Over the last two weeks, the ITAC team has been conducting one-on-one member outreach over the phone to determine how our members are doing, how their business is being impacted by COVID-19 and what funding sources they’re aware of and planning to access. This has resulted in key themes across Canada, which are outlined in the ITAC Challenges and Stimulus Solutions document.
Federal Minister Joly Update to Indigenous Tourism Businesses
On Tuesday, March 24, ITAC President & CEO Keith Henry welcomed Federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, Honourable Mélanie Joly to speak directly to ITAC members and partners via Facebook Live. They addressed the measures the government is taking to help the Indigenous tourism industry during the COVID-19 crisis and the solutions Joly believes are necessary to support the industry. Click here to watch the video.
ITAC Postpones the International Indigenous Tourism Conference 2020
The annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference, bringing together global Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to be postponed.
April 7, 2020, Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – The 2020 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) which was to be hosted in Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from September 29 – October 1, 2020, has been postponed temporarily as the world continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Important Facebook Live Update – April 7th
President and CEO Keith Henry to outline efforts for increased stimulus funding for ITAC members.
April 7, 2020, Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) will be hosting an important Facebook Live update for all members at 12:00 p.m. PST or 3:00 p.m. EST.
During the Facebook live, Keith Henry will discuss his upcoming presentation before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance this Wednesday, April 8, 2020 that addresses the COVID-19 impacts on Indigenous tourism as a critical component of Canada’s tourism industry.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Launches Stimulus Fund In Response to COVID-19
Programs will provide financial relief for Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada
COAST SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver, BC) – March 27, 2020 – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) recognizes that during these uncertain times, its shared singular focus for 2020-2021 must be on COVID-19 recovery and preparing for future tourism seasons. Because of this, ITAC has created the COVID-19 Development Stimulus Fund, dedicated to addressing the impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous tourism businesses by affecting positive change.
EDC: Working together to support exporters through the COVID-19 pandemic
Late last week, the federal government announced its latest measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the announcement of the Business Credit Availability Program which will enable EDC (and Crown corporation, the Business Development Bank of Canada) to provide Canadian entrepreneurs with an additional $10 billion to help companies access to credit during this evolving crisis.
EDC is prepared to act swiftly to help Canadian businesses access the capital they need. By working together, EDC and businesses can minimize the impacts that this crisis is having on Canadians. Most businesses can start to access these program enhancements immediately.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada rewrites business plan in face of COVID-19
Renewed focus is on sustaining Indigenous Tourism through 2020
COAST SALISH TERRITORY (Vancouver, BC) – March 24, 2020 – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has rewritten their business plan for their upcoming fiscal year 2020-21, in response to the considerable negative impacts of COVID-19 on the global tourism industry.
Two Measures Launched by the Government of Canada to Support the Tourism Industry
March 16, 2020, Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada is working diligently with the Federal Government to ensure financial assistance and Indigenous-led solutions are being created for the Indigenous tourism industry. Below are two measures launched by the Government of Canada to support the financial needs of small and medium-sized tourism operators immediately:
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada calls for immediate financial support during significant tourism downturn
March 13, 2020, Coast Salish Territory (Vancouver, BC) – As Indigenous tourism operators face critical downturns in tourism demand due to COVID-19 and the negative impacts of the recent Wet’suwet’en solidarity blockades, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s (ITAC) CEO and President, Keith Henry, is calling on the Federal Government for immediate Indigenous-led solutions.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada signs three-year strategic partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada
March 5, 2020, Algonquin Territory (Ottawa, ON) – In support of a relationship that has grown since the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) first launched in 2015, Keith Henry, President and CEO signed a new dynamic three-year partnership agreement with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).