In Today's Update
- Update on NOTO's Lobbying Efforts
- Early Bird Pricing Now Available
- NOTO/DNO's COVID-19 Business Toolkit - Opportunity to Provide Topics/Ideas
- Ontario's Lockdown and COVID-19 Regulations Update
- Conservative MP's Petition to Call on Feds to Present a Tourism Plan
- Canada-US Border Closure
- New Rapid-Testing Pilot Project at Pearson Airport
- Negative COVID-19 Test Requirements for All Air Travellers Coming to Canada
- TIAO Industry Call - January 12th at 9:30am
- ADAPT 2020 Webinar: What is the Safe Travels Stamp
- New Brunswick Sets Vaccination Goals Before Lifting Travel Restrictions
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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Update on NOTO's Lobbying Efforts
Laurie Marcil, Executive Director
The beginning of a new year, has brought a new energy of optimism and determination here at NOTO. Although the current state of COVID numbers and unfortunate deaths are the focus right now for Government and Canadians, we are pressing on. We are taking this opportunity to dive deeper into recommendations on financial supports and the re-opening of the border.
This week we continued our discussions with FedNor regarding pushing payment dates back for the RRRF loan program considering the uncertainty that we have before us now for a second year. We know that the industry will need more time to repay any loans at this point. We also discussed the potential of making a larger portion of the loans forgivable for those businesses that have been hardest hit. We will be circling back with Minister Joly on these items as well as the need for a sector-specific financial support program in the coming weeks.
There appear to be more and more signs that the 2021 could be truncated or lost entirely. We continue to stress the importance of the US market to our sector of tourism. We are urging the Government to provide more that 30 days notice regarding border closure extensions if they are to continue. For example, If they feel that the border won't be open until July 1st, say that now so that businesses can plan for staff, clients, market to domestic... We know that operators need more time to plan. We are keeping a close watch on events, research and politics and encouraging Government to continue with plans for a safe re-opening. Recent discussions at our Northern Ontario Border Working Group have been very informative and encouraging. We are close to having a proposal to present to the Governments for a land crossing pilot project. We will have more details on this soon.
We are also collaborating with DNO and TIAO on the creation of a toolkit that would help operators who are traditionally dependent on the US market to look at other markets. I know that many of you have told me that the domestic market will not replace the revenues that you generate from your US clients but perhaps a fraction of domestic market can provide enough revenue to get you through this difficult time. We also know that travel distance is a concern for attracting domestic market to Northern parts of Ontario. We are currently looking for ways to reduce the impact of that challenge and we will get back to you once we have something to share.
Just know that we are tackling as many of the challenges and burdens as we can and we are eager to hear your feedback and look for solutions to problems as they arise. It is early bird renewal time, if you are considering joining NOTO, we are here to answer any questions you have. Your financial support is what allows us to continue our work on your behalf.
Take care,
Laurie
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Early Bird Pricing Now Available!
Join now or renew your membership to save and be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize!
Dear operators,
We know that 2020 was a rough year for each and everyone of you and we are not out of the woods yet. NOTO has felt the impacts of COVID-19 right along with you.
Please know that NOTO will continue to advocate for financial support that won't lead to additional debt, press to make a larger portion of the current loans forgivable, extend the repayable deadlines as well as ensure you are equipped with all the tools you need to prepare for the 2021 season, regardless of the scenarios that may take place.
NOTO, along with other partners will continue to lobby for a safe re-opening of the border as soon as possible.
NOTO and Destination Northern Ontario are also working together to build a Northern Ontario Outdoor Tourism Toolkit to help you prepare for any scenario and put your business in a better operating position for 2021.
Membership dollars are what allow us to continue this very important work, as well as keep you informed on all of the latest developments and regulations that may impact your business.
We greatly appreciate all of you who have renewed your NOTO membership, or joined us in 2020. We hope that you will renew your memberships for 2021. Early bird pricing is now available and will remain available until March 31st, 2021. As a reminder, NOTO memberships run from June to June.
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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
All prices listed above include HST. Memberships are renewed annually and run from June to June. Early bird pricing for 2021 memberships will remain available until March 31st, 2021. Regulatr members who renew or join will have a chance to win the Early Bird Prize! Prize to be announced* Last year's prize was a drone.
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 so much for your support!
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NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario and TIAO's COVID-19 Business Toolkit
As mentioned before the holidays, NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario and TIAO have teamed up to put together a business toolkit to help operators prepare for the 2021 season, no matter the scenario. This toolkit will feature a great deal of valuable information such as what we know about COVID-19 and vaccines, consumer sentiment surrounding vaccines, what travel may look like, how to prepare your business, updated health and safety protocols, how to rebuild consumer confidence, how to access different markets, marketing tactics, funding opportunities and more!
If there is any information that would be beneficial to your businesses that you would like us to include in this business toolkit, please e-mail us at info@noto.net.
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Lockdown & COVID Regulations Update
The lockdown in Northern Ontario has been extended to January 23rd, 2021. The Provincial Government has made the decision based on trends that the COVID-19 situation has worsened in both Northern and Southern Ontario, including worrying trends surrounding health system capacity. Only one public health region in Northern Ontario has shown a sustained low level of community transmission over the last two weeks. The goal of this extended lockdown is to have people stay home to reduce the spread.
There is also the increase risk of spread due to the presence of the UK variant in Ontario that has public health concerned. Although early studies on the UK variant show that it does not cause more severe illness, or increase risk of death, this variant spreads easier and much more rapidly.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to consult with experts, review data, and provide advice to government on the appropriate and effective measures that are needed to protect the health of Ontarians. This will include an assessment of when it is safe to exit the lockdown and move back to the zone system.
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Conservative MP Calls on Feds to Present a Tourism Plan
Conservative MP and Special Advisor to the Leader on Tourism Recovery, Tony Baldinelli, has sponsored a petition that calls upon the Federal Government to present a tourism recovery plan before the 2021 federal budget is announced.
MP Baldinelli highlights that the tourism industry has been hit first and hit the hardest, and will take longest to recover, that many businesses are facing temporary and permanent closures, that the Government has waited too long to provide sector-specific support and relief to the tourism and travel sectors, and that public confidence and demand for travel domestically and internationally has plummeted.
All operators are encouraged to sign the MP's petition by clicking on the button below. The deadline to sign this petition is February 7th, 2021 at 5pm (EST).
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Canada-US Border Closure
The Canada-US border remains closed to all non-essential travel until January 21st, with possibility of extension.
Due to the worsening of the COVID-19 situation on both sides of the border, NOTO anticipates that the Federal Government will extend the border closure to February 21st.
The Federal Government continues to re-evaluate the situation and extend closures on a month-by-month basis.
NOTO, along with other partners will continue to lobby and make recommendations for a safe re-opening of the border as soon as possible. In the meantime, NOTO is also pressing the Federal Government to provide us with a greater time frame surrounding the border closure extensions to help operators plan for the upcoming 2021 season. We know many of you have filled most of your vacancies by pushing your US bookings to 2021. Operators need to know several months in advance if they should postpone or cancel these bookings in hopes to fill vacancies for 2021.
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New Rapid-Testing Pilot Project at Pearson Airport
Ontario is launching a new, voluntary and free border testing pilot project at Pearson International Airport for eligible international travellers returning to Ontario. This initiative is part of the Province's efforts to quickly identify and stop the spread of COVID-19. Premier Ford hopes this will also help curb the spread of the new UK COVID-19 variant.
This pilot project began on January 6th. Eligible travellers are able to pre-register for the program or proceed to get tested upon arrival at the airport. They will receive a free, self-collected lab-based PCR test and be supervised by a health care professional either in person or by video when the traveller self-administers the test. The results will be reported to Ontario's Lab Information System with 48 hours and local public health units will follow up on any positive tests.
The Provincial Government will work with the Federal Government to explore the next stages of the pilot project, including a proposal to modify the quarantine period for participants who test negative.
NOTO see's the Provincial Government's willingness to work with the Federal Government to reduce quarantine periods as a positive first step towards removing barriers for international travel. We are optimistic hat this will lead to the Provincial Government's support towards a land-border crossing pilot project in the near future.
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Negative COVID-19 Test Requirements for All Air Travellers Coming to Canada
The Federal Government has implemented a regulation which states that as of January 7th, all international travellers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding their flights to Canada. Airlines must confirm the negative test, take temperatures and ask about COVID exposure and screen for symptoms. All travellers arriving in Canada by air, land or sea must submit forms through the ArriveCAN app. All travellers must follow the Federal Government's mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival, regardless if they test negative or positive. |
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TIAO Industry Calls
Please note, this week there will only be ONE call for everyone.
Tuesday January 12
Call Time: 9:30 am EST
Access Code: 987-918-229
Dial in: 1 866 899 4679
This week's call will feature special guests, Eli Yufest and Mike Van Soelen from Navigator, who will speak to TIAO's most recent survey results.
About Navigator:
With mandates from more than half of Canada’s top 100 companies, Navigator is Canada’s leading high-stakes public strategy and communications firm. We are a multi-partisan team of senior leaders that have won campaigns for Canada’s most successful companies, political leaders, prominent Canadians, advocacy groups and NGOs.
About the research:
The TIAO team worked with Navigator to execute a research study to understand consumer perceptions related to small business and tourism destinations. Moreover, the research sought to understand opportunities to enhance and support the tourism industry in Ontario.
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Eli Yusef
Eli has nearly two decades of extensive client and supplier side insights and strategy experience across numerous verticals including consumer packaged goods, public affairs, durable goods and healthcare.
Prior to joining Navigator, Eli was the CEO and Partner of a national marketing research and consulting firm that served as the official pollster for numerous public office candidates and holders including for the Mayor of Toronto and Premier of Ontario. Moreover, he served as the firm’s strategic lead on all corporate-consumer-related projects where he brought to bear his expertise across a wide array of techniques including conjoints, segmentations, mystery shopping, positioning and messaging testing, path-to-purchase and key drivers analysis.
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Mike Van Soelen
As Managing Principal, Mike helps leading organizations reach and engage their most important audiences.
Mike helps lead the Navigator team by providing clients with honest counsel on strategic and crisis communications, public affairs and research. His track record speaks to his unique understanding of how messages properly delivered can facilitate concrete, measurable outcomes. Before joining Navigator, Mike founded and ran a successful boutique public affairs and communications firm with offices in Toronto and Ottawa that served leading organizations across Canada. Mike sold his firm to Navigator in 2015 and brought his unique insights and results-focused style to the Navigator team.
Thank you TIAO for continuing to bring valuable information to the tourism industry through these ongoing calls.
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Safe Travels Stamp: What is it, and Do I Qualify?
Presented by: Beth Potter, President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario
January 19th, 2021 at 11:00 am EST
What is the Safe Travels Stamp Program: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in conjunction with the industry, including Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), has created a self-certified Safe Travels Stamp. The Safe Travels Stamp program is based on the worldwide industry protocols the WTTC has put together for every aspect of the hospitality and tourism sector.
The specially designed Safe Travels Stamp will allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols - so consumers can experience 'Safe Travels'.
Eligible companies such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, attractions, short term rentals, car rentals, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the Stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented.
Join this webinar to learn more about the Safe Travels Stamp program and how you can get your Stamp!
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New Brunswick Sets Vaccination Goals Before Lifting Travel Restrictions
The Premier of New Brunswick has announced that the province has set a goal to have 70% of its population vaccinated before lifting it's travel restrictions. This goal will depend on the availability of vaccines and the vaccination rates of other provinces. As it currently stands, New Brunswick remains part of the Atlantic Bubble. Travel arriving to the province from outside the bubble must pre-register and undergo a 14-day quarantine. |
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to our COVID-19 newsletters, Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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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 do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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