Forward Motion
Forward Motion
Podcast Description
Welcome to Forward Motion, the official podcast of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This is your go-to destination for insightful conversations, expert perspectives, and inspiring stories that drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward.Each episode, Andrew Siegwart sits down with industry leaders, policymakers, business owners, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of tourism in Ontario. We’ll explore key trends, innovative strategies, and the challenges and opportunities facing our sector—from sustainability and workforce development to marketing, accessibility, and the latest government policies.Whether you're a tourism operator, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the industry, Forward Motion keeps you informed and inspired. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that make Ontario a world-class destination.Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward.Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on key themes like sustainability, workforce development, marketing strategies, and significant government policy impacts on tourism. Specific episode examples include discussions on the economic implications of the Ontario election on tourism and initiatives to enhance transportation infrastructure and improve workforce challenges.
Welcome to Forward Motion, the official podcast of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This is your go-to destination for insightful conversations, expert perspectives, and inspiring stories that drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward.
Each episode, Andrew Siegwart sits down with industry leaders, policymakers, business owners, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of tourism in Ontario. We’ll explore key trends, innovative strategies, and the challenges and opportunities facing our sector—from sustainability and workforce development to marketing, accessibility, and the latest government policies.
Whether you’re a tourism operator, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the industry, Forward Motion keeps you informed and inspired. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that make Ontario a world-class destination.
Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward.
Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!
Toronto’s visitor economy is the focus of this week’s guest, Kelly Jackson, Vice President of Destination Development at Destination Toronto. Listen in, while they unpack Toronto’s record-breaking 2025: 28.2 million visitors, $9.1 billion in visitor spending, and nearly $13.5 billion in total economic impact. Kelly explains how Toronto’s inclusive, globally connected yet distinctly Canadian identity, strong business events sector, and investment in experiences—from concerts and sports to culinary and culture—have driven growth, especially from international markets like the UK and Germany.
They explore market diversification, air access challenges (including Asia and US routes), and the softening US market, along with a strategic shift toward targeting travelers by passion points rather than geography. Kelly highlights Toronto’s knowledge economy as a competitive advantage for attracting major conventions, the broader benefits that spill into regions across Ontario, and the city’s preparations for hosting FIFA World Cup 2026™ and a new 10‑year visitor economy master plan.
Forward Motion thanks its partners for their support of this show:
Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly
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Disclaimer
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