November 2nd, 2022

We are a week away from Marketplace 2022 in Niagara Falls and the OMCA team is looking forward to hosting our members and conference delegates for our first post-pandemic in-person Marketplace. This year we are encouraging delegates to bring a pop-up banner for display around the Marketplace event. This will provide additional exposure to participating businesses to help reintroduce your business or destination to new and returning delegates.  I’m personally looking forward to my first in person Marketplace, taking in the educational sessions we have scheduled and to meeting our sponsors and participating members.

If you are unable to take part in this year’s Marketplace, you can still get involved and support us by donating to the OMCA online Silent Auction. Your donation will get the attention of the entire membership as they are encouraged to bid on their favourite items. You can donate today by visiting:  https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/browse.action?auctionId=341700256. The auction is live November 13-16 and proceeds go to OMCA’s development fund. Also, please remember to save the date for Marketplace 2023 which is happening from OCTOBER 15-18, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario.

OMCA continues to advocate for the group tour and motor coach industry. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with both Federal and Provincial Tourism Ministers to reinforce the economic benefits of our industry and to discuss how the governments can support our recovery. OMCA was also invited to speak at the TIAO Summit which provided us the opportunity to enhance our positions and the importance of our member’s businesses.

For those located in Southern Ontario, FedDev has reopened its Tourism Relief Fund for applications until November 28th. Learn more at www.feddevontario.gc.ca.

Hope to see you in Niagara!

Vince Accardi
President, OMCA