Dear TIAC Member/Supporter:

As our members and as tourism businesses across the country, TIAC is asking for your help to make the case for more funding to market Canada as a tourism destination.

As you may know, the Canadian Tourism Commission had its funding cut significantly in this year's federal budget. The proposed CTC budget for 2013/14 is $57.8 million - a decrease of 41.5% in just a decade.

Funding the CTC is more important than ever. Tourism continues to grow globally, but Canada's share continues to erode. We have slipped from 7th to 18th in the world for international visitors and we are one of only five countries to experience a drop in arrivals in the last 10 years. With less money to promote Canada in key markets, we will unquestionably struggle to take advantage of the growth in international travel.

As tourism business people, you make vital contributions to the Canadian economy, creating jobs - over 600 000 across the country - and creating more than $78.8 billion in economic activity.

TIAC speaks to MPs in Ottawa regularly on your behalf, and has consistently made the case that we need increased funding for our national tourism marketing activities. Now, we need your help to strengthen our case, and to personalize our argument.

As the tourism industry's front line representatives, you give a face to the story of how important our sector is in your community. Your voice will give urgency to the industry's call for a competitively-funded CTC.

As such, we're asking you to contribute a few moments of your time to help us make the case for increased funding more compelling. As elected officials increasingly hear this message - especially from those in their own communities - our chances of success increase.

Here's how you can help:

• Only have a minute?  Fill in our template letter to automatically send an email to your MP.
• Have a bit more time? You can follow up your letter with a meeting with your MP to discuss this very real threat to the industry. TIAC has an online advocacy centre with tips on scheduling a meeting with your MP, tips on conducting an effective meeting, talking points and an information kit to leave with your MP.

By the end of the session, we hope to have sent 5,000 emails and have had meetings between industry members and MPs in every region of the country. We need you to encourage your colleagues in the industry to join TIAC and get involved.

Over the course of the summer you will be receiving campaign updates from Adrienne Foster who is managing this campaign. If you have any questions please feel free to contact her at [email protected] or (613) 238-6378.

On behalf of the industry, thank you in advance for your invaluable contribution.

Sincerely,

David F. Goldstein
President & CEO