Forward Motion

About Forward Motion

Welcome to Forward Motion, the official podcast of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This is your go-to destination for insightful conversations, expert perspectives, and inspiring stories that drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward. Each episode, Andrew Siegwart sits down with industry leaders, policymakers, business owners, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of tourism in Ontario. We’ll explore key trends, innovative strategies, and the challenges and opportunities facing our sector—from sustainability and workforce development to marketing, accessibility, and the latest government policies. Whether you're a tourism operator, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the industry, Forward Motion keeps you informed and inspired. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that make Ontario a world-class destination. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward. Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!

Publisher

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

Category

government · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Nov 2024

Latest episode

11 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

43 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Andrew Siegwart Joins Rosanna Caira on Table Talk

   Forward Motion shares an episode of Table Talk with Rosanna Caira exploring the future of hospitality education in Canada.Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, brings together Forward Motion host and TIAO President and CEO Andrew Siegwart with four leading hospitality educators: Bruce McAdams of the University of Guelph, Frank Menezes of George Brown Polytechnic, Michelle Caine of Centennial College, and Rudi Fischbacher, principal of Staycraft Strategies.Together, they examine how funding cutbacks and program changes are affecting hospitality education, students and the industry’s future workforce. The panel also explores practical responses, including adapting programs, creating stronger community partnerships and building closer connections between educators and industry.It’s a timely conversation about developing the skilled people Canada’s tourism and hospitality sectors will need in the years ahead.Enjoy this episode, then follow Table Talk with Rosanna Caira. You’ll find a link in the show notes to explore the podcast’s 86 other episodes.Forward Motion thanks its partners for their support of this show:Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2. 

   4 Sept 2026

   What Will It Take to Grow Ontario Tourism?

   As Queen’s Park prepares to return for the fall session, Ontario’s tourism industry is facing both significant challenges and new opportunities.In this episode of Forward Motion, TIAO President and CEO Andrew Siegwart sits down with Nathan Olmstead, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Policy and Strategic Communications, for a wide-ranging look at the policy priorities TIAO will be advancing this fall.Against the backdrop of continued Canada-U.S. trade uncertainty, Andrew and Nathan explore why tourism must be viewed as a core part of Ontario’s economic development strategy. Tourism brings new money into the province, supports businesses and jobs in communities across Ontario, and can play an important role in diversifying markets and strengthening the economy.The conversation builds on TIAO’s recent government engagement at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference and explores several key priorities for the months ahead, including:Increasing investment in international tourism marketing and strengthening Ontario’s ability to compete for global visitorsCatalyzing private tourism investment and supporting the development of new, market-ready visitor experiencesRebuilding Ontario’s tourism workforce pipeline and creating stronger long-term workforce infrastructureModernizing the Municipal Accommodation Tax framework as destination management continues to evolveImproving regional transportation connectivity and ensuring tourism has a stronger voice in major infrastructure planningAndrew and Nathan also discuss the growing importance of data in TIAO’s advocacy work and the opportunity for industry to help shape major investments, including the Alto high-speed rail project.It’s a look at what TIAO is bringing to government this fall, and how the Forward Motion strategy is translating into practical policy recommendations designed to grow Ontario’s visitor economy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3. 

   20 Aug 2026

   Beyond the Tracks: Alto, Tourism and Economic Growth

   In this episode of Forward Motion, host Andrew Siegwart sits down with Peter Paz, Senior Director of Public and Government Relations at Alto, to explore what Canada’s first high-speed rail project could mean for Ontario’s tourism industry, communities and economy.Alto is developing a high-speed rail corridor connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montréal, Trois-Rivières and Québec City, with trains expected to reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. But as Peter explains, the opportunity extends far beyond faster travel. Better connectivity could create new possibilities for leisure and business travel, strengthen access to destinations, unlock investment and reshape the way visitors move throughout Ontario and Québec.Andrew and Peter dive into Alto’s research on the potential tourism impact of high-speed rail and why tourism needs to be considered from the beginning. Peter shares that Alto’s research found the tourism impact could vary dramatically depending on the level of coordination, from approximately $177 million in additional GDP and 2,000 tourism jobs under a low-coordination scenario to approximately $3.9 billion in additional GDP and 43,000 tourism jobs through a highly coordinated approach. The takeaway: realizing the full opportunity will require collaboration between Alto, governments, municipalities, destination organizations and tourism businesses.The conversation also looks at what communities can do now to prepare, from connecting local and regional transportation systems to thinking about visitor experience, transportation access and destination development. Peter discusses the importance of considering everything from local transit connections and station access to wayfinding, bike parking and the overall passenger experience.Peter also shares Alto’s approach to consultation, Indigenous engagement and community benefits, including workforce development, social procurement and opportunities to leave lasting benefits in communities along the corridor. He explains how public input is already shaping the project, including the consideration of Kingston as a potential station and efforts to protect the Frontenac Arch Biosphere.Looking ahead, Andrew and Peter discuss what it will take to turn high-speed rail into a broader tourism and economic opportunity, and why collaboration needs to begin long before the first train leaves the station.About Peter PazPeter is Senior Director of Public and Government Relations at Alto, the Crown corporation leading the development of Canada’s high-speed rail project. With more than 15 years of experience in the transportation sector, including leadership roles at Metrolinx, he specializes in building partnerships with governments and communities. At Alto, Peter oversees the development and implementation of Alto’s Community Benefits Plan and engagement program, ensuring the project creates inclusive opportunities and lasting benefits along the Corridor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who has been a guest on Forward Motion

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Chris Gibbs
• Kelly Higginson
• Libby Worden
• Brad Kozak
• Trevor Norris

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

34

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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