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PODCAST

Forward Motion

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

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

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

00:46:08

Plate, Policy, and Progress: Inside Canada’s...

Forward Motion ·

2025/11/27

Our guest is Kelly Higginson who provides an in-depth look at Canada’s restaurant industry, revealing the sector’s complex challenges and innovative solutions. Drawing from her extensive experience, Higginson discusses the ongoing struggles with rising input costs, workforce shortages, and the impact of economic pressures on restaurants nationwide.The conversation explores critical issues like immigration cuts, the importance of culinary training programs, and the potential of technology to

en

00:40:54

Burlington's Bold Move: Merging Tourism and Economic...

Forward Motion ·

2025/11/13

Andrew Siegwart is joined by Claire Green from Tourism Burlington to explore the city's innovative approach to destination development. Green shares how Burlington has merged its economic development and tourism departments into a single organization, creating a unified strategy for growth. The discussion highlights the city's new destination stewardship plan, which focuses on marketing, product development, and community engagement.Green explains how Burlington is positioning itself as more than

en

00:32:25

Future Leader Award Recipient Libby Worden: Live with...

Forward Motion ·

2025/10/30

Join Ontario tourism leaders Brad Kozak, Trevor Norris and Libby Warden at a live panel moderated by Abdullah el Safadi of Air Canada.

en

01:19:22

Tourism Champions, Brad Kozak & Trevor Norris are...

Forward Motion ·

2025/10/16

In this two-part episode, Andrew Siegwart celebrates two 2025 Tourism Champions of the Year: Brad Kozak and Trevor Norris, who are transforming Ontario's tourism landscape through innovative approaches.Brad Kozak reveals how his golf tourism platform connects over 50 golf courses and 25 accommodation partners across nine tourism regions, creating a seamless booking and marketing experience. By prioritizing customer needs and leveraging technology, he's revolutionized golf travel in

en

00:55:29

Protecting Destinations: Public Safety in Ontario's...

Forward Motion ·

2025/10/02

Andrew Siegwart leads a powerful discussion on public safety in Ontario's tourism industry. Joined by Deputy Chief Nick Milanovic, Robert Serpe, and Sumeeta Kohli, the conversation delves into critical issues like human trafficking, active shooter preparedness, and community protection.The panel explores the evolving landscape of public safety, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures over reactive responses. They discuss how technology, diverse communities, and changing communication

en

01:10:08

Indigenous Tourism: Stories, Collaboration, and the...

Forward Motion ·

2025/09/18

Andrew Siegwart is joined by Indigenous tourism leaders Kevin Eshkawkogan (Indigenous Tourism Ontario), Henry Tso (Indigenous Tourism British Columbia), and Robert Bernard (Nova Scotia Indigenous Enterprise Network) to discuss the transformative impact of Indigenous tourism in Canada.Kevin, Henry and Robert share their personal journeys into the industry and reflect on how Indigenous tourism fosters reconciliation, cultural revitalization, and local prosperity. The conversation highlights the

en

00:58:10

The Better Way Alliance is Building Ethical...

Forward Motion ·

2025/09/04

Andrew Siegwart hosts a discussion with Aaron Binder and Liliana Camacho of the Better Way Alliance (BWA) on building a fairer, more resilient business ecosystem in Ontario. They explore ethical employment and sustainable business practices. Aaron shares his journey from tour guiding to leading the BWA, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, narrative, and food in tours. Liliana highlights her background in sustainability and the BWA's role in influencing policy. They discuss the fixed cost

en

01:03:33

Cruising Ontario: How Le Boat is Redefining Cottage...

Forward Motion ·

2025/08/21

Lisa McLean, Country Manager of Le Boat Canada, talks to Andrew Siegwart about the company’s rapid growth and the increasing popularity of boat-based vacations in Ontario. Lisa shares her career journey in tourism and explains how Le Boat offers a unique, accessible luxury experience on Ontario’s historic waterways, including the Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway. She highlights shifting travel trends, with more travelers seeking DIY itineraries and authentic local experiences. Lisa discusses

en

00:59:18

Resilience and Opportunity: Inside Ontario’s New...

Forward Motion ·

2025/08/16

Andrew Siegwart welcomes Rebecca MacKenzie and Michael Crockatt, outgoing and incoming chairs of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s board. Together, they reflect on their personal journeys in tourism and discuss the launch of Ontario’s new tourism strategy—a collaborative, industry-led roadmap designed to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability across the province. The conversation explores the sector’s resilience post-pandemic, the growing importance of indigenous and culinary

en

00:55:02

Preserving Ontario’s Past: Heritage, Identity &...

Forward Motion ·

2025/08/07

We spotlight the vital role heritage preservation plays in Ontario’s tourism and community development landscape. Joined by leading experts from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), we explore how protecting our historic buildings goes far beyond aesthetics — it’s about identity, sustainability, and economic opportunity.From the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse to the untapped potential of heritage tourism, this discussion reveals how keeping, fixing, and reusing heritage

en

00:50:21

Guelph's Vision: Innovation, Tourism, and Community...

Forward Motion ·

2025/07/24

Andrew Siegwart interviews Mayor Cam Guthrie of Guelph, Ontario, exploring how the city is setting new standards for mid-sized urban centres. Mayor Guthrie shares his personal journey into municipal leadership and highlights Guelph’s reputation as a sustainability leader and economic innovator. The discussion covers the city’s diverse economy, including its strong agri-food and automotive sectors, and the challenges of infrastructure and housing development. Mayor Guthrie explains how Guelph

en

00:49:41

Michelin Stars and Mega Venues: Shaping Ontario’s...

Forward Motion ·

2025/07/10

Nick Di Donato, President and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, joins Andrew Siegwart to reflect on his journey in the hospitality world. From earning Canada's very first Michelin star to putting Toronto on the global culinary map, Nick shares what it takes to stay at the top in an ever-changing industry. He opens up about the challenges of rising costs—especially with increased minimum wage—and how innovation is helping him adapt. We dive into his ambitious new project at the newly opened

en

00:59:04

The Traveler’s Pulse: Understanding Ontario’s Tourism...

Forward Motion ·

2025/06/26

Andrew Siegwart explores the current state of tourism through a conversation with William Schatten and Alex Mazanik from Context Research Group. The researchers dive into traveler sentiments across Ontario, the United States, and Europe, revealing how geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and changing consumer priorities are reshaping travel decisions.The duo revealed insights, conducted in partnership with Destination Ontario. including a decline in Ontarians' enthusiasm for US travel,

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00:47:48

Beyond the Gold: Kirkland Lake's Economic Renaissance

Forward Motion ·

2025/06/12

Andrew Siegwart interviews Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wight and Economic Development Director Dan Laverdure the town's transformative economic strategy. Kirkland Lake, a historic mining community of about 8,500 people, is reimagining its future by diversifying its economy and revitalizing tourism. The municipality is developing a five-year tourism plan that leverages its rich mining heritage, implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax, and attracting new development through innovative

en

00:47:49

We Stand Together: Inside Destination Ontario’s Bold...

Forward Motion ·

2025/05/29

Andrew Siegwart speaks with Lauchlan Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Ontario, about his journey from academia to leading the province’s tourism marketing strategy. Rogers shares how his early studies in anthropology, human geography, and GIS led him into digital strategy roles and eventually to Destination Ontario, where he advanced from social media advisor to CMO. He reflects on the challenges and innovations during the pandemic, including global content management and recovery

en

00:32:33

Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue...

Forward Motion ·

2025/05/15

Andrew Siegwart sits down with Ashley Salem, operator of Blue Heron Cruises and co-owner of Sweetwater Bay in Tobermory, Ontario. Ashley shares her deep-rooted connection to the region, having spent summers in the area since childhood and working in tourism since 1999.Blue Heron Cruises offers glass-bottom boat tours, sunset cruises, and a new diving and snorkeling experience in the Fathom Five National Marine Park. This year, they're launching Blue Heron Adventures, providing tours for various

en

00:38:57

Playcations and Partnerships: Inside Horseshoe...

Forward Motion ·

2025/05/01

Sarah Tyler is the Marketing Manager at Horseshoe Valley Resort. She shares her love for travel from a young age, recalling creating Lego airports, to becoming a marketing professional, highlighting her background in communications and passion for hospitality.Horseshoe Valley Resort, founded in 1962, has evolved into a four-season destination offering skiing, mountain biking, golf, and live music events. Tyler discusses the resort's strategic approach to guest experiences, focusing on inclusive

en

00:56:11

Queer Commerce, Global Markets: Darrell Schuurman's...

Forward Motion ·

2025/04/17

In this episode of Forward Motion, host Andrew Siegwart interviews Darrell Schuurman, CEO of the CGLCC (Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce), exploring his journey from Alberta's tourism industry to leading a national organization supporting queer-owned businesses. Schuurman discusses the challenges facing the LGBTQI+ community amid recent anti-diversity movements in the US and Canada, highlighting the importance of economic inclusion and supplier diversity. The conversation covers the CGLCC's

en

01:09:45

Personalized, Immersive, and Sustainable: The...

Forward Motion ·

2025/04/03

Troy Young, President and CEO of Attractions Ontario, shared his career journey, starting from his early days at Canada's Wonderland and evolving through various roles, including owning a local newspaper and serving on municipal council. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and being introspective. Young discussed the evolving nature of attractions, highlighting trends like personalized experiences, sustainability, and immersive technology. He also stressed the economic impact of

en

00:50:20

Megan Knott: The All Encompassing DMO, Driving High...

Forward Motion ·

2025/03/20

Tourism Kingston's CEO Megan Knott discusses the transformative power of tourism, highlighting how mid-sized cities like Kingston can leverage strategic partnerships, diverse offerings, and community engagement to drive economic growth and visitor experiences.

en

23 results

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