The province has released a report identifying how to help the tourism sector rebound from the effects of the pandemic.
A ministerial task force has come out with ten recommendations.
Chair Tim Hudak, a former tourism minister, supports incentives for Ontarians to travel more within the province.
“A travel incentive [of] up to 20 per cent is going to be a game-changer to encouraging longer stays, seeing more attracctions and seeing more of our great province,” Hudak says. “It can be, and will be, the year of the staycation, and the 20 per cent tax credit will help do that.”
Hudak says they’re also suggesting a travel points or discount card.
He notes that before that, the process of reviving the tourism industry starts with messaging that it’s safe to travel.
“The government should use the exact same energy and effort [with which] they told Ontarians to stay home during the pandemic, then in turn to tell them to get out and travel, enjoy this province, and create new and lasting memories,” he explains.
The task force also wants to see regulatory changes, like the ones that have allowed for street-side patios and direct delivery of wine.
“They should keep those changes and go even further. The notion of all-inclusive packages, for example, will encourage more Ontarians to stay here, and bring others into the province,” Hudak says.
He adds they hope to see more financial support to those hit hard by the pandemic, like northern Ontario outfitters and border communities.
