On October 1st, the GTAA was pleased to have the opportunity to appear before the Ontario Tourism Competitiveness hearings. Lorrie McKee, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the GTAA spoke on the airport authority’s desire to help promote tourism in Ontario and highlighted the work that already is being done to help make Toronto Pearson more competitive.

The goal of the hearings, led by MPP Greg Sorbara, is to study the Ontario tourism; identify the best prospects for growth in Ontario; and develop an action plan to see that tourism continues to be a key contributor to Ontario’s economic prosperity.

Ms. McKee started her remarks by stating that a healthy and successful aviation industry can and should be a catalyst for tourism. With the 10-year redevelopment program completed at Toronto Pearson, the GTAA has embarked on a renewed strategic direction and has taken a more pro-active approach to working with stakeholders in the tourism sector.

To this end, the GTAA has embarked on new initiatives with the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, Tourism Toronto, Ontario Tourism, and Air Canada. Support also has been given to tourist and cultural events such as the FIFA Under 20 World Cup, the 2008 Grey Cup, NXNE, and CONTACT Photography Festival to name a few.

Ms. McKee pointed out to the hearing that in essence, Toronto Pearson links our province to every corner of the world. The airport provides essential infrastructure to Ontario’s tourism industry and this responsibility is taken very seriously.

A main focus of the GTAA’s position is that competitiveness is dependent on improved transit access to the airport. A fixed rail link from downtown to Toronto Pearson would do much to alleviate congestion to and from the airport and provide connecting passengers the ability to visit downtown Toronto during layovers at the airport.

Toronto Pearson connects business, families and visitors from all corners of the world. Toronto Pearson is a gateway to the world for both business and for leisure travellers who are at the very heart of the tourism industry. For this reason, the GTAA was very pleased to be able to present at the hearing and looks forward to working with this group as they continue this important study and work towards increasing tourism and competitiveness that will benefit all of Ontario.