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 leverages the municipal accommodation tax to boost tourism and support local events, while also investing in both large-scale festivals and grassroots initiatives. The episode delves into Guelph’s commitment to sustainability, climate resilience, and community safety, emphasizing partnerships and innovative approaches to social services. Mayor Guthrie also reflects on the importance of regional collaboration and public engagement, offering insights into the city’s forward-thinking, community-driven approach to growth and well-being.

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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 55,000-seat Rogers Stadium in Downsview, where modular kitchens and a team of 1,500 locals will bring food service to the next level. Plus, Nick gives us a sneak peek at his plans for the historic Prince Estate in Prince Edward County—and how he hopes to help transform the area into a premier tourism destination.

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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.

The duo revealed insights, conducted in partnership with Destination Ontario. including a decline in Ontarians' enthusiasm for US travel, driven by political concerns and cost-of-living challenges. Conversely, European travellers view Canada as an attractive, distinct destination aligned with their values. The discussion highlights the tourism sector's resilience, with operators focusing on sustainable growth, local experiences, and community well-being.

The episode also introduces the Ontario Travel and Tourism Monthly, a new data tool designed to provide real-time insights for tourism businesses. Guests William Schatten and Alex Mazanik ended the show by sharing their personal off-the-beaten-path travel recommendations.

Ontario Travel & Tourism Monthly

https://www.crg.ca/ontario-travel-tourism-monthly

Promo code: TIAO

EU Pulse Study Results

https://www.crg.ca/post/eu-traveller-pulse-survey-results

US Pulse Studies Results (Wave 1 & Wave 2)

https://www.crg.ca/post/us-traveller-pulse-survey-results-wave-2

Ontario Consumer Study Results

https://www.crg.ca/post/ontario-consumer-study-results

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