Episodes

Andrew Siegwart welcomes Rebecca MacKenzie and Michael Crockatt, outgoing and incoming chairs of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s board.

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 tourism, this discussion reveals how keeping, fixing, and reusing heritage structures can support thriving, resilient communities.

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 infrastructure and housing development. Mayor Guthrie explains how Guelph lev...

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 him adapt. We dive into his ambitious new project at the newly opened 55,...

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.

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 tourism. The municipality is developing a five-year tourism plan that leverages its rich mining heritage, implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax, and attracting new development through innovative approaches.

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 anthropology, human geography, and GIS led him into digital strategy roles and eventually to Destination Ontario, where he advanced from social media advisor to CMO. He reflects on the challenges and innovations during the pandemic, including global content management and recovery...

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.

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.

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.

Troy Young, President and CEO of Attractions Ontario, shared his career journey, starting from his early days at Canada's Wonderland and evolving through various roles, including owning a local newspaper and serving on municipal council.

Tourism Kingston's CEO Megan Knott discusses the transformative power of tourism, highlighting how mid-sized cities like Kingston can leverage strategic partnerships, diverse offerings, and community engagement to drive economic growth and visitor experiences.

This episode features Andrew Siegwart and Madison Simmons from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) focused on the recent provincial election and the future of Ontario's tourism industry. Premier Doug Ford secured a third consecutive majority, with the election highlighting economic concerns and trade relations with the US as key priorities.

Victoria Clarke, Director and CEO of Visit Mississauga, shares her dynamic career journey from office management to tourism leadership. With a background in digital marketing, philanthropy, and broadcasting, she brings a unique perspective to destination marketing.

Welcome to Forward Motion - a show emanating from the offices of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is recognized by government as the voice of tourism. We advocate the importance of tourism as an economic driver and job creator in order to serve the interests of Ontario's diverse tourism industry and business community. Join the Conversation. Andrew Siegwart is your host. At TIAO, we work on behalf of our membership, collectively representing the majority of tourism businesses and employees across the province, to take on pressing policy issues that impact the Ontario tourism industry. TIAO leads the way in government relations on behalf of the Ontario tourism industry, including tourism businesses and operators, destination marketing organizations, regional tourism organizations, and educators. We provide evidenced-based policy recommendations to ensure the provincial government understands and addresses the multifacet…