Regional Tourism Organization 4 Inc. (RTO4)

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.

National Tourism Week kicks off on Monday, April 15!

The My Main Street, Business Sustainability stream will provide up to $6.5 million of non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 in direct-to-business funding to support productivity enhancements for brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario. Funding will be made available to businesses that employ between 1 and 50 staff, have demonstrated revenue growth, and provide a business case on how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth. The Business Sustainability stream is open for applications between February 22 and March 31, 2024. https://lnkd.in/gaTXQTbq

The Canadian Digital Adoption Program Grow Your Business Online grant is accepting applications. The grant will help small businesses use digital tools to build their online presence, sell their products online and offer their customers a better service. In Ontario, the grant is offered through Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. More information in the link below. https://lnkd.in/g7CYyhXX

The 2024 RTO4 Partnership Program is now accepting applications for tourism related projects in Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington.  Applications are open until Friday, Feb 16th at 4.00 p.m. Please click on the link below for more information. https://lnkd.in/getjSWDm

Join our upcoming Forward Motion Seminar to learn how you can apply for provincial funding and add EV charging to your business. Applications are now open for Ontario’s EV ChargeON Program. This provincially funded program looks to support charging station projects across the vast majority of Ontario’s municipalities. This program will support 50% of total project costs up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per site. Eligible charging sites must meet a few requirements including being accessible 24/7 and being located in a community with a population of 170,000 or less. Register at the link below 🔗https://lnkd.in/dV59RMAv

Join TIAO for their webinar on December 14th at 2.00 p.m. ET to explore TIAC's Canadian Travel Insights Dashboard and TIAO's Ontario Traveller Perception and Behaviour Monitor.