Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. (RTO4)

What an achievement for Destination Stratford and the City of Stratford! While an initiative born out the height of the pandemic and its restrictions, Stratford Al Fresco has morphed into a key community asset that's resulted in investment for the city's outdoor spaces and added more options to the outstanding dining selections found in the city.

2024-2025 Partnership Launch RTO4’s Partnership Program is a co-investment initiative designed to foster tourism across our region, which includes Huron, Perth, and Wellington Counties as well as Waterloo Region.  The program offers funding streams tailored to support businesses and organizations that are part of the tourism ecosystem – attractions, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), festivals, events, trail organizations, restaurants, and accommodations. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be located within the RTO4 region, demonstrate that their business or project attracts visitors from at least 40 km away and that their proposed initiative will contribute to drawing more visitors or enhancing their experiences in a meaningful way.   We are looking for sound and innovative ideas supported by a strong case for investment and a clear demonstration of need. There are six streams this year: - Curated Storytelling - Influencer Storytelling - Get Certified! - Destination-Level Signage and Wayfinding - Curious and Captivating Placemaking - Meet the Expert Please review the application guides at https://lnkd.in/gYEezrQb. APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Ontario’s last tourism strategy was developed by the Ministry of Tourism in 2016 through collaboration with industry stakeholders. Now, TIAO is proud to be leading the creation of a new strategy, and they need your input. This strategy will guide growth for the tourism sector, ensuring it is industry-led and market-driven. Your voice is crucial to ensuring that Ontario’s tourism industry not only recovers but thrives in the global market. Responders who complete the survey by November 1st will be entered into a draw for 1 of 5 free passes to either the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism | ONTARIO Regional Event - May 2025 or Ontario Tourism Summit - October 2025. https://lnkd.in/g2FD_S2J We truly appreciate your participation! 

RTO4 is inviting qualified applicants to submit proposals to conduct a supply-chain analysis for three destinations in the RTO4 region. The analysis will be used to inform progressive procurement and event-management policies that will assist in improving the regenerative performance of these destinations with a particular emphasis on directing procurement toward local suppliers.

RTO4 is seeking a researcher to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Indigenous tourism across Huron, Perth, and Wellington Counties, as well as the Waterloo Region. The research will focus on identifying current tourism activities, evaluating opportunities for growth, and gathering insights to support Indigenous-led tourism development within these areas. Visit https://lnkd.in/g4PtTPss to view the RFP.

The Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity will be hosting the Rural Talks to Rural 2024 Biennial Conference (R2R24) this October 16-18 in Blyth, Canada. Purchase your tickets today - https://lnkd.in/gK5acijV Learn more about the conference - https://lnkd.in/gSR44zUF

RTO4 recognizes that all digital applications have an environmental footprint, and as such, we have started thinking about and acting on the data we are storing, the platforms we are using, and the way we are presenting our information online.  Today we wanted to share the findings of our digital sustainability audit with Wholegrain Digital, where we received a B rating on our rto4.ca website. We will work through the findings and suggestions provided to us through this process to improve our digital footprint and therefore our carbon footprint. We are committed to educating and improving the digital sustainability of our region.

This summer Ontario Parks will be hosting two annual events to celebrate the benefits of spending time in nature through their Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) program.  We are pleased to share these events with you. Ontario Parks HPHP Celebration Day: July 19, 2024 On July 19, 2024, Ontario Parks is opening its doors at provincial parks across Ontario to celebrate the importance of spending time in nature. There will be no charge for day use access to help visitors to enjoy a wide variety of healthy outdoor activities and special events.  To guarantee access, visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to 5 days in advance of the July 19 celebration at no charge if planning on visiting one of the parks offering this service.  30X30 Nature Challenge: August 2024 The annual 30x30 nature challenge takes place throughout the month of August each year. This challenge helping people prioritize healthy connections with nature by encouraging visitors to spend thirty minutes a day outdoors, per day, for thirty days. We encourage participants to keep track of their journey on Facebook, Instagram, and X by sharing photos and stories with the #30x30Challenge hashtag. Head out to a park near you on #HPHP Day this July 19 to take part in one the many events planned to help you recharge: https://bit.ly/3zv5rBt

On June 6, 2024 Premier Doug Ford announced changes to his Cabinet. The Cabinet now includes the ministers below for the tourism portfolio. - Stan Cho becomes Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, with responsibility for OLG -Neil Lumsden becomes Minister of Sport Full announcement below. https://lnkd.in/eGrxUg6k

The Ontario government is investing more than $8 million over the next three years to support cultural tourism in communities across the province. OCAF provides support to cultural tourism events that range in size from large art and music festivals to smaller events that celebrate local Ontario culture and heritage. OCAF continues to accept applications for new events and offers applicants flexibility regarding project timing and scope. Please visit the OCAF website for more information and to view the full list of recipients.