Urban Economy Forum 6: Financing Sustainable Tourism, Advancing Quality of Life

We are excited to welcome our international audience to Toronto and Kitchener, Canada for UEF 6 Financing Sustainable Tourism, Advancing Quality of Life.

Kitchener Venue Wed, Sept 25, 2024:

Kitchener City Hall, Council Chambers 2nd Floor

200 King Street West, ON N2G 4G7

Directions by Car:

1. Take ON-401 W to King St E in Kitchener
2. Use the right 2 lanes to take the ON-8 exit toward Kitchener/Waterloo
3. Continue onto Hwy 8 W/ON-8 W
4. Take Weber St E to Duke St W
5. Slight left onto King St E (signs for King Street/Downtown)
6. Turn right onto Montgomery Rd
7. Turn left onto Weber St E
8. Turn left onto Queen St N
9. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Duke St W

Kitchener Parking Information for Delegates:

View parking and venue location map HERE

Please refer to the attached parking map for downtown. We recommend parking at Kitchener City Hall, which has underground parking accessible from Young Street.

If the City Hall lot is full, your next best option is the parking garage (marked "B" on the map) at the corner of Duke Street and Ontario Street.

For those parking at City Hall, please take the elevator or stairs to the ground level (Rotunda). From there, we will direct you to the Council Chambers.

Kitchener City Hall is also accessible via public transportation using the Go Train from Toronto and the GTA. Just a short 10min walk from the Kitchener Go Station to City Hall

Plan your route using the official Go Train website and tap your credit, debit or Presto Card before getting on, and after getting off the train.

Please contact us if you need help planning your trip

Toronto Venue Sept 26 and Friday Sept 27, 2024:

York University, Second Student Center

15 Library Ln, North York, ON M3J 2S5

York University Directions and Parking Instructions

This event will take place on the 2nd Floor of our Second Student Centre.

Directions by Car:

1. When exiting off Hwy 400 & Steeles, turn east on Steeles Ave W

2. Turn right on to Pond Rd and continue straight

3. At Sentinel & Pond, make a right at the intersection

4. Continue around the parking lot to the Second Student Centre 

Please park on any level of the Student Services Parking Garage. Use a location app (e.g., Google Maps/Waze) to direct you to the 15 James Gillies Street

To pay for parking, you can either:

a. Download HonkMobile app to pay for parking (instructions here). This parking garage is Zone # 7228

b. Use this link on day of event to pay for parking: https://tap.honkmobile.com/p/14036424-2254-4710-a82e-31e1d906ca6e

Here are walking directions from Student Services Garage to Second Student Centre. Once you are at Second Student Centre, take the elevator to the 2nd floor.

The Second Student Center is also accessible via public transportation using the TTC plan your route using location apps or the TTC  website.

Please contact us if you need help planning your trip

Accommodation:

UEF has secured rooms with discounted fees (for September 24 & 25, 2024) at the following hotels in Kitchener:

The Walper Hotel - 5 minutes walk distance to city hall. The Walper Hotel Booking Link

Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo - 5 minutes walk distance to city hall. Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo Booking Link

DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener - 10 minutes driving distance to city hall. DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener Booking Link

UEF has secured rooms with discounted fees (for September 25 - 27, 2024) at the following Hotel in Toronto:

Executive Learning Centre at Schulich, York University - just a 10-minute walk from the venue.

You may call the Front Desk at 416-650-8300 or email reservations@schulich.yorku.ca. Please mention the block number 717432 and/or the name “UEF Room Block.”

Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan - 15 minutes walk distance to venue location. Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan Booking Link

(The last day to book at discounted rates is September 10th, 2024)

Flights:

Air Canada has offered a specific discount for our event attendees. Before booking your flight, please reach out to uef6@ueforum.org to receive the discount code

Visa:

Find out if you need a Travel visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada – not both – by answering a few questions on the Government of Canada website  HERE. In doing so, you will be advised on what entry document(s) you will need to travel to Canada based on your particular situation.

The entry document you need depends on:

• the type of travel document you plan to travel with
  
• the country that issued your travel document
  
• your nationality
  
• how you’ll travel to Canada for this trip

Visitor Travel Visa:

A visitor visa is an official document that is put in your passport and shows that you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada. It is valid up to 6 months pending on your particular situation.

To find out if you need a visitor travel visa and apply online please visit the Government of Canada website link HERE

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):

An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport and valid up to five years or until the passport expires, which ever comes first. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. 

For more information and/or to apply for an eTA please visit the Government of Canada website link HERE.

Transit Visa and ESTA for the USA:

If you travel through the USA (transit) to reach Canada, please note that an ESTA or an USA Transit VISA is also required.

For more information on ESTA HERE

For more information on USA Transit VISA HERE

Request for Letter of Invitation:

If you need a letter of invitation from us at UEF please first register online to UEF6 and provide proof of payment. Then send us an email to UEF6@ueforum.org with subject “Request for Letter Invitation”.

To facilitate the issuance of the visa invitation letter, kindly provide the information below :

First Name: 

Family Name:

Occupation: 

Institution: 

Nationality: 

Passport number: 

Email address: 

Please Note:

If you need a Visitor Travel Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) you must apply online at the Government of Canada website. Your application will be assessed in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its related Regulations.

We strongly advise all participants and authors to register for the Congress and apply for their VISA as soon as possible, as the process is lengthy! 

An appointment for a Biometrics check is required before the VISA offices can start processing your application. Please take into account the time required for this process. 

For more information about travel requirements please see the "Visit Canada" Government of Canada website

Exploring Toronto:

We are thrilled to welcome you to Toronto for the UEF6 Conference! As Canada's largest city, Toronto is a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic metropolis that offers a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and experiences.

Why Toronto is Great:

Toronto is known for its friendly people, stunning skyline, and a rich tapestry of neighborhoods each with its own character and charm. The city boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene, world-class museums, and a culinary landscape that reflects its multicultural population. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, Toronto has something to captivate your interests.

Must-See Attractions:

1. CN Tower: No visit to Toronto is complete without a trip to the iconic CN Tower. Take in breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario from one of the world's tallest structures.
2. Royal Ontario Museum: Explore an extensive collection of art, culture, and natural history at Canada's largest museum.
3. Distillery District: Stroll through this historic area with its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city.
4. Toronto Islands: Escape the hustle and bustle with a short ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, where you can enjoy beaches, bike trails, and serene nature.
5. Kensington Market: Dive into the eclectic and bohemian vibe of Kensington Market, known for its vintage shops, global eateries, and vibrant street art.
6. St. Lawrence Market: Indulge in delicious local and international food offerings at one of the world's great markets.

We hope you enjoy everything that Toronto has to offer while you attend the UEF6 Conference.

If you want more information please visit:

https://www.destinationtoronto.com/

Exploring Kitchener:

Nestled in the heart of Ontario, Kitchener is a city that combines rich history with modern innovation, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.

Why Kitchener is Great:

Kitchener is known for its strong German heritage, vibrant tech scene, and a deep sense of community. The city offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary culture, making it an exciting destination for both business and leisure. From its renowned Oktoberfest celebrations to its cutting-edge tech hubs, Kitchener is a place where tradition meets progress.

Must-See Attractions:

1. Victoria Park: This beautiful park in downtown Kitchener is perfect for a relaxing stroll, with its scenic lake, charming bridges, and lush greenery.
2. The Museum: Explore interactive exhibits and innovative displays that engage and inspire visitors of all ages at this contemporary museum.
3. St. Jacobs Farmers' Market: Just a short drive from Kitchener, this market is a must-visit for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious local treats.
4. Homer Watson House & Gallery: Discover the works of one of Canada’s most famous landscape artists at his historic home, now a gallery showcasing local art.
5. Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery: Dive into the vibrant local art scene with a visit to this gallery, which features contemporary works from regional and national artists.
6. Historic Kitchener City Hall: Take a step back in time and explore this beautifully preserved building, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

We hope you enjoy the unique charm and welcoming spirit of Kitchener while attending the UEF6 Conference.

If you want more information please visit:

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/places-to-visit.aspx

For any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us at UEF6@ueforum.org. 

We are looking forward to seeing you all in person in Toronto and Kitchener!