Forward Motion

In this episode, host Andrew Siegwart is joined by Vinay Sharda, President of Destination Markham Corporation; Councillor Andrew Keyes, City of Markham Councillor and Chair of Destination Markham; and Jeff Atkinson of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, President of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham.

Together, they explore why moving the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy from Toronto’s Exhibition Place to Markham represents much...

Artificial intelligence is transforming tourism, but it is only one part of a much larger technological shift.

In this episode of Forward Motion, Andrew Siegwart is joined by Mike Jacobs, founder of The New Business and Whereabouts, to explore how emerging technology is changing the way tourism businesses operate, market themselves and connect with visitors.

The conversation moves beyond the hype surrounding AI to examine what these ...

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the tragic events at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the injuries sustained, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those affected. Our thoughts are also with everyone in attendance, the festival organizers, volunteers, performers, vendors, and the first responders who responded so quickly and pro...

As Ontario embraces being one of the hosts for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Forward Motion continues its Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™ series, celebrating the countries, cultures, and communities that will be part of the tournament experience in Toronto.

In this episode, host Andrew Siegwart speaks with Viviane Sinan, Vice President of ACIRT (Association de la Communauté Ivoirienne de la Région de Toronto), about the Ivorian community&rsquo...

As Ontario prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Forward Motion continues its Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™ series, celebrating the countries, cultures, and communities that will be part of the tournament experience in Toronto.

In this episode, host Andrew Siegwart speaks with Anne Wagner-Mitchell, Consul General of Germany in Toronto, about the deep ties between Germany and Ontario, including the more than 1 millio...

As Ontario prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026™, Forward Motion launches its Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™ series, celebrating the countries, cultures, and communities that will be part of the tournament experience in Toronto.

In this episode, host Andrew Siegwart speaks with Daniela Colic, Chargé d’affaires, a.i. for Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canada, about the deep ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Onta...

In this episode of Forward Motion, Andrew Siegwart sits down with Johanna Griggs to explore the growing connection between tourism, economic development, and investment attraction.

Drawing from her experience across municipal, provincial, and national tourism development, Johanna shares how tourism has evolved far beyond traditional marketing into a powerful tool for community regeneration, infrastructure growth, talent attraction, ...

This episode of Forward Motion dives into a growing challenge we've been hearing more and more about from operators in Northwestern Ontario. Andrew speaks with Laurie Marcil, Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association, about how U.S. angling guides are increasingly bringing clients deep into Canadian border waters—profiting from a “Canadian experience” while ...

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 Siegwart speaks with Dr. John Smol, one of Canada's leading enviro...

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...

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 touris...

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 Spar...

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 dis...

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...

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...

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 infrastruc...

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...

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 impo...

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 engagemen...