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Lodging Industry Calls on Government to Address Lack of Funding for International Marketing of Canada and Labour Shortages
April 2, 2014 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) met with the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus today to discuss two key issues facing the Canadian lodging industry; international marketing of Canada and current labour shortages. Close to 20 Ministers, MPs and Senators from all political parties were presented with the lodging industry’s challenge. « more »
L’industrie de l’hébergement fait appel au gouvernement pour adresser le manque de financement pour la commercialisation internationale du Canada et des pénuries de la main-d'oeuvre
Le 2 avril 2014 – Ottawa – L'association des hôtels du Canada (AHC) a rencontré le caucus parlementaire du tourisme aujourd'hui pour discuter de deux questions clés liées à l'industrie de l’hébergement du Canada; la commercialisation internationale du Canada et des pénuries de la main-d'oeuvre actuelles. Pres de 20 ministres, députés et sénateurs de tous les partis politiques ont été présentés avec le défi de l'industrie de l’hébergement. « suite »
The Use of Medicinal Marijuana and E-Cigarettes in Canadian Hotels
The following guidelines are meant to assist hoteliers in making decisions regarding the use of medical marijuana and e-cigarettes in hotels. The HAC requested legal opinion of the rights and obligations of hotels to restrict the use of medicinal marijuana, and e-cigarettes on hotel premises by its guests, staff and other attendees. « more »
L'utilisation de la marijuana médicale et des E-Cigarettes dans les hôtels Canadiens
Les directives suivantes visent à aider les hôteliers à prendre des décisions concernant l'utilisation de la marijuana médicale et des e-cigarettes dans les hôtels. L’AHC a demandé l'avis juridique des droits et obligations des hôtels pour limiter l'utilisation de la marijuana médicale, et les e-cigarettes sur les lieux des hôtels par ses invités, le personnel et les autres participants. « suite »
Best Western Business Travel Summit Hits All the High Notes
From the Montreal Economic Institute: Canada’s High Airfares and Passenger Leakage
Because 75% of Canada’s population lives only 90 minutes from the U.S. border, many regional Canadian airports are in direct competition with their northern American counterparts. This geographical proximity means that airfare prices have become one of the biggest competitive advantages of airports in the quest to attract more passengers. « more »
Canadian Tourism Insights 2014
In late January, HLT launched a survey to probe insights into a range of factors and issues affecting Canadian tourism businesses. They've since taken the results and combined them with some key findings from the annual report on tourism that was prepared for TIAC, the CTC and Visa Canada in late 2013. « more »
Business and Leisure Travel Stable Nationally, Business Travel Down in Ontario
February 26, 2014 – Ottawa – Latest results from the 2014 HAC Canadian Travel Intentions Survey show that business and leisure travel is projected to remain the same as last year. Eighty-one per cent of business travellers will be travelling more or the same for business in 2014. The exception is Ontario, where business travel is projected to be down 4 percent over last year’s numbers. The highest increase for business travel in 2014 is in the Prairies and BC at 27 per cent, 3 per cent more than the national average. « more »
Les voyages d'affaires et de loisirs stables à l’échelle nationale, voyage d'affaires en baisse en Ontario
Le 26 février 2014 – Ottawa – Les derniers résultats de l'enquête canadienne de l’AHC sur les intentions de voyage 2014 montrent que les voyages d'affaires et de loisirs devraient rester les mêmes que l'an dernier. Quatre-vingt-un pour cent de voyageurs d'affaires voyageront davantage ou le même montant en 2014. L'exception est l’Ontario, où on prévoit que le voyage d'affaires sera en baisse de 4 pour cent comparé aux nombres de l'an dernier. L'augmentation la plus élevée pour le voyage d'affaires en 2014 est dans les Prairies et la Colombie Britannique à 27 pour cent, 3 pour cent de plus que la moyenne nationale. « suite »
Philippe Gadbois Assumes Role as New Chair of the Hotel Association of Canada
February 12, 2014 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is pleased to announce the election of Philippe Gadbois as the new Chair of the HAC Board of Directors. Mr. Gadbois’ new role is effective as of the Association’s Annual General Meeting held in Toronto on Tuesday February 11, 2014. « more »
Philippe Gadbois assume le rôle en tant que nouveau président du conseil d’administration de l'association des hôtels du Canada
Le 12 février 2014 – Ottawa – L'association des hôtels du Canada (AHC) est heureuse d'annoncer l'élection de Philippe Gadbois comme nouveau président du conseil d'administration de l’AHC. Le nouveau rôle de M. Gadbois est en vigueur depuis l'assemblée générale annuelle de l'association qui s’est tenue à Toronto le mardi 11 février 2014. « suite »
Gateway to Growth | Canadian Tourism Industry Annual Report (Winter 2013)
This year’s version of the Annual Report on the Tourism Industry will feature a new focus on tourism’s role in Canada’s overall economy. TIAC has worked in partnership with the CTC, Visa Canada and HLT Consulting to create this at-a-glance collection of industry statistics. As in previous years, this document can act as a reference piece for industry, key decision makers, business media and politicians. « more »
National Roundtable on Travel & Tourism (NRTT)
On November 14 the National Roundtable on Travel and Tourism (NRTT), comprising the HAC, TIAC, the National Airlines Council, the Airports Council of Canada and the International Air Transport Association met with the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Toronto MPs. Please find attached the presentation given, including the proposal of increased marketing funding for the United States market. « more »
The HAC Announces the 2013 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence Recipients
November 21, 2013 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is pleased to announce the 2013 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence winners. « more »
From The Globe & Mail: Tourism boom misses Canada
November 14, 2013 – Canada boasts world-class destinations such as the Rockies and Niagara Falls, but it’s missing out on a global tourism boom, costing the economy billions of dollars a year. The number of international visitors to Canada has plunged 20 per cent since 2000 even as global travel soars, according to a sobering report being released Thursday by Deloitte Canada. « more »
From the Financial Post: Sunquest Vacations to start selling packaged vacations from U.S. airports
November 13, 2013 – If you can’t beat them, join them — that’s what travel tour operator Sunquest Vacations plans to do this winter as Canadians continue to flock to U.S. airports in search of cheaper flights and holiday packages. « more »
Update on funding for Destination Marketing Programs (DMPs)
November 7, 2013 – Ottawa – Further to the communication on June 19, 2013, the HAC is pleased to provide you with an update on funding for Destination Marketing Programs (DMPs). « more »
Fournir une mise à jour surle financement des programmes de marketing de destination (PMD)
Le 7 novembre 2013 – Ottawa – Suite à la communication le 19 juin 2013, l’AHC est heureuse de vous fournir une mise à jour sur le financement des programmes de marketing de destination (PMD). « suite »
The HAC responds to Public Works and Government Services regarding business class room categories and the government decision to remove the business category from the bid process
October 23, 2013 – Ottawa – This is further to my letter to you dated May 8, 2013 (attached) regarding business class room categories and now the government decision to remove the business category from the bid process. Hotels must have the ability to have control over how they identify their own room type descriptions and differentiation. The trend in the hotel business is multiple room types and levels driven by demand for open concept suites similar to homes. « more »
May 8, 2013 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada is pleased to respond on behalf of the lodging industry in Canada. Each hotel brand, and individual hotels within those brands, defines their room product and required inventory of that room product in each location based on a variety of factors. « more »
UNWTO Release: Visa facilitation: Stimulating economic growth and development through tourism
The United Nations World Tourism Organization has released the Study “Visa Facilitation: Stimulating Economic Growth and Development Through Tourism”. It focusses on the economic opportunities derived from Visa facilitation. It supports the Hotel Association of Canada Government Relations/Advocacy Campaign in conjunction with our partners to enhance access to Canada. It underscores our HAC Grassroots argument for enhanced Visas including eVisas, reciprocity arrangements and broadening waiver status. « more »
President and CEO to step down on Dec. 31 after 10-year term at the pinnacle of Canadian tourism
After leading the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) for a full two terms of service, the CTC's President and CEO Michele McKenzie announced today to her team that she will be leaving her post effective December 31, 2013. « more »
Time to grow international air traffic to and through Canada
Improvements to the visa regime will improve Canada’s image abroad, increase trade links and provide a much-needed boost to the prospects of Canada’s aviation sector with little financial investment required by the Government of Canada. It’s a no-brainer. « more »
Growing Canada’s Economy: A New National Air Transportation Policy
Air policy in Canada underwent significant change that benefited air passengers through growth and renewal of the air infrastructure in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite these benefits, Canada’s air transportation sector has yet to fulfill its potential. This report aims to assess the potential of the Canadian air transportation industry in light of a new National Air Transportation Policy that will allow the industry to be more competitive. « more »
The HAC and The Canadian Chamber of Commerce join forces to create "Restoring Canadian Tourism: A Discussion Paper"
For six decades Canada has been one of the world’s premier tourism locations. Today, the industry contributes $84.8 billion to the economy and drives private sector growth and jobs in all regions of the country. It is also a sector that could contribute even more to the Canadian economy, given the right policy environment. « more »
Call for entries now open for the 2013 HAC Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence
The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is now accepting entries for the 2013 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence. In its tenth year the Hall of Fame Awards program continues the Association’s tradition of acknowledging the strong standards and values of those involved in and with the lodging industry. « more »
From the Desk of the President
July 2013 – Ottawa – The Canadian tourism industry is at a crossroads. We are not attracting enough people to travel to Canada and are creating barriers to their arrival. In 2012, the Canadian tourism industry was worth $84.8 billion. Tourism’s contribution to the GDP is worth more than agriculture, fisheries and forestry combined. « more »
Is Canada Open for Business?
July 9, 2013 – Ottawa – The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) now have an example where Canadian officials are telling people, in writing, not to travel to Canada. TIAC has received a copy of a written response sent by Immigration Section at the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia telling those requesting Canadian visitor visas to take their business elsewhere. « more »
Is Canada Open for Business?
July 9, 2013 – Ottawa – The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) now have an example where Canadian officials are telling people, in writing, not to travel to Canada. TIAC has received a copy of a written response sent by Immigration Section at the Canadian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia telling those requesting Canadian visitor visas to take their business elsewhere. « more »
From Statistics Canada - National Tourism Indicators, First Quarter 2013
Tourism spending in Canada rose 0.1% in the first quarter, as higher spending by international visitors in Canada offset lower spending by Canadians at home. After average quarterly gains of 0.9% from the third quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2011, growth in tourism demand slowed down. Since the beginning of 2012, tourism demand has increased on average 0.3% per quarter. « more »
CBRE Hotels Canada – 2013 National Hotel Outlook
Canadian hotel investment remained strong in 2012 amidst macroeconomic uncertainty. « more »
Federal Tourism Strategy 2012 Annual Report
June 2013 – This first annual report reviews activities from the time the strategy was launched in October 2011 to the end of December 2012. Organized under the four priorities, the report sets out the progress the various departments and agencies have made toward fulfilling their commitments. Each section also outlines other federal activities that were carried out to support tourism throughout the period. The annual report then looks ahead to work that will maintain the momentum achieved in the strategy’s first 15 months to address the evolving needs of industry and seize opportunities as they arise. « more »
Wanted: Outstanding Businesses and People
June 14, 2013 – Are you one of Canada's tourism aces? Is your company one of the hidden gems in Canada's travel and tourism industry? TIAC is looking for the most outstanding businesses, places, events and people for the 2013 Canadian Tourism Awards. « more »
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Goes To Bat For Tourism
June 2013 – The Hotel Association of Canada is welcoming the Canadian Chamber of Commerce decision to give a weighty shot in the arm to the association’s efforts to convince members of Parliament that this country’s efforts to attract more tourists need a hefty infusion of cash. « more »
The HAC Responds to Parks Canada Freezing Lockage Fees on Canals
May 15, 2013 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada congratulates the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, on his announcement yesterday to freeze the recreational lockage fees along Canada’s historic canals. « more »
How Far Have We Come?
Economic issues are consistently making headlines around the world, and some may say environmental concerns seem to have taken a back seat in recent years; at least in terms of media and government attention. However, six years of environmental data from the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) Annual Travel Intentions Surveys show that travellers regularly expect properties to be environmentally sensitive, despite where the issue falls in national importance. « more »
Qu’avons-nous réalisé?
Les questions économiques font constamment les gros titres à travers le monde, et certains peuvent dire que les préoccupations environnementales semblent avoir pris un siège arrière ces dernières années; au moins en termes d’attention des médias et du gouvernement. Cependant, six années de données environnementales de l’ enquête annuelle sur les intentions de voyage de l'association des hôtels du Canada (AHC) montrent que les voyageurs s'attendent régulièrement que les propriétés soient sensible à l’environnement, peu importe où la question relève en importance nationale. « suite »
Current & timely research information on the state of the Canadian and Global tourism industry courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission
International tourist arrivals grew by 4% in 2012 to reach 1.035 billion, according to the January UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Emerging economies (+4.1%) regained the lead over advanced economies (+3.6%), with Asia and the Pacific showing the strongest results. Growth is expected to continue in 2013 only slightly below the 2012 level (+3% to +4%) and in line with UNWTO long term forecast to 2030 and which is expected to average +3.8% per year between 2010 and 2020. « more »
On April 29, 2013 the Government of Canada announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The HAC has responded.
May 10, 2013 – Ottawa – Dear Minister Kenney and Minister Finley, This is further to the changes announced April 29, 2013 to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has become a life saver for the hotel industry which has allowed hotels to stabilize their business and retain domestic employees. Furthermore we encourage the Government of Canada to address any abuses in the Program while allowing it to remain as flexible as possible to allow employers to meet their labour needs. « more »
The PWGSC is seeking assistance from the HAC
Public Works and Government Services Canada is seeking assistance from the HAC in determining which would be the most common services that are offered with Business Class rooms. These services should be at no extra cost and would be additional to the services offered for the Standard Guest Rooms. The intent is to list these services in the Directory for establishments that provide Business Class Rooms so that employees can make better informed decisions in deciding if a Business Class room is needed and more cost effective based on what services are offered versus a Standard room. Read the HAC’s response.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: The Future Growth & Competitiveness of Canadian Air Travel
Airports play a vital role in Canada’s transportation network. They enable ease of access for all sectors and industries in our country. Large international airports in Canadian cities link Canada to international destinations and markets, while regional airports feed these large airports. In Canada’s North, airports are the most important infrastructure used to connect the enormous and sparsely populated territory. « more »
The HAC responds to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program issue
April 16, 2013 – Dear Minister Kenney and Minister Finley, The Hotel Association of Canada is the national organization representing all of the lodging industry across Canada. As you know the Temporary Foreign Worker Program plays a critical role in all our operations across Canada in both urban and rural areas. « more »
From the Desk of the President
In 2013, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) celebrates its Centennial Anniversary, and as I reflect on all the activities we have undertaken as an Association, I believe one of the significant contributions in recent years is the Annual HAC Travel Intentions Survey. This survey provides us with guidance, insight and knowledge of the travellers we serve. « more »
En 2013, l'association des hôtels du Canada (AHC) célèbre son centenaire, et pendant que je réfléchis à toutes les activités que nous avons enterprises comme association, je crois que l'une des contributions significatives de ces dernières années est l'enquête annuelle de l’AHC sur les intentions de voyage. Cette étude nous fournit des conseils, la perspicacité et la connaissance des voyageurs que nous servons. « suite »
2013 Federal Budget Analysis from the Hotel Association of Canada
The new federal budget was tabled in Parliament today. It can be characterized as “Staying the Course” towards a balanced budget in 2015 by eliminating the $26 billion deficit to coincide with the next federal election on October 19, 2015. « more »
The HAC Partners with emerit Training Solutions to Offer Online Sensitivity Training Nationwide
An aging population is leading to an increase in seniors travelling and looking to stay at properties that are able to meet or exceed their needs and expectations. According to the 2012-13 ITB Travel Trend report 10% of all world travelers are looking for “barrier free” or “accessible” travel options. The report also found that 48% of this group would be apt to travel more if their accessibility concerns were addressed, and 60% of that group would even pay more for that service and accessibility. This burgeoning market presents hoteliers with a great opportunity to align their operations with this growing demographic. « more »
The Green Standard
February 26, 2013 – The rising number of green hotel certifications can confuse the process of evaluating properties for their sustainability practices. In taking on that task for Carlson Rezidor Americas two years ago, Brenda Schultz, director of responsible business, vetted various programs for the company's North American hotels, which include the Radisson and Park Plaza brands. « more »
Business and leisure travel is picking up - The latest results from the 2013 Travel Intentions Survey
February 19, 2013 – Ottawa – The latest results from the 2013 HAC Canadian Travel Intentions Survey show that business and leisure travel is projected to be up two per cent in 2013. Eighty-two percent of business travellers said they would be doing more or the same amount of business travel in Canada in 2013 as they did in 2012 with the highest percentage coming from Ontario. Eighty-four percent of leisure travellers said they will be travelling more or the same for vacation this year. « more »
Les voyage d'affaires et de loisirs sont en hausse (s’améliorent) – Les derniers résultats de l'enquête 2013 sur les intentions de voyage
Le 19 Février 2013 – Ottawa – Les derniers résultats de l'enquête canadienne de l’AHC sur les intentions de voyage 2013 montrent que les voyages d'affaires et de loisirs sont en hausse de deux pour cent en 2013. Quatre-vingt deux pour cent des voyageurs d'affaires ont indiqué qu'ils feraient plus ou la même quantité de voyages d'affaires au Canada en 2013, comme ils ont fait en 2012 avec le pourcentage le plus élevé en provenance de l’Ontario. Quatre-vingt quatre pour cent des voyageurs de loisirs ont dit qu'ils voyageront davantage ou de même pour des vacances cette année. « suite »
From Statistics Canada - Travel between Canada and other countries, December 2012
Travel from Canada to the United States rose 1.8% in December to 4.7 million trips. This included nearly 2.0 million overnight trips in December, the highest figure since record-keeping began in 1972. Overnight travel by car (+3.7%) and by plane (+1.8%) to the United States increased. Canadian residents also made 2.7 million same-day car trips to the United States, a 0.6% increase from November. Travel to overseas countries from Canada remained unchanged from November at 808,000 trips.
In the opposite direction, travel to Canada from the United States rose 1.7% to 1.7 million trips. Overnight travel from the United States rose 1.7% to 985,000 trips, mainly because of a 5.3% increase in overnight plane trips. Automobile travel from the United States declined in December as US residents took 0.2% fewer overnight car trips and 3.3% fewer same-day car trips. Travel from overseas countries to Canada increased 0.8% from November to 393,000 trips. In December, 9 of the top 12 overseas markets recorded increases in travel to Canada. The largest percentage increases were in travel from India (+12.5%) and China (+9.4%).
More Cross-Border Shopping for Less Expensive Airline Tickets - Latest Results From 2013 Canadian Travel Intentions Survey
February 13, 2013 – Ottawa – Half of Canadian travellers have gone or plan to go to the U.S. to buy cheaper airline tickets, says data released today from the Hotel Association of Canada’s (HAC) 2013 Canadian Travel Intentions Survey. « more »
Plus d’achats transfrontaliers pour les billets d'avion moins chers
Derniers résultats de l'enquête canadienne sur les intentions de voyage 2013
Le 13 Février 2013 – Ottawa – La moitié des voyageurs canadiens sont allés ou prévoient d'aller aux États-Unis pour acheter des billets d'avion à meilleur marché, affirme les données de l’enquête canadienne sur les intentions de voyage 2013 publiées aujourd'hui par l'association des hôtels du Canada (AHC). « suite »
The Hotel Association of Canada celebrates 100 years of shaping the Canadian lodging industry
February 7, 2013 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is celebrating its Centennial Anniversary in 2013. In honour of the occasion, hoteliers from across Canada were invited to a special centennial dinner celebration marking the long history of Canadian Lodging Industry and the HAC’s role in it followed by its national conference on February 4 & 5 at the Toronto Hilton Hotel. « more »
From the Desk of the President
January 28, 2013 – Ottawa – Some months ago when we started planning the HAC's 100th Anniversary, we decided that the best way to celebrate the anniversary was to tell the history of our industry and the HAC's role in it. « more »
The HAC Announces 2012 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence Recipients
January 24, 2013 – Ottawa – The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has announced the 2012 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence winners. « more »
For older HAC news please visit the News & Resources page.
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