Thank you for your membership and support of OMCA.

This week, I was pleased to confirm MCC/OMCA’s participation on the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Recovery Committee. This strategic advisory committee is informed by a dedicated group of industry leaders representing all sectors of the tourism economy and chaired by TIAC’s Board Chair. Members include representatives from; destinations, attractions, festivals and events, conventions, hotels, tour operators, airports, airlines and now motor coach and group travel.

Last week, Dr. Tam released a report that noted when 75% of adult Canadians have received their first vaccine, and 20% have received both shots, restrictions can be eased without the fear of overwhelming our healthcare system. While this week, the Federal government confirmed that Canada will align policy on ‘vaccine passports’ with international allies.

While both announcements give reason for us to be cautiously optimistic, we know that many communities are still dealing with increasing case counts and limited access to vaccines. These factors do increase the uncertainty over travel resuming for the summer season. However, we can all play a part in reaching the 75% marker, so please roll up your sleeves and encourage your friends, coworkers and families to do the same.

OMCA’s dedicated team continues to advocate on behalf of our members. We are here to support your businesses and to support the restart of the travel economy. Over the next few weeks, we will be releasing a few surveys to get a pulse on what is working and where we will need to focus to support our members. Please take the time to fill these surveys in, the data is vital in our advocacy efforts.

For quick daily updates, please remember to connect with us on Twitter. If you are not a member and wish to learn more about the benefits of joining OMCA, please contact us. Take care and stay well.