In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- Call for Nominations: Join NOTO's Board of Directors!
- In Memoriam
- REMINDER: NOTO's Canada-US Border Crossing Survey
- Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week: Save the date & tell us what sessions you would like to see!
- Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway - Last Draw Announcement!
- ArriveCAN App Notification Errors
- Experience Fishing Live Derby
- Federal Election: NOTO's Efforts & Party Promises Made to Date Regarding Tourism
- Tourism SkillsNet North: Help us plan our fall/winter training sessions!
- Safe Travel Stamp Awards are Here!
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Extended!
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 Executive Director
As we reach the final week of August. I have been reviewing what we have heard from operators from North to South and East to West about the summer season of 2021. There has been more business than last summer for more operators. There has been success in attracting more domestic guests in more parts of the North and the border opened recently to allow US fully vaccinated guests. These are good steps forward for our sector and for tourism in general however, we are in no way into recovery mode yet.
We know that the cost of opening facilities for a limited number of guests is a financial challenge in a normal year. To do it this year when cash flow is literally non-existent means that operators had to continue to go into more debt or stretch their resources to the limit once again. We will continue to carry these message and scenarios forward in our discussions with Government as we continue to push for financial support programs.
In order to assist us with our advocacy work, please complete our brief surveys. I know there is some serious survey fatigue out there but I implore you to take a few moments and keep us informed. This information is invaluable to our efforts. Here are the two most recent surveys that we will keep open for this week.
Tourism Relief Fund Eligibility Insight - This new FedNor funding program is only available to incorporated businesses. We are trying to get an understanding of how many businesses in our sector this will affect. Please complete this quick poll to help us.
Canada-US Border Survey - We want to hear from operators about the impacts of the August 9th Canada border opening to fully vaccinated Americans on our business. Please share with us your experience as well as any insights as to your guests' experiences.
Last week we put out the call for nominations for the vacant seats on the NOTO Board. Each year one third of the Board seats become vacant as per our constitution. There are a number of additional seats available this year in a couple of our electoral regions. You can find more details in this newsletter.
The Canadian Federal election is in full swing now and we are reviewing all information coming out from all parties to find how each of them propose to support our sector through this pandemic and into recovery. We have posed a number of questions to each of the parties and are anticipating their responses soon which we will share with all of you.
We anticipate another busy week this week with several meetings and opportunities to press for support. We appreciate all of you who are taking the time to arm us with your real life stories, suggestions and comments. It is incredibly important that we hear from you to ensure that we develop recommendations that truly reflect our sector's needs. Thank you.
Have a busy and productive week.
Be well,
Laurie
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Call for Nominations: Join NOTO's Board of Directors!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are calling out to all camp operators who are members of NOTO to encourage you to consider putting your name forward for a seat on our Board. It is important for this organization to have a Board that is representative of its members; a Board that can set the goals and objectives of the organization while ensuring they are responding to the needs of the industry. Help us support the growth of resource-based tourism in Ontario!
The following number of seats are available in each of our four electoral regions this year:
- Northwest: 1
- North Central: 1
- Northeast: 2
- South: 3
In order to stand for election, you must be a paid-up Regular member. You can nominate or run only in your own region. Each nomination must be endorsed by two camp operators from your region. The nomination form can be found by clicking the following link: https://noto.ca/fm/2021NominationForm
Completed nomination forms should be returned to the NOTO office by email, FAX or mail by September 30, 2021. Once the nominations are received, ballots will be prepared and sent to the membership electronically. You will also be able to vote by mail or FAX up to 24 hrs before the Annual General Meeting. NOTE: The AGM will be held virtually this fall and the date will be announced soon.
We encourage you to consider putting your name forward to run for the NOTO Board of Directors. In general, NOTO Board members meet by conference call once a month for approximately 2 hours with the exception of the operating season where calls are held less frequently.
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In Memoriam
We are saddened to report that over the last two weeks, our tourism family has lost two of its members. On behalf of the NOTO Board and staff, our hearts and most sincere sympathies go out to the families and friends of these two long-standing members.
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Albert Kast, Tomahawk Resort
Albert passed away on August 22nd. Albert was a fierce tourism advocate and strong leader. His professionalism and passion for resource-based tourism is legendary. Alberts involvement as a dedicated volunteer and guidance over the years has been much appreciated.
Our condolences go out to Elaine, Scott, Kevin and the entire Kast family.
Albert's obituary will be posted in the coming days.
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REMINDER: Canada-US Border Crossing Survey
NOTO is conducting a survey focusing on the reopening of the border for fully vaccinated Americans. If you haven't already done so, please complete the survey by clicking on the button below.
It's officially been three weeks since our industry has been able to open it's doors and welcome fully-vaccinated Americans back into Canada.
We want to know what requirements have caused guests to cancel/move their bookings, how many new bookings you may have gotten, how crossing the border went, if you and your guests have encountered issues with random testing, and so forth.
This survey should take 5 minutes of your time. This first survey will remain open until August 31st, 2021.
Your participation and feedback is greatly appreciated! The data collected will help us with our advocacy efforts with regards to the random testing logistics and the continued need for financial support.
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SAVE THE DATE! Join us virtually for our
Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week!
Destination Northern Ontario and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario are pleased to bring you a free virtual Northern Ontario Fall Training Week, this November. COVID-19 has created challenges for tourism businesses and operators around the province. Our four-day training week is set to provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies, and connections for both today and the future. We will be welcoming tourism professionals from around the province to gather, share, and collaborate as we rebuild northern Ontario's tourism industry.
As we continue to plan, please let us know if there are any topics of particular interest to you filling out the Northern Ontario Tourism Fall Training Week Survey below.
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Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway!
Join Fish'n Canada on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 at 3:00pm (EDT) as they do the final draw for the Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway!
We have five trips that have yet to be awarded!
Best of luck to all participating lodges!
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ArriveCAN App Notification Errors
NOTO has been made aware that the ArriveCAN app has been sending some individuals notifications to remind them that they need to submit their daily symptoms monitoring report and the continued need for quarantining. Others have been receiving Day 8 test reminders as well.
As a result or these errors, the Government of Canada has put out the following notice:
Automatic notifications/ e-mails from ArriveCAN
You may receive daily notifications and/or emails about quarantine and Day-8 testing, even if you are fully vaccinated or exempt from the requirement to quarantine. Follow the instructions of the border services officer upon entry, including the paper handout you were provided. If you qualify for the quarantine and testing exemptions, you may ignore these notifications.
Please note that there are many scam e-mails and apps out there as well that are mimicking the ArriveCAN app to give false isolation notices, or demand payment for "ArriveCAN" services. ArriveCAN is a safe, secure, and free app that will never ask anyone for payment information.
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Experience Fishing Live Derby
The Experience Fishing Live Derby in partnership with FishON! took place on August 19th, 2021. Four teams of new anglers across Northern Ontario hit the waters in search of the biggest catch.
There was one team representing each Northern Ontario region:
- Representing Algoma Country - Tyler Dunn Guiding (Tyler Dunn, Brooke Zuccato)
- Representing Northeastern Ontario - Timberlane Rustic Lodges (Gerry Guido and Anita Guido)
- Representing Sunset Country - Nutt’s Country Cabins (Alex Nutt and Presley Auger)
- Representing Superior Country - Kashabowie River Resort (Kyle, Myles and Leah Vescio)
At the end of the day, Leah Vescio at Kashabowie River Resort won with the biggest catch of the day; a 27.5” walleye!
We would like to thank all of the participants, sponsors, partners and viewers for making the 2nd annual Experience Fishing Derby a success!
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About the Experience Fishing Program:
Aimed at increasing visitation from emerging markets that are currently underutilized at tourism operations in Northern Ontario, Experience Fishing is a fully funded program with the goal to attract new markets and increase guest stays and visitation, while sharing a love of fishing with those who have never experienced it.
Ultimately, the Experience Fishing program is an exciting, safe, family inclusive and instructive way to introduce the fun of fishing to beginners.
Lodges looking to participate in this program will receive:
- Basic fishing equipment for adults and children featuring a tackle box filled with various tackle, fishing rods, reels and fishing line
- Experience Fishing marketing collateral, resources, and step-by-step support to help you implement the program effectively and attract new markets to your business
- Training and educational resources for you and your staff through an exclusive interactive training program
- Increased marketing exposure for your business through program promotion
- Program assistance and support through the Program Coordinator
Please note that effective in 2022, the program will be administered through NOTO.
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Federal Election: Tourism Promises Made to Date
As we enter the election period, NOTO would like to keep the industry informed on the promises made regarding tourism that would benefit our sector.
Last week, NOTO released a summary of the Liberal, Conservative, and NDP promises made to date regarding tourism sector issues, which can be seen in their party platforms. The People's Party of Canada did not have any items that directly relate to the tourism sector in their platform and the Green party has yet to release it's official platform.
As a result of this, NOTO has written to each party leader to highlight key tourism issues such as the ongoing negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgent need for financial supports that won't lead to additional debt, ensuring that the eligibility criteria for current and future support programs don't exclude seasonal businesses, issues surrounding the exhaustion of EI for many seasonal business owners/employees who were unable to accumulate enough hours during the last two operating seasons, issues surrounding the border restrictions and more. We want to how each party plans to address these issues. Once we receive answers, or hear of new promises, we will make sure to include them in our newsletter.
Here are the links to each party's platform:
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Help Us Plan Our Fall/Winter Training Programs!
Tourism SkillsNet North is a program designed to identify labour gaps within the tourism industry with a goal to train 300 potential employees and match them with a minimum of 150 employers within Northern Ontario’s tourism sector. Qualified employers will be eligible for a 30% wage subsidy up to $3,000 per employee. You can use this program to train new/re-hires as well!
In collaboration with Ontario Tourism Education Corporation, Destination Northern Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, District Social Services Administration Boards and Northern Ontario Workforce Planning Boards, we are reaching out to tourism business operators across Northern Ontario (Regional Tourism Organization 13) to gather information to help us analyze and identify specific workforce labour gaps and available opportunities within Northern Ontario’s tourism sector as we enter the fall and winter seasons.
The results from this quick survey will help us understand the skills and talent needs of the tourism sector and help us develop and deliver skills training in the fall and winter seasons to meet the labour gaps identified by you, the employer.
Your input is important, and any information that you can provide is appreciated.
Please click on the button below to complete the survey. This survey will take approximately 3 minutes to complete.
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To register for this program, please click on the button below.
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Safe Travels Stamp Awards Are Here!
The Safe Travels Stamp, created by the WTTC and administered by TIAO in Ontario, is a specially designed stamp which will allow residents and visitors to identify businesses which have adopted standardized health and hygiene protocols.
The Safe Travels Stamp Award is a way for your customers and local residents to recognize your business's outstanding efforts in adopting the World Travel & Tourism Council's health and hygiene global standardized protocols for the hospitality and tourism sector.
There are 13 Safe Travels Stamp Awards to be won: one for each tourism region in Ontario. Voting runs from September 7 - October 11, 2021. Top finalists and winners will be announced on October 26 at the 2021 Ontario Tourism Summit.
How can I win the Safe Travels Stamp Award?
Step One
Get ready! Ensure you are Safe Travels Stamp approved. You can check the list of approved Safe Travel Stamp applicants on TIAO's website here. If you are not yet Safe Travels Stamp approved, click here to apply now.
Step Two
Get the word out! Use your digital Safe Travels Stamp logo on social media and proudly proclaim your Safe Travels Stamp approval. Don't forget to place your Safe Travels Stamp sticker in a prominent location in your business. (If you haven't received your sticker yet, it is in the mail and you will have it soon!) Be sure that your team understands and can explain what it means to be Safe Travels Stamp approved. If you need more information, please check out the Safe Travels Stamp Training Guideline.
Step Three
Get votes! The top vote-getter within each of the thirteen tourism regions of Ontario will win the Safe Travels Stamp Award. Public voting will open on Labour Day weekend. In the weeks ahead, use social media and in-person conversations to let your customers and local residents know about the Safe Travels Award campaign. The voting link will be live on September 7th, and will be issued via social media and on TIAO's website here.
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About the 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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