Unceeded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory – Ottawa, ON – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a sponsor of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) Tourism Week 2023 held April 24-30 in Ottawa.
TIAC is one of the national advocates for tourism in Canada. Acting on behalf of thousands of businesses across the country, the organization promotes policies and programs that foster tourism’s growth. Each year, Tourism Week is an invitation for all tourism partners to come together to champion and promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses, and employees – from coast to coast to coast.
ITAC’s Director of Partnerships Teresa Ryder was in Ottawa on Monday, April 24, to join the evening reception hosted by TIAC to kick off celebrations at the Shaw Centre. In addition to all TIAC Members, invited guests included all Members of Parliament, Senators, as well as senior staff from all federal departments that play a role in tourism and travel.
“Tourism Week invites all tourism partners to raise awareness of how Canada is powered by tourism,” says President and CEO of ITAC, Keith Henry. “Pre-pandemic, Indigenous tourism contributed $1.9 billion to Canada’s GDP and 39,000 employed in the industry. ITAC now has a plan for Canada to become a global leader in Indigenous tourism in 2030.”
Continuing its advocacy work post-2023 federal budget announcement, ITAC will raise concerns about the lack of Indigenous-led strategy and investments. In addition, ITAC will be attending the National Sector Associations Meetings hosted by Destination Canada for a conversation on making Canada a highly desirable and competitive destination.