CEMA’s Chairperson, Madeline Ziniak (left) introduced TIAO’s President and CEO Beth Potter at the media organization’s monthly meeting.
Promoting tourism in Canada
During Tourism Week In Ontario – May 31 to June 6 — Beth Potter, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), urged members of CEMA – the Canadian Ethnic Media Association – to encourage new Canadians to explore the province and the country.
Potter, in an address to CEMA members at its monthly meeting, said the TIAO, which represents a strong voice for Ontario’s tourism industry, sees a strong growth of at least 5% for the next 10 years.
The industry is also seen as an economic driver and job creator for Ontario, and Canada.
In a recent release TIAO said: “Tourism is vital to the economy. Representing more than $88.5 billion in economic activity, it accounts for (more than) 628,000 Canadian jobs.”
The TIAO release also said: “Present in every riding in Ontario, tourism generates $28 billion in receipts and $22 billion in visitor spending annually, and is responsible for 4% of the province’s GDP.”
Potter pointed out to members of CEMA that the tourism industry is very competitive, and that markets are changing.
Tourism is essential to the economies of both Ontario and Canada, Potter said. “It creates jobs, drives spending and markets our beautiful home to the world.”
