Every fall TIAC hosts Hill Days – a three-day event focused on sharing our key policy priorities with government decision-makers through in-person meetings with federal officials, including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Senators. This important advocacy opportunity goes a long way towards ensuring that our vital sector continues to flourish and reach its economic potential in communities nationwide.

For me, Hill Days brings into focus why I do what I do. It crystallizes our advocacy efforts and positions the TIAC team to effect real, positive change for the tourism sector in Canada.  

This year’s edition took place October 7–9. TIAC facilitated 45 high-level meetings between a dedicated team of 20 delegates and elected officials, including four federal ministers, the office of the official leader of the Opposition, the leader of the Green Party, members of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, as well as numerous MPs from all political parties and key departmental officials.

Our delegates passionately advocated for the tourism industry, highlighting the recommendations from TIAC’s pre-budget submission to the Standing Committee on Finance. The central message was clear: tourism is vital to every community and riding across Canada. We emphasized the industry's far-reaching impact and the role it plays in driving economic and cultural development from coast to coast to coast. While I’m proud of the dedication and efforts of the TIAC team all year round, I feel it’s through the conversations we have during Hill Days that our advocacy efforts resonate the most.  The opportunity to get in a room and talk face to face with relevant parties about the issues that truly matter is a unique experience that brings the people that proudly represent our communities and destinations together. Conversations between the esteemed members of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus alongside destination stewards representing the Canadian Destination Leadership Council (CDLC) reminded us that Canadian tourism thrives because of the people it comprises, who welcome millions across our borders every year. 

Rounding out the meetings in a more informal environment was our annual Hill Days reception. We played host to over 130 attendees, including 60 TIAC members and over 20 elected officials and staffers, among them Tourism Minister Martinez Ferrada. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect industry leaders with policymakers in a relaxed, collaborative setting and celebrate the power and impact of tourism in Canada.  

The timing of Hill Days is strategic. On the horizon lies the Federal Fall Economic Statement-- an important annual vehicle through which the Government of Canada outlines its annual economic plan or, in essence, a sneak peek at the forthcoming annual budget.  

The leadup to the Fall Economic Statement provides an opportunity to actively raise our priorities and concerns for our sector. As I noted in a previous blog, we are determined to fill persistent tourism workforce gaps by encouraging students and newcomers to Canada to pursue a career in tourism. We are also campaigning for an extension of the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), which backs Canadian cities in their respective bids to host major international conventions. The DMOs behind these applications endeavour tirelessly to bolster the economy of their destinations and establish Canada as a business-focused, world-class event host. TIAC will continue to amplify the voices of our DMOs as it continues to aid the business-events sector in its recovery and attaining unprecedented growth in years to come.  

As the autumn season grows, we turn our focus toward TIAC’s Tourism Congress. This year, Vancouver plays host to Congress and its many meetings between tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond. Insights will be shared, new ideas explored, and our industry’s resilience and creativity will be celebrated. Our Congress theme, “Canada: Powered by Tourism,” emphasizes tourism’s vital role in shaping our nation’s economic, cultural, and societal landscape.  Through Congress, I look forward to continuing our role as connectors and convenors of important conversations. Hope to see you there!