!

You quickly realize and have to come to grips that the tourism business is no longer you going to another province to build your clients, but it is now a global business. Competing at the world stage, with the same marketing/promotional budget you have had for the last 5 years! Realistic….no! a reality…..yes! We often hear “well at least we didn’t get cut back!” in actual fact, you’re not playing in the same league. Does Sydney Crosby still practice hockey with his mother’s washing machine? Why should you hand out you fax and beeper numbers, because that is the only thing you can afford?

Marketing is an investment, not an expense! Until everyone understands this simple fact, we will be left behind!

Give us your thoughts, send me an e-mail on this or other blogs at realr@tianb.com

Note: I will be on vacation from Thursday July 24 and return August 16^th so no blogs during that time! Who knows; I may come back with a few stories! See you all later!

TIAC special edition - urgent request

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Dear TIAC Member/Supporter:

As our members and as tourism businesses across the country, TIAC is asking for your help to make the case for more funding to market Canada as a tourism destination.

As you may know, the Canadian Tourism Commission had its funding cut significantly in this year's federal budget. The proposed CTC budget for 2013/14 is $57.8 million - a decrease of 41.5% in just a decade.

Funding the CTC is more important than ever. Tourism continues to grow globally, but Canada's share continues to erode. We have slipped from 7th to 18th in the world for international visitors and we are one of only five countries to experience a drop in arrivals in the last 10 years. With less money to promote Canada in key markets, we will unquestionably struggle to take advantage of the growth in international travel.

As tourism business people, you make vital contributions to the Canadian economy, creating jobs - over 600 000 across the country - and creating more than $78.8 billion in economic activity.

TIAC speaks to MPs in Ottawa regularly on your behalf, and has consistently made the case that we need increased funding for our national tourism marketing activities. Now, we need your help to strengthen our case, and to personalize our argument.

As the tourism industry's front line representatives, you give a face to the story of how important our sector is in your community. Your voice will give urgency to the industry's call for a competitively-funded CTC.

As such, we're asking you to contribute a few moments of your time to help us make the case for increased funding more compelling. As elected officials increasingly hear this message - especially from those in their own communities - our chances of success increase.

Here's how you can help:

Only have a minute? Fill in our template letter to automatically send an email to your MP.
Have a bit more time? You can follow up your letter with a meeting with your MP to discuss this very real threat to the industry. TIAC has an online advocacy centre with tips on scheduling a meeting with your MP, tips on conducting an effective meeting, talking points and an information kit to leave with your MP.

By Labour Day, we hope to have sent 5 000 emails and have had meetings between industry members and MPs in every region of the country. We need you to encourage your colleagues in the industry to join TIAC and get involved.

Over the course of the summer you will be receiving campaign updates from Adrienne Foster who is managing this campaign. If you have any questions please feel free to contact her at afoster@tiac.travel or (613) 238-6378.

On behalf of the industry, thank you in advance for your invaluable contribution.

Sincerely,

David F. Goldstein

President & CEO

TIAC nominations end July 25

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

There's still time to nominate for the 2012 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by The Toronto Star, but time is running down. The extended deadline of July 25th is just days away, making this your last chance to nominate!

Nominate for the Canadian Tourism Awards today or find out more by visiting www.tiac-en.adbeast.com.

ED Blog - July 13 2012

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Media and tourism - Friends or Foes?
Media of all types are in the business of communicating the information to the public in various ways. As humans ( Yes reporters are humans too!) some tend to provide an interpretation of the information?give it more color, to make it easier to read; or in some other instances, brew it up to generate reactions from their audience.

In our tourism world, we often count on media to share the experience we offer in the hopes we convince someone to make that turn on the road and knock on our door, thus increasing business. We are sometimes easy targets for the "colorful" reporter and surely some of you have taken the time right in the middle of a rush to answer that call, just to find out while reading the paper or watching the News program the next day that you've been misquoted or it came out all wrong! How frustrating! We all know that we have our fair share of challenges and issues, but we would all argue that we are no different than any other business?.except that our clients are listening to the radios, reading the local papers, or watching the News cast while waiting for their laundry to dry at the campground Laundromat.

How do we deal with this? Build a relationship with your "human reporters"! Make sure before you respond to their calls, you have the time to educate yourself on the topic and that you provide factual information. Respond to their calls, After all, they're trying to make a living too! And finally, there is always a good side to any situation?..remember, you guests are reading the papers, watching TV or listening to the radio! A bad report about your business could mean a very slow day at the office! Share your thoughts, your experience with media; let's start a hug a reporter day! Could be fun too!

I'd like to hear your comments on this, let me know how you feel!

You may call me 1-800-668-5313, local 458-5646 or email

Until next week!
Réal Robichaud, Executive Director
TIANB/AITNB

HAC - 2012 Grassroots Campaign Call to Action

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

From the Desk of the President
July 2012

2012 Grassroots Campaign Call to Action

Dear Valued Member/ Cher membre

Canada's tourism industry is in crisis. We are not attracting people to come to Canada and once they arrive we lack sufficient people to work in our hotels to serve them.

The HAC has launched its 2012 Government Relations Grassroots Program to address these two issues: the funding crisis for the Canadian Tourism Commission and the severe labour shortage the lodging industry is facing.

Funding for the CTC has declined from $100 million in 2001 to $72 million in 2012 and $58.5 million in 2013.

The current budget allocation for Canada's national tourism marketing effort cannot be accepted. It is woefully inadequate. Canada will continue to lose market share at an accelerated pace by being under resourced against our competitors in important source markets. At the same time Canada is facing new direct threats; the United States and other countries have dramatically increased their marketing in Canada which will erode the domestic market and entice more Canadians to travel internationally.

The HAC in its proposal, "Driving Tourism Growth", has suggested funding options to the Minister of Tourism providing a base level of $126-$139 million to execute competitive marketing campaigns. The HAC's preferred model is a reinvestment of GST revenues. Alternatively, the HAC supports a model based on an arrival levy for non-Canadians.

The HAC continues to support the Temporary Foreign Workers Program and we commend the federal government for initiatives such as the new Accelerated Labour Market Opinion process. The permanent solution however, is to have temporary foreign workers graduate to permanent, full time staff under the Provincial Nominee Program. We are recommending the Government of Canada double Provincial Nominee Certificates to accommodate the demand for semi-skilled occupations.

All 306 MPs need to hear from the lodging industry before they return to Ottawa in the fall.

Our Grassroots program documents can be accessed by going directly to our website at www.hotelassociation.ca/grassroots.

It contains:

Grassroots Campaign
How Ottawa Operates
MPs List (link to Government Website)
MP Responsibilities
Speaking Notes
The Hotel Lobby Policy
Driving Tourism Growth Policy
Pre Meeting Notice
Post Meeting Notice

We ask you to call your MPs and request a face-to-face meeting. These issues can be solved with your assistance.

Sincerely,

Anthony P. Pollard

President, HAC/Président, AHC

pollard@hotelassociation.ca

TIAC Talk

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Latest edition of the TIAC newsletter

kdesjardins@tiac-aitc.ca
www.tiac.travel

Letter to the Editor

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

July 9, 2012

Editor

Telegraph Journal

210 Crown St,

P.O. Box 2350

Saint John, NB, E2L 3V8

Dear Editor,

In a recent Telegraph Journal editorial, an opinion was put forward that the tourism industry should sink or swim. It is profoundly disappointing to see this mind set still exists in today’s economic reality. There are three issues we wish to address. First is the tourism industry is the recipient of too much government investment. The fact is, the tourism sector “sinks or swims” on its own every day. The vast majority of government investment is into public infrastructure and not into the private business.

The tourism sector in NB is responsible for more than 35,000 jobs and generates close to a billion dollars in economic activity in our province. We ask for no more than any other industry in the province and in fact we are given far less and produce far more (for every $1 invested in tourism, the return is $25). It is the tourism industry that is showing growth, one of the few sectors that can make that claim.

Your assertion that those people who work in the tourism sector are unskilled and all seasonal is very disturbing and is simply false. Not all people who work in the tourism sector are seasonal, some are but not all. As far as the un-skilled comment goes, this is not only insulting to those who make their careers in the tourism sector but we can say that to interact with the public and provide one of a kind experiences for our visiting guests is a skill; a very important skill.

Sincerely

Kathy Weir

President

Tourism Industry Association of NB

ED Blog

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

ED Blog July 6 2012

This week the conference Board of Canada released the 2012 tourism forecast on the summer season. The report suggested that New Brunswick was to be next to the bottom in terms of business growth, largely due to our sagging economy.

Based on survey results, New Brunswicker's are said to be staying home this summer and not planning visiting?at all. The TIANB office received numerous media calls on this; as we do every year, to get our reaction. Although we have to consider such reports, a call to various tourism businesses around the province, suggested the opposite of what the Conference Board report suggested. Hopewell Rocks are up, Cape Enrage are way up, Broadleaf Ranch are up and looking good for the rest of the season, Botanical Garden is up by almost 1000 visitors from last year, the Visitor Information Center in Edmundston is up, The NB Aquarium and Marin Center in Shippagan had a slow start but things are looking promising for the rest of the summer. The Village Historique Acadien is up from last year. So as you can see, we are not doing so badly, after all.

Many factors affect our sector and waves of surveys and research are being produced, how accurate are they? It all depends on the type of questions that are asked and more importantly, how the information is analysed. Respondents to survey may answer that they are not planning on traveling this year, but they will certainly participate in events or go to attractions an hour away from their home! They would be considered by us as tourists, because they spend money at tourism businesses.

The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes. I would also suggest tourists be defined as "people traveling and spending money outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes"!

The tourism industry in New Brunswick is led by very professional and passionate individuals, looking at exceeding expectations. We cannot as an industry let such reports dampen our spirits! The main thing to retain from this report is that it clearly shows the importance of maintaining and even increasing marketing and promotional budgets at all levels, National, Provincial, Municipal and industry.

The goal - to be the top of mind vacation destination! New Brunswick is the best place to take a vacation and we have surely the greatest variety of experiences throughout the country?.and why not the world! Please keep us posted on how things are going in your business and region, we love good news and are certainly prepared to share! Have a good week.

I'd like to hear your comments on this, let me know how you feel!

You may call me 1-800-668-5313, local 458-5646 or email

Until next week!

Réal Robichaud, Executive Director

TIANB/AITNB

Top Marks - VIC mystery shop

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“MYSTERY SHOPPER” VISIT RESULTS IN TOP MARKS FOR FREDERICTON TOURISM SUMMER STAFF

Our Lighthouse on The Green and Visitor Information Centre staff were recently visited by a “mystery shopper”.

This program, administered through the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB), sends out individuals or “mystery shoppers” posing as guests or visitors.

Staff are evaluated based on a set of criteria such as professionalism, communication and product knowledge to name a few. Our staff, we are very proud to say, scored an average of 32.5 out of a possible 35 marks! Well done!

To have TIANB mystery shop your operation call Sheila at 1-800-668-5313 (458-5646)

2012 Canada Tourism Awards deadline

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Time is running down to nominate for the 2012 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by The Toronto Star!

The Canadian Tourism Awards allow you the chance to celebrate your company's achievements, honour your dedicated staff, or highlight your successes in a unique way.

Whether you have created the year's most outstanding traveller experience, preserved a piece of our heritage for generations to come, or created an outstanding tourism product from top to bottom, there's a category for you.

Nominate for the Canadian Tourism Awards today or find out more by visiting www.tiac-en.adbeast.com.

The 2012 deadline is just a few weeks away, on July 13th, 2012

Tourism HR Forum 2012

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism & Hospitality HR Forum 2012 Program Released

October 2-4, 2012

Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel

The Official Program of the 2012 Tourism & Hospitality HR Forum has been released! The theme of this year’s Forum is Talent Management: Strategies for Business Success, and highlights of the program include:

Day One

Keynote by Jim Knight, Senior Director of Training & Development, Hard Rock International
Keynote by Tyson Matheson,Vice-President, People Relations and Inflight Services, WestJet Airlines
Presentation on international training by Ismail Albaidhani, Head of Global Partnership and Learning Innovation, International Air Transport Association
Sessions covering Attracting Top Talent; Regional, Industry and Education Partnerships; Building Your Brand; and Strategies for Enhancing Visitor Experience

Day Two

Your Choice of:

HR Bootcamp: A full day of hands-on workshops covering HR strategies for attracting talent, managing your workforce, and growing a successful business.

Educator Symposium: A full day of sessions and information on classroom resources, labour market information and curriculum strategies to prepare students for a successful tourism and hospitality career.

For more information, download the Official Program from the 2012 HR Forum website today.

Join our group on LinkedIn for updates and great discussion.

Canada Revenue Agency

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Your association or organization has been identified as a key stakeholder of the Canada Revenue Agency. You will find below information that we hope you will share with your respective membership.

Businesses: let us keep you informed year-round

Did you know?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses several tools to keep individuals, businesses, and their representatives informed of the latest tax-related news and updates.

If you’re visiting the CRA’s Web site frequently to ensure you don’t miss any updates, there’s an easier and faster way to stay informed. Signing up for our Businesses – Tax information newsletter is a great way for business owners and their representatives to stop searching and start receiving general updates by e-mail as they are issued.

What you will receive

When you sign up to receive the Businesses – Tax information newsletter by email or by RSS feed, the CRA will share information with you on subjects such as:

tax tips;
new or improved electronic services;
legislative and regulatory changes;
events and seminars; and
business-related videos that have been posted to our Web site at http://www.cra.gc.ca/videogallery?utm_source=stkhldrs&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=txbsnwslttr.

Why not sign up now? Go to www.cra.gc.ca/lists or www.cra.gc.ca/rssfeeds, and have CRA’s news come to you.

Are you looking for other ways to stay connected? You can also:

Follow the CRA on Twitter - @CanRevAgency.

· Visit our YouTube Channel for tax-related videos.

Register NOW for Atlantic Canada Showcase

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Atlantic Canada Showcase 2012

September 30 - October 2, 2012

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Delta St. John's Hotel and Conference Centre

Don't forget to Register! The Early Bird Registration Deadline is June 30!

Atlantic Canada Showcase (ACS) is a buyer-seated marketplace designed especially for the group tour, F.I.T. and specialty travel industry. Taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland from September 30 to October 2, ACS will showcase operators of tourism products and services from all four Atlantic Provinces and give travel trade buyers a unique opportunity to experience Atlantic Canada’s premiere tourism operators.

Buyers are invited to click here to register online.
Sellers are invited to click here to register online.

Space is limited! Register now to reserve your seat at Atlantic Canada’s premier tourism marketplace!

For more information on ACS 2012, please visit, www.atlanticcanadashowcase.com or contact:

Plan Ahead Events

1-888-707-6299

Ext 1: Ramona, ramona@planaheadevents-centralottawa.com

Ext 2: Terena, terena@planaheadevents-centralottawa.com

Ext 3: Roberta, rdexter@planaheadevents-halifax.com

Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

1-800-563-0700

Ext 230: Michelle, mburke@hnl.ca

New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island await you on Atlantic Canada's beautiful coast.

ED Blog

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Good day all !

As a way to enhance our communication to our members and to generating thoughts or even provoking thoughts, I will be posting a weekly blog on our TIANB website.

You are welcomed to comment, add and even dispute on the topic of discussion. Be my guest and only from the generated interest will we be able to populate this interesting form of communication.

In the beginning of every season since I've been sitting in this chair as Executive Director, I get countless calls from media wanting me to share my thoughts and views on how the season is going to unfold. In recent years, the reporter interviewing me suggest that the rise in the price of gas, the exchange rate or the weather is going to have a negative impact on the number of gests that will make the trip to our great province.

So is price of gas going to impact us negatively, my quick answer - No, not for the price of gas alone! If all the black moons align then we're heading into the perfect storm, and that perfect storm is not on the radar. If our numbers can stay stable, that is good and yes an increase is always better.

I'd like to hear your comments on this, let me know how you feel!

You may call me 1-800-668-5313, local 458-5646 or email

Until next week!
Réal Robichaud, Executive Director
TIANB/AITNB

CTHRC President receives Honourary Doctorate

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

CTHRC President Wendy Swedlove Accepts Honorary Doctorate from University of Guelph

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council is proud to announce that Council President Wendy Swedlove has been awarded an honorary Doctorate degree from the University of Guelph. The University confers honorary degrees to individuals whose accomplishments demonstrate a standard of excellence that will inspire its graduates. Ms. Swedlove’s fellow 2012 honorees include environmental activist David Suzuki, McDonald’s Canada founder George Cohon, and comedian and social advocate Rick Mercer.

“As a founding Board Member of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, we can attest to the incredible leadership and vision Wendy has exhibited over the years in our collective pursuit of enhancing the professionalism and skills of the Canadian Tourism Industry,” writes Diane Grant Fiander, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council and President, Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.

“To be able to bring together every province and territory, both industry and government, and inspire all to work toward a common purpose for the betterment of tourism is a daunting feat. Wendy has done this and more as the CTHRC has built an impressive array of programming for work-place education and played a pivotal role in bridging the gaps between education and the tourism sector.”

This honor is a fitting recognition of the exceptional contribution that Ms. Swedlove has made to the Canadian tourism sector in her earlier work with Industry Canada and the creation of the CTHRC, and in her continued stewardship of the resources and programs that have been developed for the benefit of Canadians who are tourism employees, business owners, students, and educators. The Council under her leadership has made great strides towards its goal of ensuring a professional, sustainable tourism workforce is available to keep Canada’s tourism industry competitive and growing.

Randy Williams, President, Tourism Calgary and Past-President, Tourism Industry Association of Canada, adds that “This is a well-deserved recognition for over two decades of outstanding service to the tourism industry.”

He continues, “Travel and tourism is a people industry. Excellence, as a destination, cannot be achieved without highly trained personnel serving our guests. The CTHRC with Wendy’s passionate leadership and tender guiding hand is the envy of all sector councils and recognized globally for its outstanding products.”

As the accolades from industry, government, and the education community continue to arrive from across Canada, the CTHRC would like to add its own sincere congratulations. The awarding of an honorary Doctorate is a great achievement and rare honor, and the CTHRC Board of Directors and staff are extremely proud of this exceptional recognition of Wendy’s dedication, vision, and successes. The difference she has made to the Council and to the Canadian tourism industry cannot be overstated, and the Council couldn’t be more excited and confident moving forward under her leadership.

Maritime Travel Saver program

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Good Afternoon:

I am pleased to inform you that Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries Limited are offering the Maritime Travel Saver program once again this season.

The Maritime Travel Saver program is a FREE program that allows Maritime tourism partners to upload and share great promotions and packages with our passengers. Travel deals can be featured in a variety of categories, including accommodation, events, and attractions and must be limited to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. What’s more, there is no cost to upload promotions over the course of the 2012 tourism season.

All deals will be published on the high traffic www.NFL-Bay.com travel portal and will be promoted online and offline by Bay Ferries Limited at www.MaritimeTravelSaver.com. Simply begin the process by creating a Travel Partner Profile at http://www.nfl-bay.com/special-offers/maritime-travel-saver/login/ and upload your offer! More information on the program can be found in the document attached.

If you could please share this piece with your members, that would be most appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Jessica

JESSICA GILLIS

Marketing and Sales Coordinator

t: 902.626.2538

m: 902.393.3274

f: 902.566.2030

e: jgillis@nfl-bay.com

EI Changes

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Times and Transcript

New Brunswickers who rely on seasonal industries to make a living believe the employment insurance (E1) system provides an essential service and are concerned about the impacts any potential changes or reforms could have on their livelihood.

But while many industries are traditionally thought of as seasonal industries — such as fisheries, agriculture, forestry and tourism — the definition of what constitutes someone as a seasonal worker isn’t so cut-and-dry.

“The EI Act does not define seasonal workers,” said Amélie Maisonneuve, spokeswoman for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), which administers the EI system in the country.

“The EI program provides temporary financial assistance to those who, through no fault of their own, become temporarily unemployed while seeking employment. All claims for benefits are processed and adjudicated based on their individual circumstances and in accordance with the provisions of the EI Act and Regulations.”

Christian Brun is the executive secretary of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union, which represents about 1,300 members primarily on the coast of New Brunswick. Brun said the number of people — of all professions — who might need to rely on seasonal EI is quite significant in the region.

“Let’s be honest, most of the industries in rural Atlantic Canada are seasonal industries. You’re talking about agriculture in blueberries or talking about fishing, you’re talking about tourism, those are the big economic forces driving a reason to stay in rural Atlantic Canada and that’s what we’re talking about,” he said. “So, of course the fishery is a seasonal industry, it hasn’t up to date been able to find ways to function as a year-round industry.”

Maisonneuve said the line between someone who is eligible or ineligible for EI isn’t as simplistic as quoting a certain dollar value earned or number of weeks worked.

“Individuals requesting regular EI benefits can qualify under the EI Act with between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in their qualifying period depending on the regional rate of unemployment in the area of their usual place of residence,” she said. “If they are a new entrant to the labour force or are returning to the labour force after an absence, they would require 910 hours of insurable employment.”

For approximate purposes, between 420 and 700 hours of employment translates to between 10.5 and 17.5 weeks of work, presuming a standard 40-hour work week.

Of course, when considering EI eligibility for a seasonal worker there are other factors to consider aside from just amount of time worked, such as if the person has previously paid EI premiums, if they are actively looking for work and the grounds under which previous employment was terminated.

The system is different for those in the fishing industry, as since 1997 fishing benefits have been determined based on money earned as opposed to hours worked.

Maisonneuve said fishers can qualify for EI benefits under the fishing regulations with between $2,500 and $4,200 in insurable earnings depending on the regional rate of unemployment in the area where they reside. If they are a new entrant to the labour force or are returning to the labour force after an absence, they would require $5,500 in insurable earnings.

In addition, in the year before the fisherman’s qualifying period for EI they must have earned at least $3,000 from self-employment in fishing or had at least 490 hours of labour force attachment related to fishing.

With the system based on earnings in the fishery, Brun said it prohibits someone who only works part of the year having a great season, making a lot of money and then still also being eligible for EI because they worked for a short period of time.

“If you have an exceptionally good year usually it’s not worth applying for EI, you won’t be getting any benefits,” he said.

The most recent complete employment census data from Statistics Canada comes from the 2006 Census of population. That data shows that in New Brunswick, the average employment income for a fishing vessel master or skipper and fishermen/women was $20,151 in 2005, down from $29,873 in 2000.

When adjusted for only those who worked for the full year and worked full-time, the number jumps to $31,306 in 2005, down significantly from $53,015 in 2000.

Although people often criticize the EI system as one that is constantly abused and used as a dependency for some people, Brun said only a very small percentage of workers fall into that category and most would prefer to be able to work year-round.

“I would say that the EI system is very well balanced in that aspect whereas you’re basically supporting individuals that either the resource or the markets are basically not having enough for them to have their livelihoods,” he said. “Harvesters are really willing to seek those opportunities to go on the water and do what they enjoy to do. The fact is either markets or biology itself manages their livelihood to a certain degree and creates uncertain and limits.”

Maisonneuve said in fishing and regular EI, there is no hard-and-fast maximum amount a seasonal worker can earn before they are disqualified from benefits. Rather, it’s calculated case-by-case based on each individual and their circumstances.

“Claimants in receipt of regular or fishing benefits are allowed to earn a certain amount before any deductions are made to their weekly benefits,” she said. “This allowable amount is currently $75 per week or 40 per cent of a claimant’s weekly benefit rate, whichever is higher. Any earnings exceeding this amount are deducted dollar for dollar from benefits for that week.”

In addition, as part of Economic Action Plan 2012, the government will be introducing a new national three-year Working While on Claim pilot project, which is scheduled to take effect on August 5, 2012.

Under the new pilot, EI claimants will be able to keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned, up to a certain amount — 90 per cent of the weekly insurable earnings used to calculate the EI benefit amount.

“This pilot project applies to those claimants earning money while receiving regular benefits, fishing benefits, parental benefits and compassionate care benefits,” Maisonneuve said. “This pilot project will ensure that EI claimants always benefit from accepting work because it will allow them to keep more of what they earn while on EI.”

According to HRSDC stats, the average weekly income benefit paid out in 2010/11 in New Brunswick was $359, which was up from $352 in 2009/10, $347 in 2008/2009 and $335 in 2007/2008.

Out of all claims in 2010/11, 9,130 of them in New Brunswick were new claimants, down from 9,410 in 2009/2010.

In total in New Brunswick $833.8 million was paid out in total benefits in 2010/2011, down from $859.5 million in 2009/2010. There was $723.9 million paid out in the province in 2008/2009 and $684.5 million paid out in 2007/2008.

Réal Robichaud is the executive director of Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, which employs about 33,000 people in the province. Robichaud said less than half, but still a “sizeable portion” of those workers would be considered seasonal workers and as such the EI program plays a vital role in tourism.

“We are in an industry like other sectors in the economy that we’re certainly having challenges to attract people, because of the seasonal nature,” he said, noting it would be “extremely hard” for some in the tourism industry to make a living without seasonal EI benefits. “Certainly the tourism industry, although we still claim and still are adamant of its importance in the economy, attracting people and keeping people certainly is a challenge like any other sector, but with the proposed changes to the EI, what that does is really puts a damper I guess on the recruitment of skilled labour.”

The country’s EI system has come under close scrutiny of late with the federal government’s discussion pertaining to an omnibus bill that would contain EI reforms.

The proposed reforms, which are expected to take effect in early 2013, would require people who are frequent claimants to accept jobs that require a commute of up to an hour and at a reduced salary of between 70 and 90 per cent of their previous income.

Robichaud believes the changes could potentially be devastating to the tourism industry.

“We are facing a shortage like many other sectors, and certainly this does not help in any way because ... we could have happen that people are actually moving out of the province to seek jobs or will be leaving their regions, rural regions to go into urban centres,” Robichaud said.

Likewise, Brun believes the seasonal nature of the fishery could make the proposed changes a negative.

“I think there’s a lot at stake in keeping our rurality alive, keeping our coastal communities alive in Atlantic Canada and the diverse ruralities we have all over the country. I believe what we are doing right now is abandoning those values that are not in an urban setting and it’s a social choice that we’re making right now to abandon those, whether we realize those or not,” he said. “I am questioning that choice that our government is making and Canadians that are supporting that, I’m questioning that. The debate should be larger than just based on perceptions and myth.”

TIAC - Senate Committee Recommendations

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Senate Committee Recommendations Would Increase Air Travel and Lower Travel Costs

OTTAWA, June 6, 2012 - If acted upon, the recommendations in the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications on Canada's aviation sector will increase passengers and decrease the cost of air travel in our country says the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

"The recommendations in this report provide smart policy fixes that would allow our travel and tourism sector to thrive, providing economic growth and creating jobs across the country," said David Goldstein, president and CEO of TIAC. "We fully support the committee's overarching recommendation for a cohesive national air strategy, and believe that a focused approach to the aviation sector will help to increase air travel in Canada."

The report - titled "The Future of Canadian Air Travel: Toll Booth or Spark Plug?" - is the culmination of two years of work by the Standing Committee, in which they heard from a full cross-section of aviation and tourism players. The report states that "the high cost of flying in Canada is limiting potential economic growth." The Committee makes six specific recommendations on how the government can help the industry compete. This includes lessening the burden caused by excessive taxes and fees such as phasing out airport rents.

TIAC appeared twice before the Standing Committee, and helped to provide context in terms of how the current state of Canada's aviation sector is having a negative affect on our ability to compete in a competitive world tourism marketplace. The committee report and recommendations align with the Government's commitment to facilitate ease of access and movement for travelers which was one of the top priorities named in the Federal Tourism Strategy (released October 2011).

"We appreciate the thorough work done by the Senate Transport Committee and thank the senators in this study and the common-sense solutions they have presented," said David Goldstein. "We look forward to continuing to work with the government on this vital issue and would be pleased to support the establishment of a National Air Travel Strategy."

The six recommendations made by the Committee are:

The committee recommends that Transport Canada, together with the Department of Finance, bring all relevant stakeholders to the table to establish a National Air Travel Strategy to increase and facilitate air travel in Canada.
The committee recommends that Transport Canada revise and update the National Airports System. The updated system should:
- Support the goal of increasing air trafficin Canada;
- Focus on the needs of the industry and consumers, both domestic and international; and
- Treat airports equally, while taking into consideration their unique requirements.
The committee recommends that Transport Canada establish and implement a plan to phaseout ground rents completely over time for airports that are part of the National Airport System.
The committee recommends that, concurrent with the long-term plan of ending airport ground rents, Transport Canada transfer federally owned airports in the National Airports System to the airport authorities that operate them.
The committee recommends that the airport authorities of each of the large volume airports lead an initiative to facilitate flight connections at the large volume airports. Such systems should ensure that the luggage of a transiting traveller is forwarded directly to the traveller's ultimate destination without the traveller's intervention. Such systems should also require the traveller to pass through security screening and customs and immigration only once during their journey.
The committee recommends that Citizenship and Immigration Canada meet with the directors of major Canadian airports and work to establish a full transit visa program for international travellers to connect through Canadian airports.

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About the Tourism Industry Association of Canada:

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $78 billion tourism industry. TIAC's members include air and passenger rail services, airport authorities, local and provincial destination authorities, hotels, attractions and tour operators.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice President, Strategy and Public Affairs

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

Tourism Industry Association names new Directors

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

(Fredericton) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) has announced its new Directors for the Board at their recently held annual general meeting in Saint John. The make-up of the Board is one that is carefully considered in order to provide representation to the many businesses and organizations that make up NB’s tourism sector. The TIANB Board is made up of 21 leaders covering all regions of the province. The Board members are installed at the annual general meeting and then those Board members go on to select the people who will become the Executive Committee.

See attached

Tourism honours the Innovators!

Sun, 27 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

(Saint John) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) honoured the best of the year last night at the Pioneer Awards Banquet held at the Delta Brunswick, with the support from businesses such as Cavendish Farms, Discover Saint John and the Lily Lake Pavilion. The tourism sector in NB is responsible for employing over 34,000 people and generating close to a billion dollars in economic activity for the province. TIANB is the industry association for the tourism sector for the province and this awards ceremony is the only one that honours those who have made a significant contribution to the professionalism, sustainability or innovation to tourism in the province. At the awards ceremony, there were a number of presentations made to those who earned their professional status through training programs, scholarships were announced for young people planning on creating a career in the tourism sector and finally the awards for those who help set the high standards found in NB’s tourism industry.

TIAC Talk

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

May 23 edition

TIAC Talk special edition

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

TIAC Talk Special Edition

Tourism Industry to hold annual conference

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism Industry to hold annual conference

(Fredericton) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) is getting ready to hold their annual conference at the Delta Brunswick Hotel in Saint John from May 23^rd to May 25^th. This is the biggest conference of its kind for NB. TIANB has created a program that has valuable information for all people who are directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector.

The 2012 Annual Conference has some prominent guest speakers who will deliver presentations on topics ranging from future trends in tourism, using local food products for profitable business, multi-generational human resource issues, how to get the most from social media, how to get the most from TripAdvisor and more. Key note speakers include Futurist Doug Stephens, Chef Chuck Hughes (the only Canadian to win the Iron Chef competition), NB’s HR guru Pierre Battah, Laurel Reid, Kerry Anne MacDougall and Jim Brody. TIANB also has planned industry information sessions into funding and training programs, a market place for suppliers and clients to interact and the Pioneer Awards Banquet.

The Pioneer Awards Banquet is a unique opportunity for the tourism sector to recognize those who have excelled in tourism over the past year as well as one person who has had a significant impact on NB’s tourism sector over the course of many years.

The TIANB 2012 Annual Conference is the one event of the year that celebrates our tourism sector, the people and businesses that work together to employ over 34,000 New Bruswickers and generates almost 1 billion dollars in economic activity for the province every year. TIANB is fortunate to have the support of Cavendish Farms, Discover Saint John and the Lily Lake Pavilion to hold this conference. There is still space available for those who wish to register. Registration is as easy as going to TAINB’s website or calling their toll free line at 1-800-668-5313.

Treatment of client information

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Canada Business

The way you treat your clients' information matters: http://ow.ly/aKfRI

Eliminating the penny

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Canada Business

Eliminating the penny from circulation: What it means for your business. http://ow.ly/aNneY

NEXUS Improvements

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

NEXUS Improvements to Increase Convenience & Shorten
Wait Times for Canada-US Travellers

OTTAWA, Friday, May 8, 2012 - New enhancements to the NEXUS program will accelerate the process of crossing the Canada-US border while maintaining security and public safety, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced earlier today that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would simplify the NEXUS renewal process and embark on a campaign to increase NEXUS membership. The new rules eliminate the onerous interview requirement for renewing cardholders who maintain their low-risk status and who have not made changes to their personal information.

The changes are the latest in a series of initiatives to be implemented as part of the joint Canada-U.S. Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness (Beyond the Border). TIAC played an integral role in the Beyond the Border consultations and continues to liaise with the federal government on its implementation.

"Trusted-traveller programs benefit both regular and occasional cross-border travellers and are essential to the movement of people beyond international borders in the twenty-first century," said David Goldstein, TIAC President and CEO. "Not only does NEXUS create a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for regular travellers, but it shortens wait times for occasional visitors arriving in Canada as well. We look forward to the continued growth of the program."

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For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

TIAC Press Release

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Improvements to Help Tour Operators Claim GST/HST Rebates Under the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP)

OTTAWA, Friday, May 4, 2012 - New administrative improvements are making it easier for tour operators to claim GST/HST rebates under the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP).

As part of the Government of Canada's commitments under the Federal Tourism Strategy, the Department of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) met with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and other representatives of the tourism industry to examine the operational design and administration of the FCTIP and to explore the feasibility of changes that would improve the program's effectiveness while maintaining the current scope of the program and a high standard of accountability.

The Canada Revenue Agency has developed and is implementing some of the suggested improvements to the FCTIP, which were announced by the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on May 4th. These include launching a GST/HST rulings service to allow tour operators to know, in advance, whether their tour packages will be eligible for a rebate; streamlining the processing of FCTIP rebate claims; creating and distributing a multi-lingual pamphlet in English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese and Spanish; and making information on the FCTIP easier to find on the CRA's Web site.

"We are pleased that the Canada Revenue Agency is working with the tourism industry to improve the effectiveness of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. "The administrative changes to the FCTIP provide positive initial steps towards making this program work better for international tour operators and tourism businesses in Canada."

For more information on the improvements to the FCTIP, please visit the Newsroom at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/funding_programs/index.shtml

(t) 613-238-9400

HRSDC Funding Programs

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Funding Programs

Learn about the funding opportunities (grants and contributions) that are offered by HRSDC, Service Canada, and Labour: what programs are currently accepting applications, listings of all programs and who can apply, and links to more information.

HAC - Press Release

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

HAC Applauds New Foreign Worker Rules

April 26, 2012 - Ottawa - The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) congratulates Human Resources Minister Diane Finley on her announcement to speed up the Temporary Foreign Worker Program which addresses Canada's persistent labour shortages.

"Canada's hotel industry, which currently employs 284,000 people, is facing a nation-wide labour shortage crisis," said Tony Pollard, HAC President. "With that in mind we are particularly pleased that Ottawa will now respond to requests for skilled workers within ten days instead of the 12 - 14 weeks it currently takes to get a Labour Market Opinion."

The new national regulations will initially only apply to high-skilled rather than semi-skilled jobs, but is expected to eventually be expanded to include other occupations.

"This is definitely a step in the right direction," said Pollard. He added, "It will make the system more efficient and effective for hoteliers in meeting their human resource needs."

About the Hotel Association of Canada

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is the national voice and resource for the Hotel and Lodging Industry in Canada. For nearly 100 years, it has worked to enhance the prosperity of the Canadian Hotel and Lodging Industry through strong member engagements, effective government advocacy, and the provision of value added programs and services. The HAC represents more than 8,400 hotels, motels and resorts that encompass the $16 billion Canadian hotel industry which employs 284,000 people across Canada. www.hotelassociation.ca.

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130 Albert Street, Suite 1206 Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4 T: (613) 237-7149 www.hotelassociation.ca

TIAC - Press Release

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

New Changes to Simplify Temporary Foreign Worker Recruitment and Accelerate Economic Recovery

OTTAWA, Friday, April 27, 2012 - Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will help employers address growing labour shortages more efficiently, accelerating Canada's economic recovery according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced earlier this week that the Harper government would expedite the approval processes for business with short-term skilled-labour needs. Employers can now receive an Accelerated-Labour Market Opinion (A-LMO) within 10 business days to hire temporary foreign workers in highly-skill occupations.

"The new changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program are a rational response to evolving labour market needs," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. "This is an important modernization that will reduce red tape and help tourism businesses address labour market shortages. It is also in line with one of the key tenets of the Federal Tourism Strategy, which involves fostering an adequate supply of skills and labour to enhance visitor experiences through quality service and hospitality."

Canada's tourism sector is facing a potentially severe labour shortage over the next 10-15 years as Canada's population ages and birth rates decline. The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council estimates that by 2025, the sector's supply of labour could fall short of potential demand by an estimated 219,000 jobs.

Although the changes currently only apply to highly-skilled workers, they serve as a strong first step in addressing Canada's persistent labour shortages, and TIAC is optimistic that this program might be expanded to apply to other categories of foreign workers.

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Backgrounder:

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to fill immediate skills and labour shortages when Canadians and permanent residents are not available.

In most cases, employers who wish to hire temporary foreign workers must first apply to Service Canada for a Labour Market Opinion. The opinion assesses the impact the foreign worker would have on Canada's labour market or, in other words, how the offer of employment would likely affect Canadian jobs. An employer needs a positive Labour Market Opinion to hire a temporary foreign worker.

On April 25, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that employers with a strong track record will now receive an Accelerated-Labour Market Opinion (A-LMO) within 10 business days to hire temporary foreign workers in high-skill occupations, rather than the previous 12-14 week waiting period.

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

Tourism One-Minute Report

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism One-Minute Report

April 20, 2012

A global tourism market scan in one minute or less...

Business travel volumes may be down, but spending is up

At the turn of the century, more than 576 million business trips were taken and $242.9 billion spent. Last year the number of trips increased to 445 million, but spending grew to $251 billion.

Read the report and find out why.... it only takes a minute to be up-to-date on global tourism news!

Mahon Jones & Associates
www.mahonjones.com

TIAC Press Release

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Expansion of Automated Border Clearance Program to Shorten Wait Times and Improve the International Travel Experience

OTTAWA, Monday, April 23, 2012 - The expansion of the Automated Border Clearance (ABC) Program will accelerate the process of re-entering Canada, leading to shorter wait times and a better experience for international travellers, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

The program provides self-serve kiosks for passengers to scan their passports and E311 declaration forms before they move on to a border services officer. A pilot program at Vancouver International Airport revealed that the kiosks speed up customs processing and reduce wait times for passengers.

"The Automated Border Clearance Program is an important innovation that reflects the Harper Government's commitment to the Federal Tourism Strategy," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. "The ABC program will facilitate the movement of travellers while ensuring the safety and integrity of Canada's borders, and we are enthusiastic to learn that it will be expanded to other international airports across the country."

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage announced the expansion of the program on April 20 to other airports across the country, beginning with Montréal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport this June.

"An initiative like the ABC Program is an important modernization, not only for Canada's largest airports, but also for mid-sized international hubs catering to a business clientele, such as Ottawa's MacDonald-Cartier Airport and the Calgary International Airport," said Goldstein. "We look forward to the gradual expansion of the program to hopefully one day include all of Canada's aeronautical ports of entry."

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

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TIAC Talk

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Latest edition

COC and CSTA establish memorandum of understanding

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Date: April 19, 2012
For immediate release

RICHMOND, BC - The Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance announced today a historic memorandum of understanding, detailing a new partnership between the two organizations as they drive Canada’s bidding and hosting strategy for international sport events.

In addition to clarifying the process for communities and sports to bid for international sport events, this memorandum of understanding facilitates the transfer of knowledge from past successful bids and events, which will provide a framework for replicating that success again, reducing the chance of unsuccessful bids or organizational issues in the future.

“In 2010, Canada demonstrated our great skill at hosting the world at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games,” said COC Board Member Charmaine Crooks. “This partnership will strengthen Canada’s ability to successfully compete and, ultimately, host even more major international sport events, putting us at the top of the list of preferred destinations for world-class sport events.”

“This agreement represents a terrific strategic fit for the CSTA by bringing the sport and tourism industries together to position Canada as a preferred host for international sport events,” said CSTA CEO Rick Traer. “By combining efforts, the COC and CSTA will develop a proactive strategy to assist communities and National Sport Federations to identify, bid for and successfully host international sport events.”

“Competing at home, in front of Canadian fans can only help Canadian athletes,” said 2010 Olympian Georgia Simmerling. “That comfort and familiarity of knowing our home turf definitely gives us an edge over the competition and it’s our chance to inspire the next generation of Olympians to follow in our footsteps.”

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For further information please contact:

Jane Almeida, Manager, Media Relations, COC; Tel. : 416-324-4120 / Cell. : 416-540-1788
Email : jalmeida@olympic.ca

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications, COC; Tel. : 416-324-4136 / Cell. : 289-388-6419
Email : dsoudas@olympic.ca

Rick Traer, Chief Executive Officer, CSTA; Tel.: 613-688-5843 / Cell. : 613-295-6388
Email : rtraer@canadiansporttourism.com

TIAC Talk - 2012 Federal Budget

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Special Edition - 2012 Federal Budget

The cuts unveiled today in the Budget plan by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will have a clear impact on Canada's tourism sector. Several of the agencies and departments who directly affect Canada's travel and tourism industry will be faced with cuts to their base funding over the next three fiscal years.

The full picture of how this new era of tightly managed spending will affect tourism programs and initiatives won't be clear until the detailed departmental budgets are released within the coming weeks. These provide more detailed budget plans for each department and agency.

Among the areas facing budget cuts in the coming years are:

Canadian Tourism Commission - $0.5 million for 2012-13, $14.2 million by 2013-14
VIA Rail - $6.5 million in 2012-13, $16.5 million by 2014-15
Parks Canada - $6.0 million in 2012-13, $29.2 million by 2014-15
Canadian Border Services Agency - $31.3 million in 2012-13, $143.4 million by 2014-15
Canada Air Transport Security Authority - $19.4 million in 2012-13, $59.7 million by 2014-15

The Budget also notes that the government is committed to balancing air travel security with the Air Travellers' Security Charge, which raises concern that this already onerous fee may increase.

There were also positive measures, including the fact that Canada's national museums systems will not see any reductions in resources as a result of the strategic review.

Going forward, TIAC will closely monitor how these diminished expenditure levels will be operationalized in our relevant departments, and we will adjust our advocacy work to adapt to the new reality.

Most importantly, the input and support of our members and industry stakeholders will be essential in the coming months. Demonstrated support for initiatives that affect tourism businesses will be vital in helping to establish our sector as a priority sector for economic growth and job creation.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins
Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs
613-240-7225
kdesjardins@tiac.travel

Tourism Industry responds to NB's Budget

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism Industry responds to NB’s Budget

(Fredericton) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) after attending a number of the budget deliberations throughout the province and carefully reviewing Minister Higgs speech on March 27^th is pleased that there appears to be some positive results to report from our Government. The continued reduction of NB’s overall deficit is a positive direction for the prosperity of the province. Basically, maintaining the status quo for the Department of Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living means that the tourism sector will be able to continue to show moderate growth. “The Tourism sector is very important to the economic growth of our province.” Said Joanne Bérubé-Gagné, President of TIANB. Tourism accounts for almost 1 billion in outside money coming into the province and generates jobs for over 35,000 New Brunswickers. This is an industry that can’t be ignored any longer. The fiscal challenges faced by the province mean that we have to be at the table as we search for solutions. We feel this budget recognizes this fact, perhaps not overtly but certainly in a number of ways and with a number of initiatives.” Continued Bérubé-Gagné.

The budget showed modest increases to the department of Culture, Tourism and Healthy Living as well as some increased emphasis on continued education and literacy, two issues that TIANB are heavily engaged in delivering to not just the tourism sector but to a wide-range of businesses. The reduction of business property taxes will be very beneficial to the over 3000 businesses who are part of the tourism sector in NB. TIANB has developed a number of initiatives that transcend the various business sectors in the province. Through an integrated sales approach, TIANB is increasing membership and delivering more training to businesses and employees enabling greater efficiencies and increased sustainability.

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$50 polymer bills

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Dear Real Robichaud,

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You can order free materials online to help
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Regards,

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Senior Regional Representative (Currency)
Atlantic Canada
Bank of Canada
(902) 420-4657

www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes

Press release - TIAC

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Potential Free-Trade Agreement with Japan a Consummate Opportunity for Canada's Tourism Industry

OTTAWA, Sunday, March 25, 2012 - A potential free-trade agreement between Canada and Japan would augment business and leisure travel between the two countries and drive economic growth, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

Prime Minister Harper announced earlier today that his government intends to formally enter into free-trade negotiations with the Japanese government led by his counterpart, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

"A free-trade agreement with Japan would be a boon for Canada's tourism industry, as recent studies show international travel and bilateral trade to be linked inextricably," said David Goldstein, TIAC President and CEO. "Not only does business travel stimulate the visitor economy, but overseas travellers are also known to stay longer and spend more in Canada as they complement their visits with personal leisure activities and travel."

Like many of Canada's export sectors, Japan is an important market for the tourism industry, and regularly ranks among our top ten sources of international visitors.

Goldstein also noted that an impending agreement provides the impetus to discuss a more liberalized air access agreement with Japan.

"A more liberalised air access agreement between Canada and Japan will be essential if we are to capitalize on the significant economic opportunity that exists within a free-trade agreement with Japan," said Goldstein. "An expanded open skies agreement would effectively provide us with greater opportunities to deliver more Japanese travellers to more Canadian destinations."

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

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Press Release - TIAC

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Extraordinary Investments in Tourism and Culture Recognize
Quebec's Travel Industry as a Driver of Economic Growth

OTTAWA, Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - Yesterday's unprecedented budget investment of nearly a half-billion dollars into tourism and cultural initiatives serves as recognition that Québec's tourism industry is a driver of economic growth and prosperity, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

In his 2012 budget speech, Québec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand earmarked nearly $465 million over the next five years for tourism infrastructure and programming, alongside additional monies for transportation infrastructure and the cultural sector.

"Québec's tourism industry will be buoyed by the extraordinary investments in tourism, culture and infrastructure announced in the 2012 budget," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of TIAC. "This historic commitment will allow Québec to capitalize on its tourism strengths, driving economic activity, creating jobs and generating new tax revenue in the province."

Among the highlights in yesterday's budget announcement:

$240 million between 2012 and 2015 towards a tax credit for renovation work on accommodations properties outside of Montréal and Québec City;
$85 million over the next five years towards a new loan and loan guarantee program for projects that seek to develop innovative tourism products;
Creation of a new division of Investissement Québec dedicated to the tourism industry to support entrepreneurs;
$35 over the next two years for Sépaq, Québec's provincial parks agency for improvements to the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, and the Parc national des Grands-Jardins
$30 towards the construction of the Le Diamant theatre in Vieux-Québec in Québec City;
$125 towards Montréal's 375th anniversary celebrations and the 50th anniversary of Expo 67 in 2017, which includes:
- $45 million to upgrade the Biodome, the Montreal Botanical Garden and the Insectarium;
- $35 million towards a new riverside boardwalk in Parc Jean-Drapeau and a refurbishment of the Place des Nations;
- $4 million to the McCord Museum and Stewart Museum to create a new amalgamated history museum;
- $26 million towards renovations and the construction of a new observatory at Saint Joseph's Oratory;
- $18.5 for a new pavilion at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to house the invaluable Hornstein collection
$22.5 million increase over five years to a program offering financial assistance for major festivals and tourist events;
Additional investments in cultural programs and the performing arts

Many of the initiatives announced in the 2012 budget arose out of the 2011 report of the Comité performance de l'industrie touristique, chaired by Québec tourism visionary Gilbert Rozon. TIAC wishes to thank Mr. Rozon and the members of the Committee for their unparalleled contribution to tourism development in Quebec and Canada.

The Rozon Report will form the pillar of a provincial tourism development plan, to be formally announced by Tourism Minister Nicole Ménard later this May. The collaboration and leadership shown by Minister Bachand, Minister Ménard, and Premier Jean Charest has been instrumental for the success of Quebec's tourism industry.

TIAC would also like to thank the l'Association québecoise de l'industrie touristique, as well as the countless tourism stakeholders throughout the province for their continued stewardship of tourism development.

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

(t) 613-238-9400

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December Snapshot

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

December 2011 Tourism Snapshot

Please be advised that the Canadian Tourism Commission has just released the December 2011 Tourism Snapshot, our Market Research product, prepared for the tourism industry.

December 2011 Tourism Snapshot

The Tourism Snapshot provides a monthly and year-to-date update on key CTC market visits to and from Canada performance of competitors, and other tourism related statistics. Supporting statistical tables may also be viewed on our website at:

Statistical tables

As always, we welcome any comments you may have on this report, as we continue to fine-tune our product line to provide your organization with pertinent information on the tourism market.

The CTC is pleased to announce that research publications are now available for immediate download on our corporate website. We have moved away from the login system to make research more accessible and user-friendly. Visit www.canada.travel/corporate.

Best regards,

CTC Research

Aviation Fuel Taxes

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Elimination of Provincial Aviation Fuel Taxes a Crucial First Step for Canada's Tourism Industry

Ottawa, February 23, 2012 - The Government of British Columbia's decision to eliminate the provincial jet fuel tax for international flights will promote travel and help make B.C.'s tourism industry more competitive on the global stage, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

"The elimination of provincial fuel taxes on international flights is a welcomed first step towards reducing the high cost of aviation in Canada," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of TIAC. "It sends a strong signal that British Columbia is open for business by helping its air carriers increase international flight frequencies and passenger capacity."

Today's announcement will promote tourism growth and drive economic activity throughout B.C. and across the country, according to TIAC.

British Columbia serves as a critical international gateway and travel hub, particularly for visitors arriving to Canada from the United States, Asia and the Pacific Rim.

TIAC wishes to thank the B.C. Government, including Premier Christy Clark, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom for their leadership on this matter.

"British Columbia has set the bar very high for other jurisdictions," said Goldstein. "We urge other governments across the country to follow B.C.'s lead to reduce Canada's aviation cost structure.

For more information, please contact:

David Lauer

Manager, Communications

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

http://www.actp-ptca.ca/news.html

(t) 613-238-9400

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What's new with ACTP

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Latest news from Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership

TIAC Press Release

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Canadian Tourism Industry and Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry Welcome International Conferences, Meetings and Educational Events to Canada

New Changes to Make Canada a Destination of Choice for Medical Event Planners

OTTAWA, February 15, 2012 - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) say Canada is open for business as they jointly promote economic growth through international medical conferences, meetings and educational events.

As a result of months of hard work and cooperation, Rx&D has made important changes to its Code of Ethical Practices, which will provide international conference planners greater access to the Canadian market, while maintaining Canada's high ethical requirements and legislative standards. Some of the changes include:

The creation of a distinct section in the Code on conferences and congresses, providing for the first time a one-stop reference for medical conference planners;
Better harmonization between the marketing guidelines established within the Code and those established by the federal government while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Research by the Canadian Tourism Commission suggests that the Canadian economy could receive a financial boost by as much as $100 million each year from international medical conferences if more were held in Canada.

Medical conferences serve as important forums for scientific exchanges by and education of physicians, medical scientists and other health care professionals through opportunities for learning, sharing expertise and staying informed about developments in clinical practice, health sciences and health innovations, including new medicines and medical technologies.

"The new changes to the Rx&D Code of Ethical Practices send a strong signal to the global community that more than ever before, Canada is ready to welcome world-class international medical conferences and educational events," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of TIAC. "TIAC would like to thank Rx&D for their cooperation and leadership in helping Canada's tourism industry secure more large-scale medical conventions, which stimulate significant economic activity in the host destination."

Rx&D President Russell Williams welcomed the opportunity to work in partnership with TIAC to remind the world that Canada is open for business especially as it relates to world-class medical conferences. Canada has made changes to make it easier to host events here while at the same time adhering to the highest possible ethical standards.

"Our members share a mission to make available the best innovative medicines and vaccines to Canadians in a timely and appropriate manner. Implicit to this mission, is a commitment to undertake and promote health research in Canada, as well as, to ensure healthcare providers in Canada and around the world are informed about the therapeutic value of innovative medicines and the appropriate use of Rx&D members' products and services," said Russell Williams.

He also explained that Rx&D members adhere to a strict Code of Ethical Practices that govern interaction with healthcare professionals, stakeholders and governments.

"We recognize the vital role of international medical conferences in serving the educational and scientific exchange interfacing needs of medical practitioners and the innovative pharmaceutical industry."

The Canadian Tourism Commission and TIAC will develop collateral to support these changes and assist planners, and Rx&D and TIAC will work together on a webinar.

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For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

kdesjardins@tiac.travel
www.tiac.travel

Christine Choury
Director, Media Relations
Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)
Telephone: 613.236.0455
cchoury@canadapharma.org

Harper in China

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Prime Minister Harper Highlights Tourism Growth in China

Ottawa, February 8, 2012 - Canada's newly unveiled tourism marketing campaign in China will help to spur economic growth and create jobs across the country said the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC). Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched Canada's 2012 marketing campaign, as well as the opening of a Beijing office for the Canadian Tourism Commission, as part of his trade mission to China.

"China is Canada's fastest growing tourism market, and one of Canada's great economic opportunities," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. "These strategic investments by the Harper government will help us to promote ourselves to this burgeoning outbound travel market, creating vital economic activity and job growth across the country."

"Tourism is the world's fourth fastest-growing export sector, and increasing travel between countries has been demonstrated to encourage more trade in other economic sectors," said Goldstein. "Increased travel from China to Canada will unquestionably help to open that market to many of our other exports."

TIAC is encouraged that the Prime Minister's announcement on promotion follows the introduction of new visa initiatives in 2011, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the whole-of-government approach set forth in the Federal Tourism Strategy. By increasing access to Canada through long-term multiple-entry visas and motivating demand through the CTC's Signature Experience Collection, an effective and coordinated approach to tourism growth can stimulate more visits from this key market.

The number of visitors to Canada from China has grown significantly since the 2009 signing of an Approved Destination Status agreement between the two countries. Over the past year, Canada has seen a 24% increase in visitors from China, rapidly making it one of Canada's most vital inbound tourism markets.

Statistics Canada data from last month revealed that China has surpassed Australia as Canada's fifth largest inbound tourism market, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

kdesjardins@tiac.travel
www.tiac.travel

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Approval of Glacier Discovery Walk a Great Tourism Opportunity

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Approval of Glacier Discovery Walk a Great Tourism Opportunity

Ottawa, February 9, 2012 - The announcement of the approval for the Glacier Discovery Walk project on the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park is an important step in helping us share our natural wonders with visitors from around the globe and our fellow Canadians, said the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. The announcement of the project's approval was made today by Environment Minister Peter Kent in Ottawa.

"The Glacier Discovery Walk will be a compelling addition to Canada's tourism product, and will provide a great opportunity for Canadians and international travelers alike to connect with Canada's mountain national parks in a unique way," said David Goldstein, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

TIAC greatly appreciates the efforts of Minister Kent and officials at Parks Canada in the extensive consultation and review process undertaken to ensure that this project respects the natural surroundings, and enhances access and appreciation for our system of National Parks.

TIAC also recognizes the outstanding work of Brewster Travel Canada in creating a state of the art, fully accessible, viewing and guided interpretive experience of the unique ecosystem of the Columbia Icefield area. Brewster is a leader in Canada's tourism sector, and has over 120 years of experience in the sustainable development of our National Parks.

This new initiative is precisely aligned with the goal stated in the Federal Tourism Strategy to "attract 10 percent more visitors to Canada's national parks and historic sites over the next five years by increasing their attractiveness as destinations and improving the quality of visitor experiences." Moreover, it provides a great opportunity for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to help entice international travellers to choose Canada as a destination.

TIAC firmly believes that our National Parks system is a treasure, and one whose true value rests in our ability to share it with fellow Canadians and visitors from around the globe. We look forward to welcoming the world to Jasper National Park to experience this award-winning experience.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

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Hiring & Integrating International Talent

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A diversity in the workplace session hosted by Saint John Multicultural & Newcomers Resource Centre - focusing on the challenges employers face in recruiting, interviewing and hiring international talent

February 7, 2012

8:30 am til 12:00

Centre Communautaire Samuel de Champlain

To register contact Rahma at 506-642-1134 or rahma.kouraich@sjmnrc.ca

Webinar - Hospitality for Chinese Guests

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

HAC Presents:

Hospitality For Chinese Guests Webinar

President's Club Webinar

Presented by: Anthony Pollard, President HAC

DATE: February, 8, 2012

TIME: 11:00am

LOCATION: Log in at: http://hotelassociation.adobeconnect.com/webinar1

The Canadian tourism industry continues to target the growing Chinese market following Canada officially receiving Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in 2010.

Over the course of this decade China will become the second largest source of tourists after the United States. According to the World Travel Market Global Trends Report 2011, the continued growth in Chinese outbound and domestic travel will change the global hospitality industry forever. The report, produced in association with Euromonitor International, says that the Chinese will spend US$57 billion on accommodation this year, third in the world behind the US and Germany. By 2015, the Chinese will be number two, with their spend up 17% to $67 billion. This is an opportunity we as hoteliers need to be ready for.

Our Chinese guests have high hopes and expectations of Canada. We must, therefore, adopt the correct form of tact and diplomacy, and show ourselves to be most welcoming in our hospitality. In terms of succeeding in our relationships with the Chinese tourists, cultural sensitivity with regard to their needs and expectations plays a key role. Aside from having brochures, websites, menus and leaflets translated into Chinese, we must also take into consideration the customs in China, in organizing holiday or leisure activities, as well as in accommodating preferences in meals and in-room décor and amenities.

To find out more join HAC President, Tony Pollard, on February 8 when he'll be sharing his 2011 USA Today award winning report on "Hospitality for Chinese Guests" with HAC members.

Hotel Association of Canada

130 Albert Street, Suite 1206

Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4

Chinese travel to Canada

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Chinese Travel to Canada Growing in Wake of Approved Destination Status Agreement

Ottawa, January 20, 2012 - A growing number of Chinese travellers are choosing Canada as their destination, making it Canada's fastest growing inbound travel market. New Statistics Canada data reveals that China has surpassed Australia as Canada's fifth largest inbound tourism market, behind the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

"The growth in visits to Canada by Chinese travellers is remarkable and encouraging," said Tourism Industry Association of Canada President and CEO David Goldstein. "It also serves to underscore the need to increase our visa processing capacity in mainland China to help satisfy the growing demand for these vital travel documents."

Signed by the Canadian and Chinese governments in June, 2010, the ADS agreement facilitates outbound tourist group travel from China to Canada and allows Canada to actively market its tourism products in China. Less than two years after the agreement, more than 232,000 Chinese travellers arrived in Canada in the first eleven months of 2011, a 24% increase over the same period in 2010.

The new figures come on the heels of an announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama committing to a national strategy to increase travel and tourism and spur job creation in the United States. In particular, the US government has committed to increasing its visa-processing capacity for Chinese travellers.

"Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy has already introduced a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to developing smart public policy to help increase our international tourism exports," said Goldstein. "With the United States setting its sights on increasing travel to their country as a means of spurring economic growth, the competition for international travellers will unquestionably reach a higher level, and we need to be ready to take on that challenge."

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

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emerit Trained Employees Create Memorable Experiences

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

emerit® Trained Employees Create Memorable Visitor Experiences

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) would like to congratulate your business on being a part of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s (CTC) Signature Experiences Collection. That your business met the requirements to be included in this prestigious group points to the fact that you recognize the need for forward thinking and strategic planning in the tourism industry.

Along with the development of innovative experiential tourism products, the use of training and certification from emerit to enhance visitor experiences through quality service and hospitality is a key pillar of Canada’s Federal Tourism Strategy. In fact, training, certification and business tools from emerit were identified in the strategy as being the best resources of their kind available to Canadian tourism businesses.

The trend towards experiential travel means that the amount of personal interaction between your employees and visitors will increase as visitors seek meaningful connections with Canada and Canadians. Training and certification from emerit ensures that your employees can be counted on to understand visitor expectations and the experience you aim to deliver, and that they will be effective ambassadors for both your business and for Canada and our tourism sector.

By using emerit, you are embracing the Federal Tourism Strategy and showing that your business is an industry leader, and that you are striving to improve Canada’s tourism brand and visitor experience. Using emerit resources helps your business stand out in the eyes of potential visitors, employees and industry peers, and signals your dedication to maintaining your leadership role in Canada’s tourism sector moving forward.

Find out more about how emerit training and certification programs, HR and business tools, and CTHRC’s leading edge Labour Market Information contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of Canada`s tourism sector and strengthen businesses like yours across the country.

HAC and Commons Finance Committee

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

HOUSE OF COMMONS FINANCE COMMITTEE EMBRACES RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HAC IN ITS PRE-BUDGET REPORT

December 16, 2011 - Ottawa - The House of Commons Finance Committee has released its pre-budget report titled "Staying Focused on Canadian Jobs and Growth". The report provides Canadians with a framework on how the federal government plans to achieve a sustained economic recovery in Canada, create quality, sustainable jobs, ensure relatively low rates of taxation and achieve a balanced budget.

HAC President Tony Pollard appeared before the Committee on October 18th providing an overview of the state of the Canadian tourism & lodging industry requesting a review of three key areas; aviation cost structure, creating an effective visa system and increased funding for the Canadian Tourism Commission. "I am very pleased to note the recommendations the HAC advanced for stable long term funding for the CTC and for an aviation review has been picked up by the Committee," said Tony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada. "This past year, through the HAC Grassroots Program hoteliers have met with more than 180 Ministers and MPs. This is clear evidence that the HAC Grassroots Program has been a success and confirms the strength of the Canadian Lodging Industry."

On June 27, 2011, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance launched the 2011 pre-budget consultations with an invitation for Canadians to participate in the consultations process. Extensive consultations followed culminating with the announcement on Wednesday. The federal Budget for 2012 is expected to be tabled in February 2012.

About the Hotel Association of Canada

The Hotel Association of Canada is the national voice and resource for the Hotel and Lodging Industry in Canada. For nearly 100 years, it has worked to enhance the prosperity of the Canadian Hotel and Lodging Industry through strong member engagements, effective government advocacy, and the provision of value added programs and services. The Hotel Association represents more than 8,400 hotels, motels and resorts that encompass the $16 billion Canadian hotel industry which employs 284,000 people across Canada. www.hotelassociation.ca.

# # #

Perimeter Action Plan

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Perimeter Action Plan To Facilitate Border Process,
Spur Tourism Growth

Ottawa, December 7, 2011 - The Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness will help facilitate legitimate leisure and business travel between Canada and the United States, and spur economic growth, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

The announcement, made jointly today in Washington by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama, provides new and tangible initiatives to help create greater alignment and cooperation on border and customs processes. In addition, the agreement will expand on trusted traveller programs and build capacity to help support those programs.

"The initiatives in the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness will ease the process of crossing the border for business and leisure travellers alike, bringing more visitors to Canada," said TIAC President and CEO David Goldstein. "This is a smart approach to our joint border, and an opportunity to create long-term economic and jobs growth through Canada's tourism sector."

TIAC recognizes the work of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his cabinet colleagues in helping to move this initiative forward and create greater alignment with Canada's number one inbound tourism market.

"The Action Plan, together with the initiatives set forth in the Federal Tourism Strategy, will help to bring more visitors to Canada, and create greater opportunities for tourism businesses across the country, and more jobs for Canadians," said Goldstein.

Among the key initiatives identified in the Action Plan are:

Expansion of trusted traveller programs: Programs such as NEXUS for frequent, low-risk travellers on both sides of the border will be better aligned, and their benefits expanded. The enrolment and renewal processes will also be improved, and a plan for the integration of third-country trusted traveller plans is also being developed. Also, both Canada and the U.S. will undertake an "enrolment blitz" through a joint marketing campaign.
Implementation of additional pre-clearance services; including full pre-clearance of passenger rail and cruise ship travellers at Vancouver.
Investments in shared border infrastructure: A commitment to a five-year Border Infrastructure Investment Plan, which will expand both physical and technological infrastructure to help facilitate border crossings for travellers. This also includes shared training by both Canada Border Services Agency and Customs and Border Protection to their officers on business traveller issues.

The initiatives announced today echo the recommendations made by TIAC earlier this year in a joint submission with its American counterpart, the United States Travel Association (U.S. Travel) to the Beyond the Border consultations.

The initiatives within the Action Plan will be measured and assessed going forward, which will provide for greater understanding of the issues and impediments to the effective movement of people and goods.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Vice-President, Strategy and Public Affairs,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

Click here for the survey

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CTHRC in a nutshell

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ten things you need to know about the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC)

Click the attached document

TIANB conducts minimum wage survey

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

TIANB has been in active negotiations with the Provincial Government and as a result we were able to convince the Government to delay the implementation of the increase until April 1, 2012.

In continuing with our important lobbying effort on your behalf, we need information from you. By completing this quick survey we will have the information we need to continue to mitigate the effects of increases to the minimum wage.

Please take a moment and complete the survey before November 17, 2011.

Click here to access the Surve;y

Thank you,

Réal Robichaud

Executive Director

NB Consultation on Minimum Wage

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Good day

The Provincial Government launched last week an on-line public consultation on Minimum Wage. TIANB urges you to completing this online survey and weigh in on this important issue for our industry. Please click on the following link to start the survey that will only take you a few minutes:

Thank you

Réal Robichaud, Executive Director

Premier congratulates TIANB on Dialogue NB award

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Premier congratulates TIANB on Dialogue NB award

See attached document

15 new Ready to Work graduates

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

15 Graduates with Enhanced Skills

Ready to Work in the Tourism Industry

(Saint John, October 7, 2011) The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) is pleased to announce the graduation of its most recent participants from the Ready-to-Work Tourism Career Program. October 7th marks the completion date of a very successful program. As a result, 15 newly trained and eager potential employees are now prepared for a career in tourism.

Tourism is the fastest growing, most sustainable industry in the province, yet a shortage of skilled labour is presenting a serious challenge for many businesses. Very successful programs have been completed in various regions throughout the province including Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John, Tracadie-Sheila, Woodstock, Edmundston and Miramichi allowing trained potential employees to improve their skills in advance of entering or re-entering the workforce. Over 60% of those skilled workers now have careers in the tourism industry.

The Ready-to-Work program coordinated by TIANB is delivered free to participants. It is a nationally recognized skills development program integrating internationally acclaimed emerit curriculum designed to assist the unemployed with their transition into the workforce and to help those who are interested in a career in tourism to get started. Participants graduate from the Ready-to-Work Program armed with eight provincial and national certifications including SuperHost, Food Safety training, Responsible Beverage, Workplace Etiquette, First Aid and CPR and have also successfully completed a nationally recognized skills assessment exam.

TIANB delivers this program with the support of partners such as CTHRC (Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council) and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. Local industry partners provide important support for this program through giving their time, providing site visits and performing in-class presentations. Eastern College, Best Western Saint John, Fundy Trail Parkway, Go Fundy Events, Delta Brunswick, Freedom Tours, Saint John Airport and Horse Racing New Brunswick have all contributed to and celebrate the accomplishments of the RTW graduates.

Click here to see a list of graduates and their contact information

CTHRC reacts to Federal Tourism Strategy

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release:

FEDERAL TOURISM STRATEGY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) Welcomes the Inclusion of Human Resources as A Pillar of Strategy

On October 6, 2011, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), officially launched the Federal Tourism Strategy.

The Federal Tourism Strategy will help position Canada to take advantage of tourism growth opportunities, to increase tourism revenues, to create jobs in all regions of Canada, and to support an internationally competitive tourism sector. The strategy is the result of extensive industry consultations and a collaborative approach among some 15 government departments and agencies.

The strategy identifies four priorities: increasing awareness of Canada as a premier tourist destination; facilitating ease of access and movement for travellers while ensuring the safety and integrity of Canada’s borders; encouraging product development and investments in Canadian tourism assets and products; and fostering an adequate supply of skills and labour to enhance visitor experiences through quality service and hospitality.

The CTHRC views this announcement as a very positive development, and is pleased that tourism labour market issues will be a priority under the Federal Tourism Strategy. The CTHRC has benefitted from significant ongoing support from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and is encouraged by the endorsement of the importance to the sector of the CTHRC and its programs in the Federal Tourism Strategy.

The recognition of emerit credentials and training as “synonymous with excellence, credibility and professionalism” by the federal government is significant, and the CTHRC will continue to work to ensure that occupational standards and certification programs reflect current skill and knowledge requirements of Canadian tourism businesses.

The Council has been working with Parks Canada for the past several years to ensure that the emerit Heritage Interpreter certification program provides the best credential possible for the agency’s interpreters, and we look forward to expanding this work to other tourism-related job categories.

In addition, the CTHRC will continue its work in other important areas identified in the Strategy: producing timely labour market research, ensuring that the sector has current information on labour supply and demand gaps, tourism compensation and benefits, demographics of the tourism workforce, and general trends and issues in the sector’s labour market; assisting individuals facing barriers to employment through cross-Canada delivery of the bridging program, Ready to Work; supporting tourism studies in high schools across the country through the Canadian Academy of Travel and Tourism; and finding ways to provide credit transfer opportunities for individuals with tourism knowledge and skills both inside and outside of Canada. The Federal Tourism Strategy’s focus on partnering with industry, and private sector organizations supporting the tourism sector, will be very important going forward.

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and its members look forward to enhancing our already strong working relationship with the federal government, to continue these important initiatives and to work together to resolve issues related to impending tourism labour shortages. The CTHRC believes that the release of the Federal Tourism Strategy is an important step towards reaching our collective goal of a sustainable and competitive Canadian tourism sector.

About the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC)

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) is a national organization that facilitates and coordinates human resources development activities which support a globally competitive and sustainable Canadian tourism sector. The Council conducts labour market research (www.cthrc.ca), offers training and recognition under the emerit tourism training brand (www.emerit.ca), promotes the advantages of working in the sector through Discover Tourism (www.discovertourism .ca), and helps identify companies with positive HR practices through its employee-rated Employer of Choice program.

# # #

For further information, please contact:

Jon Kiely

613-231-6949

jkiely@cthrc.ca

www.cthrc.ca

Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Canada's Federal Tourism Strategy released today, October 6

http://www.tourism.gc.ca/eic/site/034.nsf/eng/h_00002.html

Federal Tourism Strategy Announced at Hopewell Rocks

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Federal Tourism Strategy Announced at Hopewell Rocks

(Fredericton) On a cool, clear beautiful New Brunswick day, a day that couldn’t have been more perfect to show NB’s natural beauty or to talk about tourism, government officials and industry representatives came together at the iconic Hopewell Rocks to announce a new initiative from the Federal Government. The Federal Tourism Strategy will create a new awareness and commitment to the tourism sector from coast to coast to coast.

“This is excellent news.” Says Joanne Bérubé Gagné, President of the Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) “For years we have been hearing what seems like an unending stream of bad news about the economy and jobs. With this announcement, there is good news for those looking for work. It is a recognition that the tourism sector is positioned to create jobs, to continue to have a positive impact on regional, provincial and national economies and to support what we at TIANB have been actively working on for years. That is the development of experiential tourism and the development of an exceptional workforce. The Federal Tourism Strategy will support our work and to move our sector forward and that is a good news story.” Continued Bérubé Gagné

The Federal Tourism Strategy was developed with close consultation with the industry and developed for the industry. The Strategy will work with all levels of government to encourage the sector to become more competitive, encourage investment and to attract more visitors. The Strategy will build on the work the Federal government has done to increase visitors to Canada but continuing to make it easier for visitors to enter Canada, by continuing investments in key tourism attractions and events and to market Canada as a destination of choice in a highly competitive global market.

“We see the development and release of the Federal Tourism Strategy as a very important announcement,” said Tourism and Parks minister Trevor Holder. “The strategy recognizes the economic development potential of tourism and will help our businesses create more jobs in the industry and increase visitation to our great province and country.”

The Federal Tourism Strategy underlines the programs offered by TIANB with their workforce development initiatives through training programs, networking opportunities and close partnership with the Provincial government to further strengthen a sector that creates over one billion dollars in economic activity for New Brunswick and employs over 35,000 people in the province.

Dialogue Award Winners

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Source Canada East

Article link

TIANB wins Dialogue Award

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Tourism Association wins Dialogue Award

(Fredericton) The Tourism Industry Association of NB (TIANB) has been awarded the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Dialogue Award. Established in 2003, the Lieutenant-Governor's Dialogue Award is awarded to those role models who champion the principles of harmony and respect between the province’s Anglophone and Francophone communities.

The only honour of its kind in Canada, the Lieutenant-Governor's Dialogue Award is sponsored by Dialogue New Brunswick, an organization whose mission is to promote mutual understanding, respect and appreciation between English-speaking and French-speaking New Brunswickers.

“This award is a terrific recognition of the work we do but it is also an opportunity for us to remind all New Brunswickers that bilingualism is and will be one of our greatest strengths. As representative of The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, we strongly believe in linguistic duality, accessibility and we will maintain the course in engaging New Brunswickers from all parts of our province in both of our official languages.” Said Joanne Bérubé Gagné, President of TIANB.

TIANB is the provincial industry association for the tourism sector in NB. Since 1983, TIANB has represented businesses, large to small, involved in NB tourism with advocacy issues and a host of training programs designed to make their businesses stronger and more profitable. TIANB’s commitment to bilingualism is evident in its training programs, its annual conference and in its day to day activities. TIANB is based in Fredericton with a satellite office in Moncton.

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Shown in the photograph are: (from left to right) Kelly Cain, Co-Chair of Dialogue NB; His Honour Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant-Governor of NB; Joanne Bérubé Gagné, President of TIANB; Réal Robichaud, Executive Director of TIANB; Paul-Émile Chiasson, Co-Chair of Dialogue NB.

Tourism Season - L'�toile

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

This content is available in French only.

Saison touristique : pas aussi désastreuse qu'elle en a l'air

Publié à 6h00 le jeudi 8 septembre 2011

Nadia Gaudreau

L'Étoile

Le président de l'Association de l'industrie touristique du Nouveau-Brunswick (AITNB), Réal Robichaud, ne dresse pas un portrait aussi noir que certains intervenants de l'industrie concernant la saison touristique 2011. Il admet que certains de ses membres ont connu une baisse d'achalandage et concède que la province a connue «la tempête parfaite», avec la hausse du prix de l'essence, la force du dollar canadien et le mauvais temps, mais il n'est pas prêt à jeter la serviette. Il croit que le tourisme comme importante industrie pour la province a encore de l'avenir, même si personne ne pourrait dire maintenant de façon claire à quoi cet avenir ressemblera.

L'Étoile : Quel bilan faites-vous de la saison touristique 2011?

Réal Robichaud : Le bilan est assez surprenant, dans le sens où ce qu'on semblait voir et entendre était qu'on avait affaire à une saison assez désastreuse. Mais nous avons envoyé un sondage à nos membres un peu partout dans la province et le portrait est large et diversifié. En général, la saison n'est pas aussi maussade qu'on le prétendait. Mais comme on a pu le voir dans les médias, il y a certaines régions et certaines entreprises qui ont connu une très mauvaise saison et où il y a eu une baisse assez importante de l'achalandage et des revenus. Évidemment, Dame nature a joué un rôle assez important de ce côté-là. Il y a eu beaucoup d'éléments qui ont créé la «tempête parfaite» : la météo, le taux de change du dollar canadien versus le dollar américain, le prix de l'essence, l'économie néo-brunswickoise et mondiale qui est assez maussade, et même d'autres facteurs comme les inondations au Québec. Il y a plusieurs choses qui nous ont affectés.

L'Étoile : Plusieurs disent que la saison a été catastrophique. Est-ce que la situation est la même partout dans la province?

R.R. : C'est dur à dire. Disons qu'il y a des trous un peu partout dans cette belle peinture du Nouveau-Brunswick. Est ce qu'il y a une raison pourquoi une entreprise a eu une saison plus mauvaise qu'une autre? Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Mais dans l'ensemble, si on se compare aux provinces voisines comme la Nouvelle-Écosse et l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, ça a été sensiblement la même chose pour eux. Tous les facteurs de la «tempête parfaite» que j'ai mentionnés tout à l'heure ont contribué à ça.

L'Étoile : Le Nouveau-Brunswick a beaucoup misé sur ses plages pour attirer les touristes. Est-ce qu'il faudrait changer de stratégie?

R.R. : Il y a beaucoup de changements en général dans l'industrie depuis quelques années. Ça fait quelque temps qu'on dit que le statu quo n'est plus acceptable. Il faut que notre offre soit revigorée et même repensée pour offrir les nouvelles expériences de voyage que les gens recherchent aujourd'hui. On n'est plus dans les années 60 où on chargeait la fameuse «Station Wagon» avec les enfants et les enfants des voisins, on partait deux semaines et on allait toujours à la même place. Avec les nouveaux médias, les nouvelles technologies, les gens vont souvent prendre des décisions à la dernière minute. Une famille du Québec qui veut venir passer une fin de semaine à la plage, s'il annonce de la pluie, va sûrement changer ses plans et sa destination. On peut réserver des hôtels à la dernière minute avec internet et le téléphone cellulaire. Donc, il faut s'adapter à ça. La compétition est extrêmement grande. Nos belles plages du Nouveau-Brunswick font compétition avec Cuba et la République dominicaine. C'est une industrie mondiale.

L'Étoile : Quelles sont les avenues que votre organisation prévoit explorer pour augmenter le nombre de touristes ici?

R.R. : On a des besoins de base au niveau de la main-d'?uvre qualifiée et professionnalisée qui va permettre de rehausser l'expérience touristique. On offre donc des programmes de formation aux entreprises pour assurer que la qualité du service est à son meilleur. On regarde aussi du côté de la restauration pour incorporer et faire davantage la promotion de l'expérience culinaire. On a des pourparlers pour faciliter l'accès aux restaurateurs aux produits de la mer et des produits du terroir. On continue aussi à travailler avec le ministère du Tourisme pour développer de nouvelles initiatives de promotion et de marketing. Il faut mesurer le pouls de nos visiteurs et savoir ce qu'ils veulent.

L'Étoile : À l'avenir, quelle importance va prendre le tourisme sportif ou événementiel, comme de grandes compétitions sportives ou des mégaspectacles et comment en faire tirer avantage toute la province et pas seulement les grands centres?

R.R. : Évidemment, les infrastructures sont dans les grands centres, mais quand on parle de profits, il y a des retombées pour toute la province. Par exemple, même si le spectacle de U2 a eu lieu à Moncton, il y a certainement des gens qui sont venus et qui sont allés visiter d'autres régions ou, s'ils n'ont pas eu le temps de le faire, qui vont revenir l'année prochaine ou l'année suivante. Même chose avec le Congrès mondial acadien de 2009. Il faut toujours garder cette envie de revenir en vie, c'est ce qui nous permet de développer une clientèle loyale qui va faire du bouche-à-oreille. Même les plus petits événements peuvent avoir un effet semblable dans les communautés. Ça peut attirer des gens de la province qui vont visiter des régions où ils ne sont jamais allés et qui sont pourtant à un maximum de quatre heures de route.

L'Étoile : Qui sera le «touriste type» dans l'avenir?

R.R. : Que j'aimerais avoir une boule de cristal et pouvoir vous répondre! Je détiendrais alors le secret ultime de l'industrie touristique. Il va falloir s'ajuster aux nouvelles tendances et pour ça, on va avoir besoin de moyens financiers. Pour chaque dollar investi dans l'industrie touristique, on a un retour de 25 $. C'est énorme! Ça va donc être important pour le gouvernement de maintenir et même d'augmenter les investissements annuels dans l'industrie touristique. C'est important, surtout avec la conjoncture économique. C'est définitivement une façon de contribuer à se débarrasser de ce marasme économique qu'on connaît.

Certification for Wine Servers

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Updated National Occupational Standards and Professional Certification for Wine Servers Available Now

Updated and approved by industry, National Occupational Standards for Wine Server are available now from emerit® as a free download. The standards define the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed as a wine server in Canada, and reflect industry best practices in the occupation today. Professional Certification from emerit is designed to recognize a candidate’s competence in the occupation of Wine Server, as defined in the newly updated National Occupational Standards. Candidates who achieve emerit certification receive a nationally recognized industry credential and are recognized as leading professionals in the occupation.

Employers will find emerit National Occupational Standards for Wine Server useful for developing job descriptions and advertisements, identifying industry best practices, and benchmarking policy and procedures in their organization. Occupational standards are also an excellent resource for auditing the competence of employees, designing relevant training programs, and identifying individual learning objectives.

Investing in the development of wine servers through certification increases their professionalism and job satisfaction, and builds a strong, effective service team. Certified employees are also loyal employees, reducing turnover and the costs associated with recruiting, hiring and training new staff.

Learn more about emerit tourism training products, or view all available emerit products for Wine Server.

emerit® - The mark of a true professional.

TIAC Press Release

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Tourism Industry Welcomes Harper Government's
"Double Play" in Brazil; New Initiatives to Strengthen Tourism

Ottawa, August 9, 2011 - The expanded use of visa application centres (VACs) in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro announced this morning will improve the visitor visa process, and taken in conjunction with yesterday's announcement to increase air access between Canada and Brazil, represents an important coordinated approach to increase both leisure and business travel to Canada, says the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

Globally, tourism is the 4th fastest growing export sector, largely based on exponential growth from countries like Brazil, Mexico, India and China. As visitor visas are required for many of our fastest growing markets, they are de facto export permits. With today's announcement, Canada's increased capacity to facilitate those export permits will help meet the intense growing demand from the Brazilian market.

The visa centre expansion comes on the heels of yesterday's announcement of an open skies-like agreement with Brazil, allowing for expanded and more cost-effective air travel between the two countries.

"Facilitating the visa process in burgeoning markets like Brazil is essential if Canada is going to be competitive in the international tourism marketplace," said TIAC President and CEO David Goldstein. "Canada's recent investment in marketing has driven demand, and this week's announcements on increased air access and visitor visa capacity will help us welcome more visitors, spur growth, jobs and investment in Canada's economy."

The announcement of these coordinated initiatives demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to the Federal Tourism Strategy, which seeks to take an integrated and interdepartmental approach to help eliminate impediments and promote tourism industry growth.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Director, Communications,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

- 30 -

About The Tourism Industry Association of Canada:

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $74 billion tourism industry. TIAC's members include air and passenger rail services, airport authorities, local and provincial destination authorities, hotels, attractions and tour operators.

Best small island worldwide

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Dear TIANB

Attached please find our press release detailing the terrific travel
news regarding Grand Manan being selected by ReadersDigest.ca as the
#3 "Best Small Island Worldwide"! We think you'll be impressed by the
company we keep!!! Don't hesitate to contact one or both of us if you
would like additional information.

Best,

Allan MacDonald
& Jonathan Graves
Co-Chairs,
Grand Manan Tourism Association

Introduction of ten-year visas

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Canada's Travel and Tourism Industry Welcomes
Introduction of Ten-Year Visas

Ottawa, July 20, 2011 - The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) enthusiastically welcomed today's announcement of a new, ten-year multiple-entry visa for international travelers wishing to visit Canada.

Internationally, tourism is the world's fastest growing export sector, and much of the growth is being fuelled by a newly-mobile middle class in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, China, and Mexico. Enhancing Canada's ability to welcome these potential visitors has the potential to mean millions of new customers and billions of dollars in foreign currency injected into the Canadian economy.

"A ten-year visa will help to put Canada back on an even footing with other destinations in the competitive international travel market," said TIAC President and CEO David Goldstein. "This is a common sense solution that will make the visa process more efficient for our government, and more convenient for our valued international visitors."

TIAC recognizes the work of Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney on identifying the need to facilitate legitimate travel from our key allies and trading partners where there is no threat. Increasing access to Canada is one of the tourism sector's key priorities, and the need for modernization of our visa system has been articulated as a vital aspect of enhancing access and to help Canada's tourism sector grow and thrive.

This simple solution will help to bring Canada in line with other destinations, and will provide both travelers and the department with the means to facilitate trade in the tourism sector. It is also a further demonstration of the Harper government's commitment to promote growth in the tourism sector, and will help to support the interdepartmental initiatives in the forthcoming Federal Tourism Strategy.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Desjardins

Director, Communications,

Tourism Industry Association of Canada

http://emerit.ca/en/about_emerit/faqs

- 30 -

About The Tourism Industry Association of Canada:

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the voice of Canadian tourism. Founded in 1930 to encourage the development of tourism in Canada, TIAC serves today as the national private-sector advocate for this $74 billion industry, promoting positive measures that help the industry grow and prosper.

TIANB is on Twitter

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

TIANB has a Twiiter account

Follow @tianb_aitnb

CTC Launches Signature Experiences Collection

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Canadian Tourism Commission launches Signature Experiences Collection to increase travellers and tourism revenues from abroad.

Canadian businesses tell the story of Canada’s tourism brand and the extraordinary tourism experiences that await international visitors.

July 11, 2011 @ 12:30PM

Banff, AB—The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has launched the Signature Experiences Collection—an innovative marketing approach to lure more high-spending international travellers to Canada and satisfy their craving for the unique and the exotic. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) against a spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Banff, AB.

The inaugural Signature Experiences Collection is made up of 48 Canadian tourism enterprises from coast to coast to coast that deliver the authentic experiences CTC research says its high-spending target customers look for when they choose a vacation destination.

“By highlighting unique Canadian experiences abroad, this ground-breaking initiative will encourage the world to visit Canada,” says Minister of State Bernier. “It will increase our share of international visitors and generate greater revenues for Canadian businesses.”

This next phase of CTC’s global strategy to make Canada stand out in a fiercely competitive tourism marketplace will showcase members of the Collection as compelling ambassadors of Canada’s tourism brand, Canada. Keep Exploring in the 11 countries where it invests. The rollout begins in UK, France, Germany and Australia.

CTC will draw on the Collection’s expanding pool of high-quality tourism experiences in its marketing campaigns. International travellers will be able to find the exceptional adventures they seek, book them and enjoy them in a way they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. At the same time, it will be easier for buyers to acquire and sell these tourism experiences to the travel trade, which will be encouraged to include them in their promotional materials and itineraries.

Says Michele McKenzie, CTC President & CEO, “Our goal is to incorporate the tourism experiences offered by Collection members in the creative materials we develop for all our markets using social, print, online and broadcast media. We’ve set a target of 100 members by the end of 2011, and we’ll continue to add outstanding experiences to keep the Collection fresh and intriguing for international visitors.”

For further background:

Read about the initial members of the Collection.
Watch interviews with Collection members in Innovating to Compete.
Apply to become a member of the Signature Experiences Collection.
Check out the Tourism Industry Factsheet to learn more about Canada’s visitor economy.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media Assets accompanying this story are available as follows:

Video: Innovating to Compete

Images

ICE HOTEL, Québec City, QC
“Positioning Canada as a destination of unique experiences is a winning strategy. By being part of this collection that promotes exceptional experiences, we can penetrate international markets at a more macro level.” - Jacques Desbois, CEO
FRONTIERS NORTH, Churchill, MB
“We think that our guests are able to convey, with a real sense of emotion, the kind of trip or adventure that they’ve been on. It’s that emotion that is going to encourage people to come back to Canada, to join us again.” - John Gunter, General Manager
EDIBLE BRITISH COLUMBIA, Vancouver, BC
“The Signature Experiences Collection is going to offer the Canadian tourism industry a single voice that’s going to allow us to create a much stronger brand image for Canada. - Eric Pateman, President
SHEDIAC BAY LOBSTER CRUISES, NB
“A rising tide lifts all boats! Being part of the Collection is good for small tourism businesses like mine that can benefit from the global marketing, sales and media activities. It’s good for the whole tourism industry.” - Ron Cormier, Owner
CN TOWER, Toronto, ON
“Signature Experiences are going to open the eyes of the tourism world so people really understand what a vast Collection of authentic travel experiences there are in Canada. We are thrilled that the CN Tower, a memorable visitor experience that defines the skyline of Toronto, is part of it.” - Jack Robinson, CEO

About the Canadian Tourism Commission
The CTC is Canada’s national tourism marketing organization. Our vision is inspiring the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we advertise and market Canada in 11 countries around the world, conduct industry research and studies, and promote product and industry development. For regular updates on CTC initiatives, subscribe to CTC News, available through RSS feeds and by e-mail. Become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel. For more information visit:www.canada.travel/corporate

For further information, please contact:
Margaret Nevin
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Tourism Commission
Tel: 604.638.8406
nevin.margaret@ctc-cct.ca
canada.travel/corporate

emerit FAQs

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for quick access to the most essential information about emerit certification and training programs, this page will give you the answers you seek.

It provides answers to more than 50 frequently asked questions that explain important details regarding the certification process, exams requirements, appeals regulations, etc.

CTHRC - What are your competitors paying?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation

What are your competitors paying?

The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) has released the results of the 2010 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study. This biennial study gathers and analyzes data on human resource practices, compensation, and benefits in the tourism sector in Canada. The study contains valuable information on salary and wage trends, gratuity splitting practices, perquisites, benefits, attraction and retention trends, employee turnover, and minimum wage rates. Included in the study are national, provincial and territorial wage tables that show the median annual salary and/or hourly wage for 31 tourism occupations by industry group, region, and employment status.

The report found that participating tourism businesses had focused their human resource efforts on initiatives such as providing competitive wages, basing employee advancement and recognition on job performance rather than seniority, and investing in job coaching and training for employees. In fact, compared to the 2008 results, the study details a significant increase in participants reporting that they offer a training and development program to employees.

The study also noted the high voluntary turnover rate in the tourism sector (26.1%). Although this rate of turnover is partially due to the nature of the tourism workforce, which includes a high percentage of youth and seasonal workers, it is excessive when compared to the Canadian private (9.1%) and public sectors (5.7%). The increases in compensation and benefits offered by the study participants could indicate that tourism business owners and managers recognize that investment in human resources can be an effective strategy in improving attraction and retention of employees.

Understanding these trends in compensation and benefits is not only important for tourism businesses, but also for job seekers, educators, media, and those who help shape public policy in the Canadian tourism sector. The information contained in the 2010 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study is valuable for all tourism stakeholders, and is essential for the development and implementation of consistent and effective human resource strategies in the sector.

The 2010 Canadian Tourism Sector Compensation Study is available now as a free download at the CTHRC website.

Marketing Levy moves forward

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Positive development on the Tourism Marketing Levy

Fredericton, NB - News Flash to the members-

Positive development on the Tourism Marketing Levy enabling Legislation file.

TIANB is extremely pleased to inform you all about a very positive outcome of a meeting held on June 10 with the Minister of Local Government, the Honourable Bruce Fitch and representative of his department in Fredericton. The meeting arranged by the Minister of Tourism & Parks, the Honourable Trevor Holder, was to ensure TIANB's participation in the Governance consultation process led by Minister Fitch' s department.

After the TIANB's presentation to the government officials and answering some questions on current models, rural versus urban implementation and ensuring the industry (TIANB's membership) had been consulted on the project, the Ministers indicated they hoped to move toward dealing with the legislation once the house resumes in the fall of 2011. Although complex at times, thus time line may be a challenge, it is however our understanding that the intent from the ministers is there.

The bill will be to introduce an enabling Legislation for the municipal governments to initiate a bylaw for the collection of a Tourism Marketing Levy within municipal jurisdictions. Possibly relative to the Municipalities Act, the tourism industry need to be alert and ready to ensure, municipal governments only enact such a bylaw under the premise of the following principals and guidelines resulting from a TIANB consultative and inclusive process:

1. Marketing Levy funds will be used for tourism purposes only;

2. The levy is applied only with the support of a minimum 51% of total eligible establishments representing 51% of the total eligible units in the municipality or region involved;

3. The rate of the levy and the size of the establishment to which the levy applies shall be established by the regional/local management body;

4. Municipalities commit to their current level of investment in tourism prior to the passing of a by- law creating the Marketing levy;

5. That the tourism industry in the involved jurisdiction and the local government agree on how the funds are to be managed and for what purposes they may be used, prior to the introduction of a bylaw;

6. That all roofed accommodations of more than 10 units be included;

7. That all campgrounds of more than 10 sites be included;

8. All marketing Levy funds collected are to be managed by a designated body within the region where the funds was collected and having a majority seat held by tourism industry operators. Neighbouring municipalities and/or regions choosing to direct their funds to a joint regional body are to include tourism industry representation from those neighbouring municipalities in the management committee of collected funds.

9. A (5) five year clause is to be included so as to allow for renegotiation of fee percentage and or collection rules.

10. That the province of New Brunswick consults TIANB as the Legislation is developed.

TIANB will continue to monitor the passage of this initiative as it relates to the provincial government however, it is critical that you as industry members be vigilant to make absolutely sure that your local municipal councils and senior policy makers within the municipal government adhere to the aforementioned conditions. It is important that you work on the local basis, as there is tremendous pressure on municipalities to find new revenue sources.

This is a new revenue source and if you don't insist on the conditions outlined, there is a very real possibility the Marketing Levy money will be directed to general revenue or the revenue will be used to offset existing tourism department budgets. If this is the case then the marketing levy will simply become a specialized tax on your property and not something that is going to help develop the tourism businesses in your area.

We need you to be on the ground and paying close attention to this file. You should start meeting and discussing this issue with your municipal government NOW.

Working together we can make this a positive thing for our industry.
In preparing for your meetings with your municipal officials, we at TIANB would be glad to provide you with information and documents, as required. We also encourage you to communicate information to the TIANB office on meetings or discussions being held in your communities and /or regions.

Thank you for your ongoing support on this and all other initiatives. We look forward to work with you to continue the growth and sustainability of our industry in New Brunswick.

Réal Robichaud, Executive director
TIANB/AITNB

Formal Training Programs Matter

Tue, 10 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Hotel Association of Canada Survey: Formal Training Programs Matter to Canadian Travellers

In early 2011, the Hotel Association of Canada surveyed Canadians about their leisure and business travel habits and their opinions on issues affecting travel in Canada.

It is well known that a primary asset of any operation, especially businesses in the service industry, is properly trained employees. It is not surprising then, that 83% of travellers agreed that lodging properties with formal employee training provide a higher quality of service, and 67% believe that properties with a training policy provide better value for money.

When given the choice between two identical accommodation properties in terms of price, location and amenities, 71% of travellers are more likely to choose the location that has a formal employee training policy. Furthermore, 27% of respondents indicated they would pay up to $10 more per night to stay at a property with a formal training program, and an additional 12% said they would pay more than $10 extra per night.

Skills training and certification are core components of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council’s mission and are offered under the emerit® tourism training brand. The survey results suggest potential for accommodations businesses in Canada that have emerit certified employees on their team to promote this fact in order to attract customers. Tourism businesses need to take note: investing in your employees’ professional development and in their ability to provide consistent high quality service to your customers will have a positive effect on your bottom line.

emerit® - The mark of a true professional.

TIAC Talk - Election Platforms

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

TIAC Talk - 2011 Election Platforms

TIAC - A year later

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

A Year Later - A Message from David Goldstein,
President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada