160 likes | 168 Views
RTO 12 in Ontario aims to foster economic growth through strategic development, marketing, and investment attraction. Its mission is to enhance regional competitiveness and maximize tourism potential to attract new visitors. With a focus on collaboration and performance management, RTO 12 seeks to double tourism receipts by 2020.
E N D
Agenda • Background • Region 12 • Roles & Responsibilities • Funding • Transitional information • Destination Development Plan
Background and Chronology • February 2009, the Ministry of Tourism released the Ontario Competiveness Study - ‘Sorbara’ report • Key recommendation: • “bring together stakeholders...to oversee the development of new products, and to identify and define unique experiences offered by the region.” • January 2010, Following several months of consultations, MTC announces a plan to create 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO) • June 2010, Ministry announces RTO funding
Who is included in Region 12? • Municipality of McDougall • Township of Mckellar • Township of McMurrich-Monteith • Township of Muskoka Lakes • Town of Parry Sound • Township of Perry • Township of Ryerson • Seguin Township • Township of South Algonquin • Village of South River • Strong Township • The Village of Sundridge • Municipality of Whitestone • Algonquin Provincial Park • Township of the Archipelago • Township of Armour • Town of Bracebridge • The Municipality of the Village of Burk's Falls • Carling Township • Township of Georgian Bay • Town of Gravenhurst • Town of Huntsville • Joly Township • Town of Kearney • Township of Lake of Bays • Township of Machar • Township of Magnetawan
Vision To establish a Regional Tourism Organization that will build a competitive and sustainable tourism region that maximizes the region’s potential to successfully attract new visitors and grow tourism spending.
Goals • Change how government and industry work together to develop tourism and foster economic growth. • Set standards for success to become more internationally competitive. • Maximize and measure the impact of private and public tourism investments on new and revitalized product.
Goals • Reach out to consumers before they get here and when they arrive, so that we can welcome more tourists. • The Ministry will work in concert with industry partners to identify regional priorities that move the provincial RTO agenda forward. • Double Tourism receipts by 2020
Roles/Responsibilities • Strategy Development • Marketing • Product Development and Innovation • Attract Investment • Workforce Development and Training • Coordination • Manage Performance • Support Financial Sustainability
Funding • Provincial Budget for the 13 Regions • $65 Million per year in year 1 & 2 • $40 Million in year 3 and beyond • RTO 12 Budget • $1.25 million per year in fiscal 2010/2011 and fiscal 2011/2012 for a total of $2.5 million over two years.
Transitional Accomplishments • Created transitional Board and held three meetings • Georgian Bay Country Tourism has been named as the Administrator for Region 12 • By Oct. 31, prepare a 2010/2011 Operational Plan
Transitional Board • The transitional board comprises business leaders from different sectors of the tourism industry and geographic areas in RTO 12
Brenda Scott, iBrand Almaguin South River, David Stewart, President, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale David Stewart, President, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale John Sorensen, Owner, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park, John Sorensen, Owner, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park, John Sorensen, Owner, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park, Transitional Board • Al Dare, Wilson Lake Resort, Port Loring • Andrew Ryeland, Bear Claw Tours, Parry Sound • Brenda Scott, iBrand Almaguin, South River • David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale • John Sorensen, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park • Ken Turner, Woodland Echoes Resort, Magnetawan • Don MacKay, Dream Links Ltd. Bracebridge • Lorne Jolliffe, Manager, Motel 6, Huntsville • Gary Froude, Muskoka Cultural Impresarios, Port Carling • Jamie Hopkins, Santa’s Village & Sportsland, Bracebridge • Shannon Bebamash, Comfort Inn, Parry Sound • Jim Murphy, Park Planner, Algonquin Provincial Park
Destination Development Plan By November 2010, begin an extensive consultation with industry partners and stakeholders to identify regional priorities for: • 3 year regional tourism strategy • Marketing • Product Development and Innovation • Investment Attraction • Workforce Development and Training • Coordination • Managing Performance • Financial Sustainability
Questions? For further information please visit www.rto12.ca or e-mail: info@rto12.ca