Tourism minister addresses summit
Ontario Tourism Minister Eleanor McMahon celebrated the success of the sector in the province, while acknowledging it faces challenges as a result of her government’s policies.
“This sesquicentennial year has been nothing short of extraordinary, with so many special events and visitor experiences,” she told a room full of delegates during the second of a two-day Ontario Tourism Summit at Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls Tuesday.
“While there is much to celebrate, I am — we are — cognizant that there are some challenges on the horizon, and despite our significant assets and opportunities, you have been grappling with some challenges.”
McMahon pointed to a new hotel tax the province will grant municipalities power to impose, and Bill 148, which includes a controversial $15 minimum wage.
“I know that the hotel tax is top of mind for many of you, and I want you to know that it’s top of mind for me, and for my colleagues,” she said.
“Our government knows that the hotel tax is important to the tourism sector as a revenue source. We seek to find a balance between that important priority, and that of the municipal sector challenged by trying to find revenue tools.”
McMahon said sometimes governments have to strike a balance between competing interests, but that the provincial government will continue working with the tourism industry and its agency partners to ensure the sector remains “robust.”
She said Ontario has the fastestgrowing economy in the G7, and tourism is “a big part of that.”
“But not everybody has been able to enjoy that robust economy, so we’re trying to, again, strike that balance,” said McMahon.
“Raising the minimum wage has been something that we’ve undertaken in that context. We want you to know … as we try to bring that inherent fairness to the table, that at the same time we’re ensuring that the industry has the tools it needs to be successful.”
She said during the past year, the government launched longterm strategies to foster continued growth in tourism, culture and sport.
“All the strategies have strengthened the foundation for collaboration and integration … creating tools that we need to encourage growth.”
McMahon said the government, working with industry agencies, is working to improve market alignment, support workforce development, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve the business climate.
She said it’s important to position the industry as viable for long-term careers, and to promote “myriad” available job opportunities.
“As part of our commitment to reduce regulatory burdens, we continue to work with other ministries on advancing our government’s business growth initiative.”
McMahon said regulation of the tourism sector should be “outcome focused and evidenced based.”
She said the government continues to work with its partners to develop new tourism initiatives, including more cycling related routes, promoting different cultural attractions, and seeking private-sector, foreign investment.
McMahon recognized the role of Ontario tourism agencies in Niagara, particularly Niagara Parks Commission.
“For the NPC, it means balancing public and private interests, and managing the growth and development around one of the great wonders of the world.”
McMahon commended the commission on “some very impressive” results during the past year.
According to a study conducted recently for the commission by Urban Metrics Inc., she said the total attendance to NPC attractions and facilities last year was 8.2 million visitors.
“That means an incredible $1.2 billion in visitor spending. This success brings in jobs, and grows our economy.”
She also thanked members of the province’s tourism industry in attendance.
“Your hard work has contributed to nearly 400,000 jobs in our province, and $32.5 billion to our economy. That’s extraordinary.”
This year marked the summit’s largest program to date, featuring many speakers covering a breadth of trending tourism topics.
The annual summit is the premier provincial, industry wide business conference for members of the province’s tourism industry to learn the latest trends, share new ideas and best practices, network with colleagues, and recognize industry leaders at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence.