Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

10/23/2026

To every nominee, finalist and winner: thank you for the passion, ambition and leadership you bring to our industry. Together, you are showing what is possible when Ontario tourism continues to Connect & Elevate.

👏 Congratulations to all of our 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence winners!

🔗 Read the full media release:
https://tiaontario.ca/news-articles-and-press-releases/winners-of-the-2026-ontario-tourism-awards-of-excellence-announced

10/23/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence 🏆❤️

From the experiences that inspire visitors to the communities, businesses and leaders making them possible, the Awards celebrate the very best of our industry.

👏 Congratulations to all our 2026 winners and finalists! Your passion, creativity and dedication continue to raise the bar for tourism across the province.😍

Help us celebrate this year’s winners in the comments! 👏

10/22/2026

Day 2 of is all about looking ahead: embracing new ideas, building stronger communities, celebrating local creativity and exploring what it takes to make Ontario an even more welcoming destination.

From the Local Artisan Marketplace to discussions on accessibility, visitor behaviour, leadership and innovation, one thing is clear: our industry’s greatest strength is the people driving it forward.
Here’s to the ideas and connections that will outlast these two days. 🙌
What conversation inspired you most?

📸: 𝐂 𝐎 𝐍 𝐍 𝐎 𝐑

10/22/2026

Meet some of the talented local makers bringing creativity and craftsmanship to .

Eleanor Partridge
Si by Nature : Glass and Bone Art
Sania | Modern Embroidery Sania | Modern Embroidery | Textile Artist 🇨🇦ssClayKaar - Handmade Accessories & GiftsgiFidelis Mancy RochesBougie BirchapTara MorrisanDalhousie Maple Farmd Roanne Thomas || 🇨🇦 mixed media artist & teacher KJane LangillehoKrafts by KellyTokens to good use! A little Summit souvenir, a lot of local love. 🛍️

10/21/2026

Day 1 of the 2026 Ontario Tourism Summit brought together tourism leaders, changemakers, and destination champions from across Ontario for conversations that matter.

From thought-provoking discussions and fresh perspectives to friendly competition (what’s better than a pumpkin carving contest in October 🎃), today reminded us why bringing our industry together is so important.

Because the future of Ontario tourism isn’t built alone. It’s built through the people, partnerships and ideas we share. And we’re only getting started.

What’s been your biggest takeaway from Day 1? 👇

📸: 𝐂 𝐎 𝐍 𝐍 𝐎 𝐑

10/21/2026

🍁 Welcome to the 2026 Ontario Tourism Summit! ✈️

is officially underway in Canada’s capital, bringing together tourism leaders, partners and decision-makers for two days of connection, learning and collaboration.

Today’s conversations span the future of Ontario tourism, investment-ready communities, inclusion, sustainability, tourism research and investment, rural tourism and more.

✨ It’s a strong start to two days focused on what our industry does best: bringing people together, sharing ideas and turning connection into action.

Let’s connect, align and accelerate! 🚀��

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

At , we’re turning connections into opportunities!
Today, closing keynote speaker Daniel Lewis Daniel M. Lewis takes the stage to explore why connection is the new currency and tonight, we’re putting that idea into action. 🤝 🫂

Together with Ottawa Tourism and Destinations International , we’re bringing OTS26 and DI Advocacy Conference delegates together for an evening of networking, new perspectives and meaningful connections with tourism professionals from around the world. 🌎

📱 And don’t forget: every connection could bring you closer to the top of the leaderboard! Keep earning points through the event app and scanning QR codes at designated networking spots.

10/21/2026

What a way to kick off OTS26 in Ottawa! 🇨🇦

Today, tourism leaders from Ontario and around the world came together for Tourism Beyond Borders: Navigating Politics, Policy and Purpose, a special pre-Summit session curated by TIAO and Destinations International and brought to you by Ottawa Tourism.

The afternoon brought important conversations about the forces shaping tourism today, from politics and policy to advocacy, destination leadership and the role our industry plays in building stronger communities and economies.

A big thank you to our speakers, panellists, partners and everyone who joined us for this special afternoon at the National Gallery of Canada.

And we’re just getting started.

Tomorrow, OTS26 officially begins. We can’t wait to welcome Ontario’s tourism industry for two days of ideas, connection, conversation and momentum.

10/20/2026

TIAO is proud to announce Ellie Joseph, Co-Founder of Two Row on the Grand, as the 2026 Tourism Champion of the Year.

A member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River, Ellie has made a lasting impact on Indigenous cultural tourism in Ontario through her leadership, commitment to authenticity and ability to bring people together.

Through Two Row on the Grand, Ellie has helped create one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous-led tourism experiences, connecting participants with Haudenosaunee teachings, treaty relationships, environmental stewardship and community. Her work has strengthened partnerships across the province while advancing reconciliation, sustainability and responsible tourism.

We look forward to celebrating Ellie at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence on October 22 in Ottawa.

Please join us in congratulating Ellie on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full media release: https://tiaontario.ca/news-articles-and-press-releases/ellie-joseph-to-be-honoured-as-tourism-champion-of-the-year-at-the-2026-ontario-tourism-awards-of-excellence

Learn more about Two Row on the Grand: http://www.tworowonthegrand.com/