Dear Partner in Tourism,

Can you believe February is already halfway done? It’s been another busy month and we’ve compiled several opportunities, updates and announcements to bring you up to speed on the tourism industry in London, across Ontario and throughout Canada. Please take a moment to read about the following topics:

TD SUNFEST’S ALFREDO CAXAJ APPOINTED AS MEMBER TO THE ORDER OF CANADA

At the tail end of 2023, it was announced that TD Sunfest’s Alfredo Caxaj, a prominent figure in the Canadian arts and culture scene, was appointed as Member to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors.

As the founder of Sunfest-London Committee for Cross Cultural Arts, Inc., Alfredo has been the driving force behind numerous initiatives that have significantly enriched Canada's cultural landscape, including the signature free-admission festival of music, dance, crafts and cuisine from around the globe, TD Sunfest, known as “Canada’s Premier Celebration of Global Cultures”, about to celebrate its 30th edition this year. This prestigious recognition comes in acknowledgment of his remarkable contributions to the arts, as well as his tireless efforts in promoting diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism in Canada, and specifically in London, Ontario. From all of us at Tourism London, congratulations Alfredo!

GERRY VANDERHOEK NAMED FINALIST FOR ONTARIO’S SOUTHWEST 2023 INNOVATION AWARD: LUMINARY OF THE YEAR

London International Airport’s Gerry Vanderhoek has been named a finalist for Ontario’s Southwest 2023 Innovation Award: Luminary of the Year. The Luminary of the Year Award recognizes an extraordinary individual whose remarkable contributions have illuminated the tourism industry with an unmatched dedication, unwavering passion and relentless commitment. This prestigious accolade is given to someone who embodies the very essence of this industry, radiating the spirit and brilliance that make this sector not just a profession but a vocation. This award is to recognize an individual regardless of length of time in the industry, at all levels of seniority. Congratulations on your nomination as a finalist, Gerry!

NEW VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN BEER KITCHEN RESTAURANT AT 100 KELLOGG LANE

Courtyard Events has announced vendor opportunities from March until September 2024 in their new Beer Kitchen restaurant, located at 100 Kellogg Lane. Their locally made vendor carts are perfect to showcase a wide range of different products in a unique and new environment. Connect with existing customers while making a lasting impression on new ones. With rotating vendors every weekend and a changing Beer Kitchen menu theme every month, this will be an exciting destination for shopping and discovering amazing local businesses all year long!

EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITY AT ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO LAND SURVEYORS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Showcase your business at the Associatoin of Ontario Land Surveyors (OLS) 132nd Annual General Meeting at RBC Place London from February 28 – March 1, 2024. This event is renowned for its rich array of informative sessions, interactive workshops and invaluable networking opportunities, making it the perfect backdrop for local businesses to gain exposure and forge new relationships.

STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR TIAO’S TOURISM WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM

Are you gearing up for new hires this year? Begin 2024 with TIAO's Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program, running until March 31, 2024. This initiative aims to enhance and diversify Ontario's tourism workforce while assisting employers in fostering long-term sustainability. TIAO will support the recruitment and retention of 200 new talents across the province.

As a participant, you will be eligible for a Living Wage Top-Up, enabling you to meet living wage standards. Make use of their complimentary training courses, courtesy of OTEC, covering essential soft skills crucial for contemporary work environments. Your participation also includes mentorship opportunities, access to resources on recruitment, hiring, DEIA and region-specific tools available in the comprehensive employer guide and much more.

ONTARIO STOPPING SCHEDULED BEER TAX INCREASE

Last week, the Ontario government announced a freeze on the automatic annual increase of the beer basic tax. The estimated 4.6 per cent increase to the beer basic tax was scheduled for March 1, 2024, and would have resulted from the rate being indexed to inflation. The provincial government has deferred the automatic increase for the past six years. The latest freeze will be in place for two years, until March 1, 2026.

Please share any updates from your business with us by emailing tourinfo@londontourism.ca or by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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