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

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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.

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We explore the origins and impact of Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day in Ontario through the story of Danny Murrell, founder and CEO of Harrison Staffing. Host Andrew Siegwart traces Danny’s journey from an international student at the University of Toronto—who stumbled into catering to pay the bills—to a purpose-driven entrepreneur building a people-first staffing company.

Danny shares how early frontline experiences in serving and janitorial work shaped his belief in dignity, respect, and genuine human connection at work. He explains Harrison Staffing’s model, centered on flexibility and opportunity for newcomers and international students, and how word-of-mouth and strong culture drive the business.

The episode then explores a simple question—“Why isn’t there a day to recognize hospitality workers?”— which led Danny to work with MPP Ernie Hardeman and secure unanimous support at Queen’s Park to formally establish Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, celebrating the people who power Ontario’s tourism industry.

This episode was released on February 23 which is officially recognized as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, proclaimed through the Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day Act, 2025. This day honours over 426,700 workers in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.

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Canada’s tourism industry is emerging from recovery into a high-stakes transition, and TIAC President & CEO Sebastian Benedict argues that the sector is both underestimated and ready. In conversation with Andrew Siegwart, he traces his path from political staffer and lobbyist to national tourism advocate, explaining how listening to operators across Canada has shaped his agenda. Despite headlines about record visitor spending, he notes that many SMEs still struggle with labour shortages, access to capital, and air access, while federal policy shifts on immigration and international students are compounding workforce challenges. Benedict stresses that tourism is a service export and economic solution, not just “vacation,” and that fragmented advocacy weakens the sector’s influence in Ottawa. He calls for unity, stronger investment in marketing and destination development, better emergency preparedness, and more federal champions for tourism, emphasizing that the industry is resilient, mobilized, and poised to play a bigger role in Canada’s economic future.

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Andrew Siegwart, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is interviewed by Samuel Miele and discussed the development of a five-year tourism strategy to address regional needs and economic conditions. The strategy includes forming strategic working groups and an alignment council to prioritize initiatives and measure success. Andrew emphasized the importance of diversifying tourism investments, including infrastructure and capital incentives, to attract both domestic and international visitors. He also highlighted the need for skills training and workforce development to address the current labor shortage. The conversation also touched on the impact of reduced international student numbers and the need for a balanced approach to tourism marketing and infrastructure investment.

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Dr. Chris Gibbs from Toronto Metropolitan University joins Andrew to explore the critical challenges facing tourism talent development. Drawing from his extensive experience, Gibbs discusses the evolving expectations of students, who are increasingly motivated by financial stability and career growth opportunities.

The conversation covers the shifting dynamics of workforce recruitment, highlighting the need for employers to adapt to a new generation of workers who prioritize work-life balance and clear career pathways. Gibbs emphasizes the importance of work-integrated learning, introducing the Jumpstart initiative as an innovative approach to early student recruitment and engagement.

Against the backdrop of funding challenges in post-secondary education and declining international student enrollment, Gibbs advocates for reimagining tourism education. He suggests focusing on core skills like service, leadership, and sustainability, while telling compelling stories that attract talent to the industry's diverse and dynamic career opportunities.

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Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly

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Our guest is Kelly Higginson who provides an in-depth look at Canada’s restaurant industry, revealing the sector’s complex challenges and innovative solutions. Drawing from her extensive experience, Higginson discusses the ongoing struggles with rising input costs, workforce shortages, and the impact of economic pressures on restaurants nationwide.

The conversation explores critical issues like immigration cuts, the importance of culinary training programs, and the potential of technology to support operators. Kelly highlights the “Food is Food” campaign, which demonstrated how policy changes like the GST holiday could create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Emphasizing the restaurant industry’s role as a cultural and economic driver, she underscores the sector’s resilience. From addressing misconceptions about skilled labor to advocating for supportive policies, Higginson paints a nuanced picture of an industry adapting to unprecedented challenges while remaining essential to Canada’s social and economic fabric.

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