Respond, Restart & Recover Plan
On October 15th we released an update version of our Respond, Restart & Recover Plan, our map to responding and recovering from COVID-19 in the Tourism & Hospitality industry; this edition more-so addressing the Restart phase. Please click here to review the updated plan.
ORHMA Webinar
On Wednesday June 17th Tourism Windsor Essex held an information & Q&S session with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association and local tourism & hospitality partners on the affects of COVID-19 on the industry and resources available.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to participate you can CLICK HERE to view the session.
ACCESS TO PPE
Access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) has been highlighted as one of the top roadblocks in reopening businesses. Click the button below for a list of businesses in Windsor Essex that are currently selling PPE.
Provider |
Phone |
Supplies available |
| Bull & Barrel/The G.O.A.T | ppeonline.ca | Masks, Sanitization, Eye Protection, Gowns, Coveralls, Gloves, Sneeze or Counter Guards |
| Dynamic Design | 519-254-4367 | Masks, Gloves |
| M&M Designs | 519-982-5252 | Masks, Face Shields |
| Smartex | 800-387-4478 | Masks, Face Shields, Goggles |
| Wolfhead Distillery | 519-726-1111 | Sanitizer |
| Windsor Beauty Supply | 519-944-2300 | Masks, Sanitization, Gloves, Sneeze or Counter Guards |
| Macsomo Distributors | 519-980-1456 | Masks, Sanitization, Gloves, Sneeze or Counter Guards |
| Essex Weld Solutions Ltd.Supplies | 416-206-5499 | Masks, Eye Protection, Gowns and Coveralls |
| Talbot Marketing | 800-265-2607 | Masks, Eye Protection, Gloves, Sneeze or Counter Guards |
| Apex Health & Safety | 519-852-0021 | Masks, Sanitization, Eye Protection, Gowns, Coveralls, Gloves, Sneeze or Counter Guards |
Click here for a listing of additional PPE providers within Ontario. Note: You must click on the Terms of Use first.
SAFE TRAVEL CERTIFICATION
Businesses can now get a self-certified Safe Travels Stamp based on worldwide industry protocols the World Travel & Tourism Council has put together for every aspect of the hospitality and tourism sector.
They have done this in conjunction with our industry, including the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island was the first DMO in Ontario to receive their Safe Travels stamp, and we encourage you to apply today for the opportunity to be engaged in this valuable visitor education program.
- To apply, please click here.
- For further guidelines, please click here.
- For terms and conditions, please click here.
- For more information on the program, please click here and for a list of approved Safe Travels Stamp applicants in Ontario, please click here.
Strategic partner RESPONSE
Tourism Windsor Essex partners with Ontario Southwest (RTO1-SWOTC) on a strategic research project to see how the pandemic has impacted travel intentions in 2020 in Windsor Essex, Southwestern Ontario,and the Province of Ontario. The results have been released and are available below:
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) hosts weekly calls for the opportunity for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Calls generally take place on Tuesdays at 3pm.
LATEST SURVEY RESULTS
- The results from the seventh TIAO survey on the industry impact due to COVID-19 are available, specific to RTO 1 (Ontario Southwest including Windsor Essex). Click here to download the PDF file.
- The results from the seventh TIAO survey on the industry impact due to COVID-19 are available. Click here to download the PDF file.
ADDITIONAL TIAO INFORMATION
- TIAO has released an industry response for economic recovery based on comprehensive information and real-time financial data. To read the report please click here.
- TIAO is also providing a COVID-19 Resources, Updates & News section on their site which also offers a COVID-19 Protocols and Guidelines Resource Centre
W.E Tech Alliance has put together a list of resources (most free or minimal cost) to help you amplify your digital footprint and evolve your business during these challenging times. Click here for their ‘Go Digital With These Tech Tools and Resources’ list.
Destination Ontario has released a report ‘Impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian Economy and Consumer Sentiment’ that helps understand the impact of COVID-19 as of September 17th, 2020 the consumer mindset and to inform marketing recovery strategies moving forward. To view the report please click here.
The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC – RTO1) is providing COVID-19 resources for tourism suppliers
RESOURCES AT A NATIONAL LEVEL
Federal Funding & Support Measures for Businesses
The Government of Canada is providing COVID-19 Resources for Business and a Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
The Business Development Bank of Canada is providing federal and provincial support measures during the pandemic. Click here for more. Timely webinars assisting businesses to adapt and recover can be found here.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has created the Canadian Business Resilience Network offering critical resources to assist businesses through the pandemic.
RE3 (Rebuild, Reopen, Revive) is a government funded program that provides non-repayable performance based contributions up to $5,000 to assist Southern Ontario women-led SMEs rebuild, reopen and revive their businesses. Click here for program details.
Tourism HR is helping the tourism workforce prepare and react.
Assistance for Tour Operators & Small Businesses – click here for details.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has created a COVID-19 resource guide for small businesses.
Restaurant Canada has released the Reopening Best Practices for local restaurants opening and following proper social distancing measures
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has released COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the Global Attractions Industry
TripAdvisor is offering resources for Hospitality, Restaurants, Tour Operators and Experiences
In response to COVID-19 the Hotel Association Canada is offering a guide to enhanced industry-wide hotel cleaning standards and practices, social interactions and workplace protocols.
RESOURCES AT A PROVINCIAL LEVEL
Provincial Supports for Businesses
The Province of Ontario is offering Support for Businesses during the pandemic. Click here for the latest on the COVID-19 emergency status by the province. Click here for the current plans to reopen Ontario after COVID-19
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services is providing resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace. Please click any of the links below for downloadable files for your workplace, as they relate to the Tourism Industry.
- General Health & Safety Guidelines for the Tourism & Hospitality Sector
- Health & Safety Guidelines for Housekeeping and Laundry Employees
- Healthy & Safety Guidelines for Hotel Reception, Room Service & Front Line Staff
- ‘Return To Business’ Checklist
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is providing COVID-19 updates for the agri-food industry
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has created a COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Ontario Businesses
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) is providing COVID-19 updates for BIAs across the province.
Google Business – Make sure you update your Google Business Profile to reflect the current status during COVID-19
The Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Toronto Board of Trade and World Trade Centre, Toronto to offer the Recovery Activation Program (RAP) to non-main street businesses. It is an immersive online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for guidance, mentorship and practical advice on process modernization and end-to-end digital transformation.
Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORMHA) Hospitality Resource Page
In addition ORHMA has released a practical guide and support program for reopening and creating guest confidence. You can find details and relevant information here.
ORHMA has also developed Rules For Opening Ontario’s Indoor Restaurant And Event Areas In Stage 3.
The Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) is providing restaurants with safety guidelines for patio heaters. Click here for more information.
As we move into Stage 3 of re-opening, gatherings including Meetings, Conferences & Social Events will be permitted. To assist, ORHMA has developed the Practical Guide for the Safe Reopening of Meeting and Events in Ontario.
Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) has created a COVID-19 Resources Page for local festivals and events. Please check out their Event Business Disruption and Continuity Planning infographic for additional information.
Ontario Live has created MusicTogether to allow musical artists to put on virtual concerts and get paid for their performance.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has released a set of guidelines detailing a possible COVID-19 Safety Program for stagecraft workers in entertainment venues and workspaces like Theaters and Live Performance Venues. Please click here for more information.
Government of Ontario Resources to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace
The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board is providing COVID-19 updates, including a Financial Relief Package for Businesses
Retail and Professional Services Task Force “how to guide” is a resource that provides procedures and guidelines to help businesses with their recovery efforts as they begin to prepare for reopening.
