In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's President
- Payment Deadlines Extended for CEBA and RRRF
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Correction Notice: Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program
- Changes to Traveller Exemptions at the Border Effective January 15, 2022
- Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Eligibility
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Destination Canada's Tourism’s Big Shift Industry Webinar
- Are You Ready for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit?
- New TIAO Survey on the Current Challenges Facing Ontario's Tourism Businesses in 2022
- NOTO's Regional Sector Snapshot Survey to Come
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Reminder: 2021 Northern Ontario Fixed Roof Accommodation Survey
- Tourism SkillsNet North
- Safe Travel Stamp
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Now Available until March 31, 2022
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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A Message from NOTO's President
Bob Garson
Greetings Fellow NOTO Members,
I hope everyone took advantage of the Christmas Break to reload and refresh. Unfortunately, we once again find ourselves waging war with the COVID-19 virus and its 2022 version ”Omicron”. It would be nice if it was ”Oh MY Gone” as everyone is at their end with COVID-19. At times it seems like we have learned nothing so far. This virus has always managed change and we must change our approach to it. When it seems we are gaining ground we have been pushed back down the hill.
We believe that our Provincial and Federal Government’s could adapt and by now direct meaningful targeted help to our industry. Flexibility is key to helping such a diverse industry. You can only bend a fishing rod so far before it breaks without supporting it. NOTO staff continue to work on getting us supports we need to get beyond this pandemic.
At this point are border restrictions at land crossings really the cause of further spread? It is easy to feel like these restrictions have only become one more cost to our American guests. Is the high cost of random tests really a worthwhile investment as we see no information indicating their effectiveness? A simple Rapid Test at the border could be every bit as effective and much more economical. We are relying on these tests for our teachers, students and many other workplaces.
Health decisions must make sense and use common criteria to get the buy-in of the average person. Let's use what works and what we have learned to get through this pandemic. We have and will continue to adapt, we have been doing what is required of us, now how about some meaningful help.
Bob Garson
NOTO President
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Payment Deadlines Extended for CEBA and RRRF
This week, the Federal Government announced that they will extend the payment deadlines for the CEBA and RRRF loans from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. We are pleased that they are listening. We will continue to apply pressure to have more of these loans made forgivable over the coming weeks and months.
We know that our members have taken on incredible amounts of debt since the onset of this pandemic. In order for our sector to begin to recover, we know more needs to be provided by our governments.
We truly hope that this news will provide some relief for those of you that are recipients of these loans.
It is important to note that while they pushed back the deadline for payment that if met to qualify for the forgivable portion, they did not change the payback terms if more time is needed after December 31, 2023. Beginning Jan1, 2024, any amount remaining will be converted into a 2 year term loan wit ha 5% interest rate with a final deadline for repayment in full by December 31, 2025.
For those with the RRRF loans who would like to discuss these changes, we encourage you to reach out to your FredNor or CFDC loan officer.
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CORRECTION NOTICE: Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program
Last week, we provided the industry with an updated list of the support programs that remain available. We made a mistake in the eligibility criteria under the Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program. In our newsletter, we stated that you needed to show a 12-month average revenue drop from March 2020 to February 2021 of at least 50% OR have a claim period revenue drop of at least 50%. The OR should of been AND*.
How the 12-month average revenue drop is calculated:
You only need to calculate the 12-month average revenue drop one time. You will use the same 12-month average revenue drop for all of your claims from 22 onward. You can use the calculator to find your 12-month average revenue drop. Your 12-month average revenue drop is the average of your applicable monthly revenue drops from March 2020 to February 2021 (CEWS claim period 1 to 13, excluding either claim period 10 or 11).
If you were not operating for any length of time in any of claim periods 1 to 13 (CEWS application periods), you must exclude the corresponding reference month from the 12-month average revenue drop, unless the reason for not operating was due to a public health restriction, in which case you can include the month in your calculation. An example of you not operating throughout a claim period would be in the case of a seasonal closure. As the reference month for both claim periods 10 and 11 is December, you only need to exclude December if you were not operating throughout both claim periods.
Types of entities who were eligible for the CEWS or CERS will generally be eligible for the THRP and HHBRP. This means that to be eligible to apply, you must:
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have had a CRA payroll account on March 15, 2020 (exceptions apply in payroll provider and asset acquisition situations), or, for rent subsidies only, you had a business number (BN) with CRA on September 27, 2020.
- be one of the following types eligible entities:
- individuals (such as sole proprietors)
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corporations (or trusts) that are not exempt from income tax under Part I of the Income Tax Act
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Changes to Traveller Exemptions at the Border Effective January 15, 2022
On November 19, 2021, the Government of Canada announced that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travellers, who were exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.
Effective January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet the criteria for limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups such as agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18. Exempt unvaccinated travellers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.
The travel.ca website has not been fully updated yet but we expect that it will be in the coming days.
We are anticipating an update for children, now that vaccinations are available, in the coming weeks.
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Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Eligibility
Earlier this week, Minister MacLeod and Minister Bethlenfalvy hosted a webinar to discuss the newly announced targeted relief measures for businesses and people impacted by the current public health measures. This included providing additional details on the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant which will provide eligible small businesses with a one-time grant payment of $10,000.
In order to be eligible for the program, you must have been ordered to shutdown one of the following aspects of your businesses effective January 5th, 2022:
Eligible small businesses include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
- Performing arts and cinemas
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- Meeting or event spaces
- Tour and guide services
- Conference centres and convention centres
Further supports discussed include new electricity-rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two.
Additionally, online applications for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open on January 18. This program will provide eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100% of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant.
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Save the Date!
While these trends will have an impact on Canada’s travel and tourism industry as whole, this webinar will focus on the implications and opportunities for small and medium-sized tourism businesses specifically. There will be an opportunity for questions, and we welcome an open dialogue on these important new findings.
Please register to attend this webinar via the link below:
Date and Time: February 1 at 10am PT/ 1pm ET
Speakers:
- Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada
- Meaghan Ferrigno, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Destination Canada
For more information visit Destination Canada's website.
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Are You Ready for the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit?
As we have previously shared, in order for your guests to be able to claim the tax credit on their personal income tax filing, they will need to have receipts that clearly show what they have spent on accommodations in Ontario in 2022.
In an effort to support tourism operators prepare for the opportunity to capitalize on the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and support their guests, we have created a quick survey that will take less than 5 minutes to complete. We understand that there are a number of operators who have not traditionally detailed all of the components of their vacation packages on their invoices for guests.
We are hopeful that the information we gather in this survey will help these operators. We intend to share the summary of responses in two weeks.
Thank you for your help.
For more details and FAQs on the new tax credit click HERE.
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New TIAO Survey on the Current Challenges Facing Ontario's Tourism Businesses in 2022
In the coming weeks, the opportunities for tourism advocacy organizations like NOTO, TIAO and TIAC are going to increase. As always, it is critical that we have data from our tourism businesses that helps us draw a true picture of the state of our tourism industry.
This week TIAO has released their survey that will help to gather data on the tourism sector Provincially. We encourage every tourism operator to take a few minutes to respond to this survey. It is important that your information is included at that Provincial level to TIAO who has been a strong advocate and important partner to NOTO as we continue to work together to support tourism operators.
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NOTO's Regional Sector Snapshot Survey to Come
With the most recent announcements, and as we welcome new opportunities to meet with Government officials in the coming weeks, NOTO will be sending out a survey shortly to get a snapshot of where the resource-based tourism sector is currently at. Since the onset of this pandemic, these snapshot reports that are generated from your input, have been instrumental in getting the attention of our Provincial and Federal leaders. If these restrictions continue, the this sector will see dire consequences as many are facing the possibility of closing their doors permanently.
Many of you have shared with us the concerns from your US and domestic guests, fears about the uncertainty at the border, frustrations with the eligibility criteria of the majority of support programs, fears surrounding your current financial positions, and more. Many of you have also been holding onto deposits from 2020 bookings in hopes that the situation would improve, making it even harder to plan ahead and obtain new revenue for the upcoming season.
Although the survey fatigue is strong, we need up-to-date data to show both the Provincial and the Federal Government that our industry is far from recovery and requires more than wage subsidies and tax supports.
Please keep an eye open for this survey and take the time to respond. This data significantly helps us in our advocacy efforts. Remember, we are stronger together.
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Reminder: 2021 Northern Ontario Fixed Roof Accommodation Survey
Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), in partnership with Northeastern Ontario Tourism, Algoma Country, Sunset Country, Superior Country and NOTO, is conducting the annual Northern Ontario Fixed Roof Accommodation survey to benchmark the industry’s performance.
The past two years have been difficult and far from normal, and as the industry continues to struggle through the pandemic it is more important than ever that we continue to track performance. Input from stakeholders like you allow Destination Northern Ontario, your regional marketing organizations, NOTO and others to continue to advocate on our industry’s behalf.
The concrete data and numbers you provide help tell the story of the continued need for funding and support specifically for Northern Ontario. It also helps measure the impact of the pandemic and if/how the accommodation industry in Northern Ontario is recovering.
This 30-minute survey seeks to collect data on your operation’s performance in 2020 and 2021, including market segmentation and high-level financials, COVID-19 funding programs, and an outlook on 2022. We realize that you may be surveyed out, but as an industry stakeholder, DNO and its partners really need and appreciate your input.
Thank you, you are making a difference!
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Tourism SkillsNet North
In need of staff? We can help!
Register your business to the Tourism SkillsNet North program. We have job seekers in various areas across Northern Ontario that we will train and match to your business in hopes of filling your vacancies! As the employer, you will be able to interview each candidate we send your way and decide if you would like to hire them.
If you hired staff outside of the program after June 1, 2021, you can still register them to the Tourism SkillsNet North program to have them trained and receive a wage subsidy! As long as your employees complete the mandatory training courses, you will receive a 30% wage subsidy (up to $3000) per employee! This could help you with recruitment for next season.
Register your business and/or your employees today by clicking on the button below.
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Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels Stamp which is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
In Ontario, the Safe Travels Stamp are administered by TIAO. NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
NOTO has extended the early bird membership pricing for the remainder of 2021!
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Entry Level: $452.00
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Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
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Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
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Silver:
$1,367.30 NOW: $1,299.50
Prices listed above include HST. To renew your membership or to join NOTO, please click on the appropriate category link above to access the membership form. Completed forms can be printed and mailed to the NOTO office, or scanned and emailed to kate@noto.net or laurie@noto.net.
Thank you for your support!
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners to continue our work. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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