Forward Motion

The episode explores the evolution of Salsa on St. Clair into a multi‑destination tourism platform. Host Andrew Siegwart speaks with Giuseppe Di Tacchio of the Canadian Salsa Festivals Project about the festival’s origins, strategy, and expansion. Giuseppe recounts how the event began in 2005 to help St. Clair retailers recover from TTC construction, quickly growing from a half‑day community initi...

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...

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 Ontar...

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 B...

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, infras...

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 e...

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, o...

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 resear...

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 outlin...

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 i...

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...

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 co...

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 ag...

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 touris...

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, highlightin...

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 im...

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 d...

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...

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 pr...

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 ove...

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 fo...

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 bac...

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 tra...

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 conversati...

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...