Dear Partner in Tourism,

We can hardly believe the holiday season is here and we keep asking ourselves where has November gone? There’s lots on the go in the tourism world and we’ve compiled the latest local, provincial and national updates for your review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In this edition, please take a moment to read about:

Now Hiring: Director, Culture & Entertainment Tourism at Tourism London

After nearly half a decade of transformational contributions on the Tourism London team, it is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to Natalie Wakabayashi in the role of Director, Culture & Entertainment Tourism at the end of this year. Natalie will be deeply missed by her friends, colleagues and our industry partners. We wish her nothing but the best and are excited for what's to come in the next chapter of her career! Good luck, Natalie!

In saying this, Tourism London is looking to fill the role (posted as Manager, Culture & Entertainment Tourism at the City of London). Know someone who might be a great fit? The posting is currently open, closing on Monday, November 25. A link to the job description is included below.

Congratulations: London Celebrates 3rd Anniversary as UNESCO City of Music

November 8th marked London’s 3-year anniversary within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Being a part of the UCCN has provided incredible opportunities for London artists, the music industry and local partners. Music brings community together and through this designation, London is using music to drive positive social and economic change in the community. As a UNESCO City of Music, London puts a lens of music on everything we do; from addressing issues, bringing new innovative ideas and projects to the table and putting creatives into the spotlight – all while creating a bigger community impact. A UNESCO Creative City designation builds a new identity, enhances a community and positions that community’s sustainable future, led by the creative sector. This designation is a rally call to preserve culture and invest locally. With music built into both the City of London and Tourism London’s Strategic Plan, London is paving the way while producing results.

Earlier this June, London was recognized by the Canadian live music industry as ‘Music City of the Year’ and celebrated during the Canadian Live Music Awards at Canada Music Week. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible music community of London’s past, present and future. The City of London has committed to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals that work towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the City, we continue to bake music into everything we do from policy work to day-to-day service delivery.

Congratulations to the London Music Office and all our industry partners and local artists working in this space to help elevate London’s brand on the world stage. You can read the full case study published this year on London’s UNESCO City of Music Action Plan Tracking Through Power BI.

Register Today: Southern Ontario Tourism Conference

The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference (SOTC) will be hosted in Brantford from March 3 to 5, 2025 and you’re invited to attend. This collaborative conference, in partnership with Ontario’s Southwest (OSW) and Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (HHBRTA), brings tourism partners from across the regions together to network, learn and celebrate. There are keynote presentations, breakout sessions and an opportunity to pay to join a learning tour out in the community. We encourage all tourism operators, stakeholders, students and industry professionals to join in for an unforgettable experience.

Nominate Today: Ontario’s Southwest’s 2024 Innovation Awards

It’s time to make your nominations! Join us in recognizing outstanding contributions and innovation within Ontario’s Southwest. This year, they’re celebrating remarkable achievements with three prestigious awards: Innovator of the Year, Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year and Luminary of the Year. Know someone making waves or think your efforts deserve recognition? Don’t wait—submit a nomination for yourself or another incredible business/individual today! The nomination deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025.

Register Now: Information Session on OTEC’s Empowering Leadership Training Program

Designed for tourism and hospitality sector managers and leaders seeking to improve leadership skills, empower their team, drive results and champion growth, this training is currently being offered FREE exclusively for tourism and hospitality businesses through OTEC. In this new program, employees will gain vital leadership skills, while business leaders will discover strategies to help them implement the new knowledge into daily operations, ensuring lasting results and practical application of their skills – far beyond what typical training programs offer.

You can learn more at an upcoming virtual (Zoom) information session on Tuesday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m.

FYI: Province Releases Fall Economic Statement

At the end of October, the Province released its Fall Economic Statement entitled, ‘Building Ontario for You: 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review.’ The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario put together a summary of the highlights for your review here.

FYI: Government of Canada Announces Two-Month GST/HST Break and Working Canadians Rebate

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that for two months, starting December 14th, the GST/HST will be removed from 100% of groceries, restaurant meals, beer and wine and other essentials. The federal Government also plans to send a Working Canadians rebate cheque of $250 in April to those who worked in 2023 and earned up to $150,000.

For more information on the two-month GST/HST break, click here. For more information on the Working Canadians rebate, click here.

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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