This week’s episode of Forward Motion: The Ontario Tourism Podcast is a little different. Instead of an interview, host Andrew Siegwart shares some personal reflections as Ontario prepares to release its 2026 provincial budget, and what the tourism industry should be watching for.

Drawing on conversations with industry leaders, recent government announcements, and the priorities outlined in Ontario’s new tourism strategy, Andrew offers an insider perspective on how tourism fits into the province’s broader economic story. He discusses why tourism should be seen not just as an industry, but as a practical tool for economic growth, workforce development, regional prosperity, and investment attraction.

In this solo episode, Andrew walks through the key themes TIAO has been raising in its pre-budget advocacy including marketing and demand generation, workforce and training, private-sector investment, product development, and support for festivals, events, and Indigenous tourism, and he explains what signals he’ll be looking for when the budget is tabled.

This is a candid, conversational update for anyone who wants to better understand how provincial policy decisions affect tourism businesses, destinations, and communities across Ontario and why this year’s budget could matter more than most.

We’ll be back next episode with our regular interview format, but for now, thanks for listening — and for everything you do to keep Ontario’s tourism industry moving forward.

📄 Read TIAO’s 2026 Pre-Budget Submission

Forward Motion thanks its partners for their support of this show:

Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly

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Andrew Siegwart explores how Black tourism in Ontario is evolving from a niche offering to an essential driver of both culture and the visitor economy.

Guests Dionne Bishop (Events by Dionne Inc.) and Emma Rowley (Ontario’s Southwest) share their career paths in tourism and discuss how the Black Tourism Working Group organically grew into the Black Tourism Alliance of Ontario.

They highlight the impact of the Black Tourism Spark Program, which has helped catalyze new Black-owned restaurants, culinary tours, and Black history experiences while building vital networks and mentorship opportunities.

The conversation also explores standout destinations and experiences across Southwestern Ontario, including festivals, Underground Railroad heritage sites in Chatham-Kent and Windsor, and emerging culinary and storytelling ventures.

Andrew, Emma, and Dionne discuss the economic power of Black travelers, the importance of visibility, safety, and authenticity in tourism, and the need for intentional partnerships between entrepreneurs, DMOs, RTOs, and community organizations.

The episode offers a clear call to action: integrate Black-owned experiences into the heart of Ontario’s tourism story and recognize tourism as a tool for equity, belonging, and economic growth.

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Toronto’s visitor economy is the focus of this week's guest, Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto. Listen in, while they unpack Toronto’s record-breaking 2025: 28.2 million visitors, $9.1 billion in visitor spending, and nearly $13.5 billion in total economic impact. Kelly explains how Toronto’s inclusive, globally connected yet distinctly Canadian identity, strong business events sector, and investment in experiences—from concerts and sports to culinary and culture—have driven growth, especially from international markets like the UK and Germany.

They explore market diversification, air access challenges (including Asia and US routes), and the softening US market, along with a strategic shift toward targeting travelers by passion points rather than geography. Kelly highlights Toronto’s knowledge economy as a competitive advantage for attracting major conventions, the broader benefits that spill into regions across Ontario, and the city’s preparations for hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ and a new 10‑year visitor economy master plan.

Forward Motion thanks its partners for their support of this show:

Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.