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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

00:53:43

Ontario’s Lakes Are Changing. Here’s What It Means...

Forward Motion ·

2026/04/22

Water is Ontario's most powerful tourism asset. Our 250,000 lakes drive billions in visitor spending every year — from angling and paddling to cottage country getaways and waterfront dining. But those lakes are changing in ways that are already affecting visitor experience, destination appeal, and long-term business viability. In this Earth Day episode, Andrew Seigwert speaks with Dr. John Smol, one of Canada's leading environmental scientists to understand what's happening beneath the surface, and

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00:44:21

Beyond the Matches: FIFA World Cup 2026™ and...

Forward Motion ·

2026/04/17

Andrew Siegwart explores what the FIFA World Cup 2026™ means for Ontario’s tourism industry and how destinations can leverage this once-in-a-generation opportunity.Andrew is joined by Alex Mazanik of Context Research Group’s (CRG), who shares insights from a market intelligence study commissioned by Destination Ontario. Based on a survey of 1,400 likely FIFA World Cup 2026™ visitors, the research examines how travellers are planning their trips and what will influence where they go beyond

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00:33:53

Ontario Budget 2026: Tourism’s Role in Ontario’s Economy

Forward Motion ·

2026/03/26

This week’s episode of Forward Motion: The Ontario Tourism Podcast is a little different. Instead of an interview, host Andrew Siegwart shares some personal reflections as Ontario prepares to release its 2026 provincial budget, and what the tourism industry should be watching for.Drawing on conversations with industry leaders, recent government announcements, and the priorities outlined in Ontario’s new tourism strategy, Andrew offers an insider perspective on how tourism fits into the province’s

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00:54:26

Elevating Black Tourism Experiences in Ontario

Forward Motion ·

2026/03/12

Andrew Siegwart explores how Black tourism in Ontario is evolving from a niche offering to an essential driver of both culture and the visitor economy.Guests Dionne Bishop (Events by Dionne Inc.) and Emma Rowley (Ontario’s Southwest) share their career paths in tourism and discuss how the Black Tourism Working Group organically grew into the Black Tourism Alliance of Ontario. They highlight the impact of the Black Tourism Spark Program, which has helped catalyze new Black-owned restaurants,

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01:09:43

Kelly Jackson on Toronto’s Visitor Boom, FIFA World...

Forward Motion ·

2026/03/05

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

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00:39:14

Danny Murrell and The Story Behind Hospitality...

Forward Motion ·

2026/02/23

We explore the origins and impact of Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day in Ontario through the story of Danny Murrell, founder and CEO of Harrison Staffing. Host Andrew Siegwart traces Danny’s journey from an international student at the University of Toronto—who stumbled into catering to pay the bills—to a purpose-driven entrepreneur building a people-first staffing company.Danny shares how early frontline experiences in serving and janitorial work shaped his belief in dignity, respect, and

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00:50:47

Ready for What’s Next: Sebastian Benedict on the...

Forward Motion ·

2026/02/12

Canada’s tourism industry is emerging from recovery into a high-stakes transition, and TIAC President & CEO Sebastian Benedict argues that the sector is both underestimated and ready. In conversation with Andrew Siegwart, he traces his path from political staffer and lobbyist to national tourism advocate, explaining how listening to operators across Canada has shaped his agenda. Despite headlines about record visitor spending, he notes that many SMEs still struggle with labour shortages, access

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00:53:21

Special Edition: Andrew Interviewed

Forward Motion ·

2025/12/28

Andrew Siegwart, President of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario is interviewed by Samuel Miele and discussed the development of a five-year tourism strategy to address regional needs and economic conditions. The strategy includes forming strategic working groups and an alignment council to prioritize initiatives and measure success. Andrew emphasized the importance of diversifying tourism investments, including infrastructure and capital incentives, to attract both domestic and

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00:59:50

Tomorrow's Tourism Talent: Challenges and...

Forward Motion ·

2025/12/11

Dr. Chris Gibbs from Toronto Metropolitan University joins Andrew to explore the critical challenges facing tourism talent development. Drawing from his extensive experience, Gibbs discusses the evolving expectations of students, who are increasingly motivated by financial stability and career growth opportunities.The conversation covers the shifting dynamics of workforce recruitment, highlighting the need for employers to adapt to a new generation of workers who prioritize work-life balance and

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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32 results

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