Tourism minister plans meetings in border communities

Ontario Tourism Minister Brian Coburn announced today that his ministry is holding special meetings with tourism operators in border communities to discuss how they're being affected by the war in Iraq.

Speaking at a Tourism Federation of Ontario forum in Orillia, Coburn also said that hours of operation may be extended at travel information centres if border-crossing delays become significant.

The following is a news release issued today by Coburn's office:

***************************************************************** Eves government to work with tourism industry to deal with impact of war in Iraq

ORILLIA, ON, March 25 - The Eves government will work with Ontario's tourism industry to deal with the impacts of the war in Iraq, Tourism and Recreation Minister Brian Coburn told the Tourism Federation of Ontario's 5th Annual Forum here today.

"Ontario continues to be an affordable and welcoming destination for tourists from Canada and the United States," Coburn said.

"The Eves government will work with our tourism industry as it faces the challenges created by tightened borders because of war, and is partnering with the industry to develop a long-term strategy for success."

The Ministry of Tourism and Recreation (MTR) will be monitoring impacts on the industry and continuing its strong marketing, media relations and advertising campaigns targeting the domestic and U.S. border market.

Minister Coburn announced that he is appointing a committee of industry leaders to advise him during this situation and said his ministry would provide bulletins to keep the industry informed of any significant developments.

In addition, Coburn told the travel industry operators that the ministry is holding a series of meetings with operators in border communities to discuss the situation facing them as a result of the war in Iraq.

MTR also has contingency plans for extending the hours of operation for travel information centres if wait times at border crossings become significant.

Coburn said the initiatives being taken by his ministry complement the provincial government strategy to facilitate border crossing with traffic management, additional OPP command centres and the establishment of pre-processing centres at major border crossings.

In addition, MTR, in partnership with the industry, is committed to developing a long-term strategy for the tourism industry, addressing needs that include quality service, training, investment, research and product development and positioning the industry as a vital economic driver.

"Tourism is important to the Orillia area, where we are developing an increasing number of four-season attractions, which create jobs and boost the local economy," said Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop.

"I am pleased that the Eves government is taking steps to deal with the challenges faced by the industry and to ensure the growth of tourism across the province."

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