Episodes

Elevating Black Tourism Experiences in Ontario
March 11, 2026

Elevating Black Tourism Experiences in Ontario

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.
Kelly Jackson on Toronto’s Visitor Boom, FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the Next Decade of Growth
March 5, 2026

Kelly Jackson on Toronto’s Visitor Boom, FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the Next Decade of Growth

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,...
Danny Murrell and The Story Behind Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day
Feb. 23, 2026

Danny Murrell and The Story Behind Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day

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 ...
Ready for What’s Next: Sebastian Benedict on the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry
Feb. 12, 2026

Ready for What’s Next: Sebastian Benedict on the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry

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 ...
Special Edition: Andrew Interviewed
Dec. 27, 2025

Special Edition: Andrew Interviewed

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 str...
Tomorrow's Tourism Talent: Challenges and Opportunities in Education
Dec. 11, 2025

Tomorrow's Tourism Talent: Challenges and Opportunities in Education

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 grow…
Plate, Policy, and Progress: Inside Canada’s Restaurant Landscape with Kelly Higginson
Nov. 26, 2025

Plate, Policy, and Progress: Inside Canada’s Restaurant Landscape with Kelly Higginson

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 on...
Burlington's Bold Move: Merging Tourism and Economic Development
Nov. 13, 2025

Burlington's Bold Move: Merging Tourism and Economic Development

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 dis…
Future Leader Award Recipient Libby Worden: Live with the Tourism Champions
Oct. 29, 2025

Future Leader Award Recipient Libby Worden: Live with the Tourism Champions

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 ...
Tourism Champions, Brad Kozak & Trevor Norris are Reimagining Ontario's Travel Experiences
Oct. 16, 2025

Tourism Champions, Brad Kozak & Trevor Norris are Reimagining Ontario's Travel Experiences

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.
Protecting Destinations: Public Safety in Ontario's Tourism Industry
Oct. 2, 2025

Protecting Destinations: Public Safety in Ontario's Tourism Industry

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 traff...
Indigenous Tourism: Stories, Collaboration, and the Path Forward
Sept. 18, 2025

Indigenous Tourism: Stories, Collaboration, and the Path Forward

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 disc...
The Better Way Alliance is Building Ethical Employment and Sustainable Practices
Sept. 4, 2025

The Better Way Alliance is Building Ethical Employment and Sustainable Practices

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.
Cruising Ontario: How Le Boat is Redefining Cottage Country
Aug. 21, 2025

Cruising Ontario: How Le Boat is Redefining Cottage Country

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 h…
Resilience and Opportunity: Inside Ontario’s New Tourism Strategy
Aug. 15, 2025

Resilience and Opportunity: Inside Ontario’s New Tourism Strategy

Andrew Siegwart welcomes Rebecca MacKenzie and Michael Crockatt, outgoing and incoming chairs of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s board.
Preserving Ontario’s Past: Heritage, Identity & Opportunity
Aug. 7, 2025

Preserving Ontario’s Past: Heritage, Identity & Opportunity

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, sustain…
Guelph's Vision: Innovation, Tourism, and Community Leadership with Mayor Cam Guthrie
July 24, 2025

Guelph's Vision: Innovation, Tourism, and Community Leadership with Mayor Cam Guthrie

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 ...
Michelin Stars and Mega Venues: Shaping Ontario’s Tourism Future
July 10, 2025

Michelin Stars and Mega Venues: Shaping Ontario’s Tourism Future

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 culi...
The Traveler’s Pulse: Understanding Ontario’s Tourism Moment
June 26, 2025

The Traveler’s Pulse: Understanding Ontario’s Tourism Moment

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 …
Beyond the Gold: Kirkland Lake's Economic Renaissance
June 11, 2025

Beyond the Gold: Kirkland Lake's Economic Renaissance

Andrew Siegwart interviews Kirkland Lake Mayor Stacy Wight and Economic Development Director Dan Laverdure about the town's transformative economic strategy. Kirkland Lake, a historic mining community of about 8,500 people, is reimagining its future by diversifying its economy and revitalizing tour…
We Stand Together: Inside Destination Ontario’s Bold New Campaign
May 28, 2025

We Stand Together: Inside Destination Ontario’s Bold New Campaign

Andrew Siegwart speaks with Lauchlan Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Ontario , about his journey from academia to leading the province’s tourism marketing strategy. Rogers shares how his early studies in anthro...
Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue Heron Adventures
May 15, 2025

Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue Heron Adventures

Andrew Siegwart sits down with Ashley Salem, operator of Blue Heron Cruises and co-owner of Sweetwater Bay in Tobermory, Ontario. Ashley shares her deep-rooted connection to the region, having spent summers in the area since childhood and working in tourism since 1999.
Playcations and Partnerships: Inside Horseshoe Valley's Resort Strategy
May 1, 2025

Playcations and Partnerships: Inside Horseshoe Valley's Resort Strategy

Sarah Tyler is the Marketing Manager at Horseshoe Valley Resort. She shares her love for travel from a young age, recalling creating Lego airports, to becoming a marketing professional, highlighting her background in communications and passion for hospitality.
Queer Commerce, Global Markets: Darrell Schuurman's Vision for Inclusive Business
April 17, 2025

Queer Commerce, Global Markets: Darrell Schuurman's Vision for Inclusive Business

In this episode of Forward Motion, host Andrew Siegwart interviews Darrell Schuurman, CEO of the CGLCC (Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce), exploring his journey from Alberta's tourism industry to leading a national organization supporting queer-owned businesses.