Forward Motion

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 S...

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 C...

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 earl...

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 ab...

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 i...

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...

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 importa...

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 ...

In this special live episode, join Ontario tourism leaders Brad Kozak, Trevor Norris and Libby Warden at a live panel moderated by Abdullah el Safadi of Air Canada, where they discuss the evolving landscape of tourism in the province. Key themes include the importance of authentic experiences over technology-driven tourism, the value of storytelling and community connection, and the need for clear communication with visito...

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 a...

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 ...

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, cultura...

Andrew Siegwart hosts a discussion with Aaron Binder and Liliana Locke 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 ...

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 trave...

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 re...

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 touri...

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 inf...

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...

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 Destinatio...