Increasing consumer confidence as Vaughan reopens
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COVID-19 Updates
City of Vaughan news is released on a daily basis and kept on vaughan.ca for reference purposes. For the most recent updates and news as they happen, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
As Vaughan and most of the province progress through Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening, many businesses are welcoming back visitors indoors. To help reassure customers they will have a safe experience, eligible businesses can display the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp in their windows.
These nationally and internationally recognized identifiers provide patrons with a visual cue the business is working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following public health measures and supporting a safe return to in-store experiences. Increasing consumer confidence is part of an economic resiliency strategy for the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department, including the Tourism Vaughan Corporation.
How businesses can apply:
- Make the POST Promise – a self-declaration for any type of business through a national not-for-profit corporation built specifically for this effort. Taking the POST Promise is a pre-requisite for the Safe Travels Stamp and the Vaughan Safe Travels Toolkit.
- Apply for the Safe Travels Stamp and Vaughan Toolkit – an internationally recognized program through the World Travel and Tourism Corporation and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for tourism businesses, including restaurants. To apply, complete the Safe Travels Stamp application with your POST Promise certificate and copy tourism@vaughan.ca to receive the Safe Travels Vaughan Toolkit. This includes marketing assets to share the stamp on your business’ website, social media, e-newsletter and even display counter signs and window decals. These are shipped free of charge.
The City offers advice to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Economic and Cultural Development team continues to provide one-on-one consultation services via tele- or video-conferencing. To learn more, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
QUOTES
“As we continue progressing through the reopening process, the City of Vaughan is laser-focused on supporting businesses and restoring our strong and resilient economy. Vaughan is home to more than 19,000 companies that employ more than 225,000 people. Small business represents more than 80 per cent of all local job creators. With unwavering perseverance, innovation and hard work, I am confident entrepreneurs and business owners will drive our city’s economic recovery. And an essential part of that is ensuring consumer confidence as we return to in-person shopping and dining. I encourage local businesses to apply for the POST Promise and the Safe Travels Stamp to help reassure customers they will have a safe experience. These internationally recognized signifiers indicate businesses are adhering to a high level of compliance with public health and safety protocols as our collective fight against COVID-19 continues. From the onset of the global pandemic, I have been a strong advocate for our business community, which remains the backbone of our local economy. This is yet another step the City is taking to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to build back even stronger than before.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
“The POST Promise is honoured to be a part of the City of Vaughan's efforts to support local businesses as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative not only provides businesses with the tools they need to keep their customers and employees safe, but is also critical to rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting the reopening of our economy. I applaud all businesses who have already made the POST Promise and encourage all others to learn more at postpromise.com.”
- Laura Hearn, President and Executive Director of the POST Promise
“The Safe Travels Stamp is an internationally recognized symbol that gives confidence to consumers that the businesses they are entering are practicing the highest level of health and safety protocols. The Safe Travels Stamp was created by industry leaders and is an integral part of rebuilding consumer confidence as we enter the final stages of the pandemic. TIAO is delighted that the City of Vaughan will be encouraging local businesses to apply for the stamp. We look forward to joining you in welcoming guests back to enjoy everything that Vaughan has to offer. “
- Chris Bloore, President and CEO, TIAO
QUICK FACTS
- To find Vaughan businesses that have received the Safe Travels Stamp and for itineraries to help you plan safe and exciting experiences in Vaughan under Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening, visit visitvaughan.ca and follow @visitvaughan on Instagram.
- To stay informed on the City of Vaughan’s newest business resources and initiatives, entrepreneurs can sign up for the Economic and Cultural Development department’s eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters.
- To stay up to date on the latest updates as they happen, residents are encouraged to sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
LEARN MORE
- vaughan.ca
- visitvaughan.ca
- vaughanbusiness.ca
- tiaontario.ca
- Tourism Vaughan Step 3 blog post
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