By LAURIE WEIR

Have you ever wondered how blending sustainable Indigenous traditions with AI technology could transform tourism? The recent RTO9 Tourism Summit in South Eastern Ontario provided a compelling glimpse into this exciting future, featuring insightful presentations on AI, rich cultural heritage, and innovative travel experiences!

This two-day summit held at the Double Tree Hilton in Kingston on Sept. 12 and 13 captivated attendees with a dynamic event, blending cultural richness, technological innovation, adventurous experiences, insightful initiatives, and some good eats from local makers. The event showcased a range of inspiring speakers and forward-thinking strategies, setting the stage for a new era in tourism growth.

IMMERSIVE INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES

David Maracle, a renowned artist and musician from Tyendinaga, kicked off the summit both days with a soulful presentation. His performance on the native love flute and various drums and shakers offered a deep dive into cultural heritage, bridging the past with the future of tourism. Known as Tehanenia’kwè (Cutter of the Stone), Maracle’s work includes stunning stone sculptures and award-winning music that reflects Haudenosaunee teachings, with pieces held by figures such as Nelson Mandela and the Emperor of Japan.

AI AND TOURISM: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE

The summit explored the role of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing tourism. Cris Urroz, co-founder of the branding studio Urroz in Cornwall, highlighted AI’s potential to streamline content creation and enhance personal experiences. Urroz emphasized responsible AI use, encouraging attendees to start small and personalize their approach to harness AI’s full potential.

Cathy Fitzpatrick from CMK Consulting and Alphabet Creative further expanded on AI’s impact, offering practical tips for using technology in trip planning. As a seasoned tourism marketing professional, Cathy showcased how AI tools can transform travel experiences, making them more tailored and efficient.

GLOBAL TRENDS AND LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

Oliver Martin from Skift Inc. provided a global perspective on tourism trends, including the rise of luxury travel and solo adventures. Martin advised local tourism partners to invest in unique experiences, predicting that such investments would attract both attention and revenue. His insights, backed by over 20 years of experience, underscored the importance of aligning local offerings with global trends.

NAVIGATING FUNDING AND COLLABORATION

A panel moderated by Katherine Hobbs featured Louis Bedard from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, Liam Karry, and Teresa Bressan-Lambert, who delved into the intricacies of securing funding and fostering collaborations. 

Louis encouraged operators to seek advice from ministry advisors, Single Thread’s artistic director, Liam Karry, and Vankleek Hill Vinyard owner Teresa Bressan-Lambert shared their experiences in the arts and vineyard sectors, highlighting the value of community and artistic ventures.

PANEL DISCUSSION: INNOVATIVE EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM

The summit also spotlighted creative approaches to experiential tourism. Karina Belanger from the SDG Jail, Kelly Bergeron from Poptronic VR, and Cynthia Peters from Maison Maitland shared innovative ideas like yoga in historical settings and virtual reality experiences. Their contributions illustrated how thinking outside the box can create memorable and unique tourist attractions.

MARKETING TRENDS AND NETWORKING
Chantal Sweeting from Destination Ontario wrapped up the summit’s first day with a focus on marketing trends and visitor engagement. She emphasized the importance of a robust online presence, effective SEO strategies, and the use of AI tools to attract and retain visitors.

MEET THE MAKERS

The makers on this day included:   

Ridgeway Confections: Delightful sweets that brought a touch of indulgence to the event, known for their creative and high-quality confections.

23 & Co.: Artisanal baked cookies that captivated attendees with their unique flavours and top-notch ingredients.

Cheesecakery Bakery: Renowned for their delectable cheesecakes, they added a deliciously sweet element to the summit.

The Hive and Hearthstone; Offers a range of honey and beeswax products, known for their dedication to quality and community.

Cocoa Bistro: Featuring rich, handcrafted chocolates that were a hit among visitors.

Café Joyeux – Joyful Coffee: Transforming your coffee moments at home.

Flint and Maple: Showcasing their handmade products, blending traditional techniques with modern flair.

Image above: Cheri Kemp-Long Board Chair

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DAY TWO – SEPT. 13

GREEN STEP SOLUTIONS

Angela Negay, president and CEO of GreenStep Solutions is a sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in project management, business development, marketing, and public relations. She has worked across the U.S. and Canada, collaborating with businesses, utilities, and governments on engineering, energy efficiency, environmental, and sustainability projects. Her insights underscored the critical need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the planet, aligning with the summit’s focus on integrating sustainability into tourism.

PANEL DISCUSSION – SOURCING LOCAL

A panel discussion featured producers who provide local food and operators who serve it to visitors. Moderated by Eleanor Cook from Prince Edward County, was joined by guests Will Arnaud of Otter Creek Kitchen, Tammara Maher of Collective Joy Farm and Andrew Davies of No. 9 Gardens. Each spoke of the importance of growing and sourcing locally grown food and a good place to start is at farmers’ markets. Will shared that being a member of the national food certification program, Feast-On goes a long way incredibility, as it recognizes businesses that are committed to sourcing Ontario-grown food and drink. Agri-tourism is another great way to help secure sustainability as it teaches others about farming and offers programs and activities for visitors.

TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

Andrew Siegwart and Carol Greenwood spoke about the work the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has been doing on the provincial level to advance Sustainable Tourism practices.

Carol’s background is in leadership, consulting, training, and project management. In Ontario’s tourism industry, Carol has forged key relationships to strengthen collaboration and support TIAO’s advocacy efforts.

Andrew spoke about how other provinces are out-marketing Ontario for tourism dollars, and that this province has to compete better. The strategy for growth should be updated to clearly articulate what Ontario needs.

Attention to climate change is needed as it’s impacting the way food tastes. Two examples: fires are affecting this area with smoke, which is in turn settling in the soil; and our winters are milder now which reduces the production of ice wine. More outdoor, or nature-based tourism is where the market is headed.

PANEL DISCUSSION – RETROFITTING YOUR BUSINESS

A panel discussion on retrofitting businesses took place after lunch, with operators from across the region who have taken on several initiatives to retrofit their businesses and offer sustainable alternatives on their properties. Guests heard from Bellen Tong of Miss Bao Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, who shared her ideas on waste management as she has a 98.5 percent diversion rate on waste. She also grows her microgreens.

Norah Rogers, owner of the Waring House in Prince Edward County, is a retired family physician with 42 years of service. She too was a panelist. She promotes tourism as a tool for sustainability, life-skills training, job education, mental health, and inclusive employment opportunities, especially for youth, new Canadians, and diverse communities. Aaron Markel was the third panellist. He is a dynamic entrepreneur leading ventures like Hammond Hill and Broken Stick Brewing Company. With a global upbringing and a background in construction and design, he founded AIM Project Management, known for its innovative and sustainable approach. Aaron’s businesses reflect his ethical values and commitment to quality. He is also deeply philanthropic, focusing on community support and relationship-building alongside his professional work.

CLEAN MARINE PROGRAM

The Ontario-developed Clean Marine Eco-Rating program is an environmental program that allows marine businesses to follow best environmental practices to reduce and prevent water, air and land pollution associated with recreational boating activities in Ontario. Rick Layzell, CEO Boating Ontario Association, said most marinas in the RTO9 jurisdiction are certified. The Ontario Clean Marine Eco-Rating Program helps marine businesses adopt best environmental practices to reduce pollution from recreational boating. Since 1995, over 300 businesses have joined, making it the world’s top environmental program for marinas and boat dealers. Participants undergo a 220-point assessment, earning ratings from Bronze to Diamond Elite, with re-assessments every four years. Eco-Rated Marinas display the Clean Marine flag, ensuring boaters that they meet the highest environmental standards.

VIA RAIL GREEN INITIATIVES

VIA Rail’s Andrea Fernandes, business development manager, and Francois Granda, senior advisor in sustainability, spoke about Via Rail’s initiatives they have to provide more sustainable travel options for visitors to, and across, the region and province. VIA Rail’s sustainability plan, part of its commitment to the UN Global Compact, aims to reduce its environmental impact and enhance governance and social responsibility. By 2025, the company targets significant goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, implementing zero-waste trains in the Québec City-Windsor corridor, providing sustainability training for all employees, aligning community investments with the plan, and integrating responsible sourcing policy with suppliers. This initiative contributes to Canada’s broader sustainability goals and supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals​. Visit VIA Rail Media Center or Electric and Hybrid Rail for more information.

MEET MORE MAKERS

MEET MORE MAKERS

Makers on this day included:

Moose Munchies Candy Co.: Known for innovative candy creations, is always nut-free with vegan options.

Cocoa Bistro: Offers rich, artisanal chocolates that delight attendees.

Mohawk Soda: Provides refreshing, locally crafted beverages with an Indigenous flair.

Mrs. McGarrigle’s: Features gourmet preserves and condiments.

Garden Path Homemade Soap – Showcasing handcrafted soaps with natural ingredients.

Fauxmagerie Zengarry – Presenting delicious vegan cheeses.

Harlowe Green – Known for their eco-friendly products and refillery options.

The makers who participated in the two-day event complemented the local flavour that highlighted the region’s vibrant craft and food scene.

A NEW ERA FOR TOURISM
The RTO 9 Tourism Summit demonstrated that South Eastern Ontario is ready to elevate its tourism landscape by integrating cultural insights, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts.  

27 organizations expand experiences and attract more visitors with Government of Canada support

See a list of South Eastern Ontario projects that recieved funding

August 7, 2024 – Kingston, Ontario

Nestled amidst picturesque waterways, charming historic sites, and a thriving arts scene, Eastern Ontario attracts visitors with a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, charming towns, and hidden gems, making it a cherished destination for travellers seeking memorable experiences.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands visited the Great Lakes Museum in Kingston. While there, MP Gerretsen announced an investment of over $3.7 million for 27 organizations across Eastern Ontario that are diversifying their offerings and contributing to attracting new visitors to the region. This includes five projects that support Indigenous tourism across Eastern Ontario. MP Gerretsen highlighted how an increase in tourists leads to spillover benefits into communities while stimulating local economies.

While at the Great Lakes Museum, MP Gerretsen celebrated the newly restored and opened, S.S. Keewatin. Originally built in 1907 by the Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co Ltd. and owned by CP Rail, this Edwardian-era steamship liner was brought to Kingston in October 2023. It opened for tours in May 2024 following a restoration which included $250,000 in support through the Tourism Growth Program and is attracting visitors from around the world.

In addition to this support, the Great Lakes Museum received over $77,000 from Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to renovate their historic Pump House, which still contains the Victorian-era steam engines and pumps that operated the dry dock, functions as a key heritage display and the Museum’s primary programming space. Renovations include making the space “wind and watertight” and more energy efficient, as well as restoring the historic interior and adding a ramp to the Pump Room, making it an important part of the new visitor experience for the S.S. Keewatin.

Additional information on projects receiving support through the Tourism Growth Program is included in the backgrounder.

The Government of Canada is investing in tourism projects in the region to support new products and experiences that will support southern Ontario’s tourism economy for generations to come.

Quotes
“Eastern Ontario offers natural beauty and a rich heritage to the many tourists who visit each year. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian tourism experiences, like the Great Lakes Museum, as they expand their offerings and welcome visitors to their must-see attractions in the region.”

• The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Southern Ontario’s tourism sector is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like the Great Lakes Museum. As we continue to invest in the sector, we will help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.”

• The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism

“The Kingston Dry Docks National Historic Site of Canada is a vital part of our maritime history, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance that helped build our nation. By supporting the restoration and preservation of the pump house, as a government, we are ensuring that future generations can learn about this important heritage and understand its role in shaping our collective identity as Canadians.”

• The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“The Great Lakes Museum is an important historical institution within our community and the S.S. Keewatin serves as an iconic landmark on Kingston’s beautiful waterfront. With investments like those made today, Kingston and the rest of Eastern Ontario is positioned to welcome tourists from around the world to show off the unique, exciting and historic destinations throughout the region.”

• Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“The Great Lakes Museum is extremely pleased to receive this funding as it will assist us in doing greatly needed infrastructure improvements on the S.S. Keewatin. These investments will give us the ability to expand our tours and host events on the ship. The net result will be increased visitors to the Great Lakes Museum and more tourism dollars coming to Kingston.”

• Chris West, Chair, Great Lakes Museum Board

Quick facts

• The Great Lakes Museum showcases the unique maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes, the world’s largest inter-connected body of freshwater, through programs and exhibits. Their Kingston Dry Dock national historic site is significant for being the first federal dry dock constructed on the Great Lakes. From 1892 to 1968 the site repaired and built vessels for commercial and military service, including 12 Second World War Flower-Class Corvettes.
• CP Rail steamships, such as the S.S. Keewatin, ferried tourists, settlers, and cargo throughout the Great Lakes until their retirement in the 1960s. This ship is one of the last of its kind, with its sister ship having been lost to a fire in 1970. The ship has appeared on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and was featured on a 2020 Royal Canadian Mint coin.
• The Great Lakes Museum previously received a FedDev Ontario investment through the Tourism Relief Fund to renovate the historical building at the Kingston Dry Dock national historic site.
• Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
• A new application intake for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario is now open and receiving applications until September 17, 2024. Tourism businesses and organizations can visit the Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario page to see if they are eligible and submit an application.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.
• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.

Associated Links

• RTO 9
• FedDev Ontario
• Southern Ontario Tourism Growth Program
• Great Lakes Museum (English only)

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

About RTO 9

RTO 9 is a regional tourism organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport. RTO 9 actively promotes tourism for the southeastern Ontario region and works to support and grow the tourism industry through marketing, product development, investment attraction, and workforce development initiatives.

About FedDev Ontario

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Le gouvernement du Canada améliore les expériences touristiques proposées dans l’Est de l’Ontario

27 organisations élargissent leurs expériences et attirent davantage de visiteurs grâce au soutien du gouvernement du Canada

Le 7 août 2024 – Kingston (Ontario)

Voir la liste des projets du sud-est de l’Ontario qui ont reçu un financement

Abritant des voies navigables pittoresques, des sites historiques enchanteurs et une scène artistique florissante, l’Est de l’Ontario attire les visiteurs grâce à un mariage unique de beauté naturelle, de richesse culturelle, de villes charmantes et de joyaux cachés, ce qui en fait une destination prisée des voyageurs à la recherche d’expériences mémorables.

Aujourd’hui, au nom de l’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Mark Gerretsen, député de Kingston et les Îles, a visité le Great Lakes Museum à Kingston. Lors de sa visite, le député Gerretsen a annoncé un investissement de plus de 3,7 millions de dollars destiné à plus de 27 organisations de l’Est de l’Ontario qui diversifient leurs offres et contribuent à attirer de nouveaux visiteurs dans la région. Cela inclut cinq projets qui appuient le tourisme autochtone dans l’Est de l’Ontario. Le député Gerretsen a souligné qu’une augmentation du nombre de touristes entraîne des retombées positives pour les collectivités, tout en stimulant les économies locales.

Lors de son passage au Great Lakes Museum, le député Gerretsen a célébré l’ouverture du S.S. Keewatin, nouvellement restauré. Construit à l’origine en 1907 par la Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Co Ltd. et appartenant à la compagnie Chemin de fer Canadien Pacifique, ce navire à vapeur de l’époque édouardienne a été amené à Kingston en octobre 2023. Les visites du navire ont commencé en mai 2024, après une restauration qui a été financée grâce à une aide de 250 000 dollars obtenue dans le cadre du Programme pour la croissance du tourisme. Le navire attire des visiteurs du monde entier.

Outre cette aide financière, le Great Lakes Museum a reçu plus de 77 000 dollars au titre du Fonds du Canada pour les espaces cultures de Patrimoine canadien pour rénover la cabine de pompage historique qui abrite toujours les moteurs à vapeur et les pompes de l’époque victorienne qui faisaient fonctionner la cale sèche. La cabine de pompage est un élément patrimonial central exposé au musée et lui sert  d’espace principal pour présenter sa programmation. Les rénovations consistent à apporter des améliorations à l’étanchéité au vent et à l’eau et à l’efficacité énergétique de l’espace, à restaurer l’intérieur historique et à ajouter une rampe à la cabine de pompage, faisant de celle-ci un élément important de la nouvelle expérience des visiteurs du S.S. Keewatin.

Des renseignements supplémentaires sur les projets recevant du soutien dans le cadre du Programme pour la croissance du tourisme se trouvent dans le document d’information.

Le gouvernement du Canada investit dans des projets touristiques dans la région pour appuyer de nouveaux produits et de nouvelles expériences qui contribueront à soutenir l’économie touristique du Sud de l’Ontario pour les générations à venir.

Citations

« L’Est de l’Ontario offre aux nombreux touristes qui visitent la région chaque année des paysages naturels d’une grande beauté, ainsi qu’un riche patrimoine. Le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à soutenir les expériences touristiques canadiennes, comme le Great Lakes Museum, tandis qu’elles élargissent leurs offres et accueillent les visiteurs dans les attractions incontournables de la région. »
– L’honorable Filomena Tassi, ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario

« Le secteur du tourisme du Sud de l’Ontario est un moteur économique extrêmement important qui crée des emplois pour des Canadiennes et des Canadiens de tous les horizons. Grâce au Programme pour la croissance du tourisme, le gouvernement du Canada soutient des organisations locales comme le Great Lakes Museum. En continuant à investir dans le secteur, nous contribuerons à attirer davantage de visiteurs nationaux et internationaux dans la région pour qu’ils découvrent tout ce qu’elle a à offrir. »
– L’honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, ministre du Tourisme

« Le Lieu historique national du Canada de la Cale-Sèche-de-Kingston est une partie essentielle de notre histoire maritime, mettant en valeur l’ingéniosité et la persévérance qui ont contribué à bâtir notre nation. En soutenant la restauration et la préservation de la cabine de pompage, comme gouvernement, nous veillons à ce que les générations futures puissent découvrir cet important patrimoine et comprendre son rôle dans la formation de notre identité collective en tant que Canadiens. »
– L’honorable Pascale St-Onge, ministre du Patrimoine canadien

« Le Great Lakes Museum est une institution historique importante au sein de notre collectivité et le S.S. Keewatin est un point de repère emblématique du magnifique secteur riverain de Kingston. Grâce à des investissements comme ceux réalisés aujourd’hui, Kingston et tout l’Est de l’Ontario sont en mesure d’accueillir des touristes du monde entier pour leur faire découvrir les destinations uniques, passionnantes et à caractère historique dans la région. »
– Mark Gerretsen, député de Kingston et les Îles

« C’est avec beaucoup de reconnaissance que le Great Lakes Museum reçoit ce financement, qui nous permettra de restaurer l’infrastructure du S.S. Keewatin, qui en a grandement besoin. Cet investissement nous permettra d’élargir nos visites et d’organiser des événements à bord du navire. Cela engendrera une augmentation du nombre de visiteurs au musée et des revenus touristiques supplémentaires pour Kingston. »
– Chris West, président du conseil d’administration, Great Lakes Museum

Faits en bref

• Au moyen de programmes et d’expositions, le Great Lakes Museum met en valeur le patrimoine maritime unique de Kingston et des Grands Lacs, la plus vaste étendue d’eau douce interconnectée au monde. Son site historique national de la Cale-Sèche-de-Kingston est important car il s’agit de la toute première cale sèche sous juridiction fédérale construite sur les Grands Lacs. Entre 1892 et 1968, des navires pour le service commercial et militaire, notamment 12 corvettes de la classe Flower de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, ont été construits et réparés sur place. 
• Les navires à vapeur de Chemin de fer Canadien Pacifique, comme le S.S. Keewatin, ont transporté des touristes, des colons et des marchandises sur les Grands Lacs jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient retirés dans les années 1960. Le S.S. Keewatin est l’un des derniers navires de ce type existant, son jumeau ayant disparu dans un incendie en 1970. Le navire est apparu dans l’émission Murdoch Mysteries, diffusée sur la chaîne CBC, et a été représenté sur une pièce de monnaie de la Monnaie royale canadienne produite en 2020. 
• Le Great Lakes Museum a déjà reçu un investissement de FedDev Ontario au titre du Fonds d’aide au tourisme pour rénover le bâtiment historique du site historique national de la Cale-Sèche-de-Kingston.
• Dans le cadre du Programme pour la croissance du tourisme, les agences de développement régional du Canada versent 108 millions de dollars, sur trois ans, à des entreprises et à des organisations pour les aider à diversifier les économies régionales. Ces investissements dans les produits et expériences touristiques encourageront les visiteurs d’ici et de l’étranger à voyager au Canada. Dans le Sud de l’Ontario, FedDev Ontario fournit plus de 30 millions de dollars dans le cadre du programme. 
• Un nouvel appel de demandes dans le cadre du Programme pour la croissance du tourisme dans le Sud de l’Ontario est maintenant ouvert; les demandes sont acceptées jusqu’au 17 septembre 2024. Les entreprises et organisations touristiques peuvent consulter la page du Programme pour la croissance du tourisme dans le Sud de l’Ontario pour savoir s’ils sont admissibles et présenter une demande. 
• Depuis 2015, le gouvernement du Canada, par le biais de FedDev Ontario, a investi plus de 415 millions de dollars dans près de 1 450 entreprises et organisations liées au tourisme, ce qui, selon les estimations, a permis de soutenir plus de 24 500 emplois.

Liens connexes

• OTR 9
• FedDev Ontario
• Fonds d’aide au tourisme (FAT)

Personnes-ressources

L’OTR 9 est un organisme touristique régional créé en 2010 et financé par le ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et du Sport de l’Ontario. L’OTR 9 fait la promotion active du tourisme dans la région du Sud-Est de l’Ontario et s’efforce de soutenir et de faire croître l’industrie touristique par le biais d’initiatives de marketing, de développement de produits, d’attraction d’investissements et de développement de la main-d’œuvre.

OTR 9 Gestionnaire de projet – Fonds d’aide au tourisme

Edward Hutchinson

Attaché de presse

Cabinet de la ministre responsable de l’Agence fédérale de développement économique pour le Sud de l’Ontario

edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Relations avec les médias de FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

À propos de l’OTR 9

À propos de FedDev Ontario

Depuis 13 ans, le gouvernement du Canada, par l’intermédiaire de FedDev Ontario, s’emploie à développer et à diversifier l’économie du Sud de l’Ontario en offrant des possibilités de financement et des services aux entreprises qui favorisent l’innovation, la croissance et la création d’emplois dans la région la plus peuplée du Canada. L’Agence a obtenu des résultats impressionnants, comme en témoignent les entreprises du Sud de l’Ontario qui créent des technologies novatrices, améliorent leur productivité, augmentent leurs revenus, créent des emplois et le développement économique des collectivités de la région. Apprenez-en plus sur l’incidence de l’Agence dans le Sud de l’Ontario en explorant nos projets majeurs, notre bulletin L’actualité économique du Sud de l’Ontario et les comptes Twitter, Facebook, Instagram et LinkedIn de FedDev Ontario.

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Due to an overwhelming response to the program, please note that the training is available, but the wage subsidy kickback has ended until further notice. Check back for updates.

The TSN9 training program will prepare employees or job seekers for a career in the tourism industry. The program is possible due to a collaboration between Destination Northern Ontario, OTEC – Workforce Innovation, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, Ontario Employment Service Providers, and RTO 9. BasicallyTourism SkillsNet 9 has been crafted to reshape the trajectory of your career in tourism.

We’ve identified specific workforce labour gaps and crafted a comprehensive training initiative aimed at nurturing job seekers or employees. Seamlessly bridging the gap between talent and job availability, Tourism SkillsNet 9 seeks to connect you with exciting employment prospects across South Eastern Ontario’s vibrant tourism landscape.

This program is made for jobseekers, seasonal workers, or newly-hired employees looking to improve their skills.

Training opportunities are open to as many employees as possible, in order to  foster a skilled workforce primed for excellence.

The Tourism SkillsNet 9 (TSN9) Training Guide below includes an overview of the free training that a participant can receive once enrolled in Tourism SkillsNet 9 (TSN9). The Tourism Skills Net RTO 9 training guide provides an overview of the available training programs and courses that are available until March 31st, 2024.

Virtual Instructor-Led Training

Essential Service Excellence Service Excellence encourages participants to go beyond basic customer service and empowers them to create memorable

Hospitality Professionalism Participants will learn about effective communication systems, devices, anticipatory and personalized service in hospitality.

Virtual self-led eLearning

Service EQ  This interactive training will provide you with strategies for leveraging and developing your Emotional Intelligence in both your personal life and during your work within the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

Communicating for Excellence

Through this interactive training, you’ll learn how different communication styles influence our behavour and day-to-day situations. Learn how to understand, manage, and leverage emotional intelligence to effectively deal with conflict and relate to others more effectively

Smart Serve

The training will prepare you to work in any environment where alcohol is sold, served, or sampled in the province of Ontario. Get ready to learn with short videos, quizzes, text/audio, activities, and games before completing the Final Certification.

Food Safety

This course will help you learn important information about food safety and how to do your job better. It has been designed to meet all of the recommended requirements of the Canadian Food Retail and Foodservices Code and Regulations.

De-Escalation Training

Achieving Service Excellence with De-escalation of problems and issues.

WHMIS

Through this interactive training, you’ll learn how different communication styles influence our behaviour and day-to-day situations. Learn how to understand, manage, and leverage emotional intelligence to effectively deal with conflict and relate to others more effectively.

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Please contact:

Anne Awori, Project Manager

anne@region9tourism.ca

RTO 9 South Eastern Ontario

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About Regional Tourism Organization (RTO 9)

RTO 9 is a Regional Tourism Organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. RTO 9 actively promotes tourism for the South Eastern Ontario region and works to support and grow the tourism industry through marketing, product development, investment attraction, and workforce development initiatives.

For more information please visit our website: https://rto9.ca/

RTO 9 once again was pleased to implement a funding program developed to help start, build or grow organizations’ marketing programs.

The Drive for Excellence program was designed for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Destination Marketing Program (DMPs) partners to support everything from strategy development to marketing campaign support, to operator training and many other options.

 The Drive for Excellence program:

• Maps out how destinations and operators want to develop over time; business, market, and trade ready
• Allows destinations and operators to self-identify their current readiness and understand what’s ahead
• Helps the RTO to collaborate with destinations to provide direct access to professional services and knowledgeable marketing support
• Provides a strategic and measurable industry development legacy
• Provides direct access to professional services and knowledgeable marketing support

Below are the support programs that have been initiated for each destination for the 2022/2023 season.

Prince Edward County – Paid Search Strategy – Countylicious
Bay of Quinte – Content creation + digital asset development curated by BoQ
Kingston – TBD
Cornwall – Influencer and PR Media FAM tours through TartanBond + Content creation + digital asset development
SDG Counties – Media plan and implementation through Alphabet Creative
1000 Islands Gananoque – Influencer and PR Media Fam tours through TartanBond + Digital
Lennox and Addington – Digital media campaign with 1Dea Creative plus Design
Frontenac County – Content creation + digital asset development, Experiential Workshop 
Brockville – Content creation + Influencer and PR Media FAM tours through TartanBond
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways – 1000 Islands & Rideau Canal Waterways Tourism Development Strategy implementation

If you are a business owner, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, the struggle to find employees as we move through the reopening stages is incredibly challenging. How is it that we can tell the right story to attract the right people and seamlessly bring them on to our teams? And when they arrive, what can we do to keep everyone engaged and productive? Yesterday’s best practices aren’t necessarily ‘best’ today and how we tell our story to attract and keep top talent must change.

We met with workplace and talent expert Eric Termuende and Kingston’s Sean Billing of the Frontenac Club to discuss workforce struggles, new insights, and research to build incredible places to work both today and into the future. From what the next generation of work is looking for to future workplace trends, these insights will help you prepare for an exciting and unpredictable 2022 and beyond.

Eric is the co-founder of NoWof Work, author of the bestselling book Rethink Work, and global keynote speaker. A former World Economic Forum Global Shaper and recognized as one of the Top 100 Emerging Innovators under 35 by American Express, his ideas have been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, The Huffington Post, The Globe and Mail, and many more. Having been on hundreds of stages and worked with and studied the greatest places to work in the world he knows what it takes to build incredible teams that are resilient, innovative, and ready for the future of work.

Sean brings a wealth of hospitality, accommodation, and tourism experiences with him, having held corporate, regional, and senior property positions during his 26-year career. Sean’s path has seen him lead in resort areas around the globe, including the Canadian Rockies, East Africa, the United States, and Central Ontario.

Eric: “What are you seeing right now in the industry that both excites you and both concerns, you, with respect to this talent conversation, and attracting and retaining top talent?”

Sean: “So what excites me right now as I think we’ve got an opportunity to retell our story to speak, to speak to potential job seekers about what our industry brings to the table and what skills they can develop within our industry.

I’m a firm believer, just based on the number of people that I stay in contact with, who built their career and hospitality, and then turn those skills into something else, that we’ve got a real story to tell. I’m excited about that. Any disruption like we’ve just gone through creates an opportunity for us as well. So there’s an opportunity right now, as we retool, and get busier and busier, to bring new talent into our organizations. The struggle, of course, is where’s that’s talent going to come from? And how attractive is our industry going to appear right now after having gone through a series of layoffs?

And after having, displaced a lot of people in a pretty short period of time, I’m generally excited about the opportunity. I think every disruption creates a bit of a renaissance. Employers, we have the opportunity to redefine what working in the tourism and hospitality industry can look like.”

Eric: “How has the industry sort of evolved through the last 16 or 18 months? You said sort of new hospitality industry is emerging. What does that look like? And how has that changed over the last couple of years?”

Sean: “If we go back to 24 months, we had a talent shortage that we were feeling. We were still struggling to find positions, particularly frontline people, that we then went into, this massive disruption, and in many cases, we weren’t able to hang onto the good people that we had. In some cases, we were able to. And certainly, those businesses that were able to take advantage of government support probably felt a little bit better than those like-minded it couldn’t. But I think it, it’s probably coming out the other side, we can see what talent looks like. More clearly, we can see how productive organizations can be. Many operators, probably were in the trenches and probably can think about now more clearly than they could have two years ago. What the job actually entails and what skills and abilities you actually need, so I think there’s a real opportunity there.”

Sean: “What do you think is happening from a macro level as it relates to our sector or as it relates to work in general?”

Eric: This talent opportunity is shared by industries all across the nation. Achievers Workforce Institute right now is saying that 52% of people across the country and into the United States now are interested in or looking for a new job. We’re seeing about a 50% increase in the number of people who are turning over from last year. I think there are multiple factors, I think people stuck around, maybe longer than they would have, or would have liked to. We’re seeing people move at, record numbers, interestingly enough, though we’re calling this or researchers are calling this the great resignation. I don’t like that term, because it implies that people are just leaving their resigning, and not an active part of the workforce. I would rather rephrase it, the Great Reconfiguration, in the sense that I think COVID, in many ways, was a catalyst to what the future of work will be.

The future of work is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed. When I look at the future of work, it’s actually less about the jobs or the tasks. It’s more about the lifestyle and the workplace experience. I would say that in 2011, people moved their lives for their job. Now, people are moving their jobs for their lifestyle. And I think that, over the past 18 months, we’ve seen priorities shift. We’ve seen new skills, new talents, emerge. We’ve seen that new priorities have been heightened and increased in importance and the companies that are doing the best right now or even the operators that are doing the best right now and attracting and retaining talent.

Sean: “What are great companies doing to sort of battle this great resignation or this great reconfiguration?”

We don’t sign up for jobs anymore. Let’s be very clear. We sign up for a lifestyle. The job becomes the vehicle that we use to drive through this lifestyle. When we can proactively create a great workplace, the more proactive we can be in creating that environment of safety –  Psychological safety, which is the ability to present your full self.

It’s the companies that are creating the sense of psychological safety, of belonging, of camaraderie, of community that are now able to leverage this experience and the positivity and the great environment. They have to attract more people that want this similar experience. If we want to start to attract the best talent, we have to be more proactive in creating a great place for the people that are already there. They can be our greatest advocates, our best recruiters, and ultimately source the best talent.

What’s to say, that we don’t showcase their story, maybe on our social media page, or maybe through a little blog post, or maybe give them something to share on their social media, or whatever it might be. I found that when we can start to showcase the people who are already doing great work, not only does it reinforce the great work that they do, not only does it help them repeat the great actions that have happened. But it also gives their network a bit of a peek behind the curtain as to what’s happening in the organization, how these individuals are treated, and how they’re part of a better team and how they’re trusted and respected and appreciated, and that maybe they could be two. 

In all the work that I’ve done surveying these organizations and interviewing these leaders, we talk about connection, and there’s something that’s really stood out to me. And it’s the fastest way to speed up human connection is actually to slow down. There are no shortcuts, there are no fast lanes in this. The end actually is a long way, because, if we keep trying to take shortcuts will never actually get to where we wanna go. When teams are able to experiment, and try new things, engagement, and motivation, go up by about 40%.

We’re seeing the rise of entrepreneurs and startups. We’re seeing the rise of remote work. We’re seeing the rise of the freelancer who isn’t necessarily creating their own company, but now is on websites like Upwork and Freelancer and doing all sorts of design in consultation and maybe even some engineering work all from the bedroom in their house. They’re doing quite well, and they’re able to live a more flexible environment in a flexible lifestyle.

We’re also seeing the priorities have changed in the last couple of months. We’re seeing that people want to spend more time with their families. We’re seeing that, life is a little bit more fragile than perhaps we thought that it might have been.

All of these things are shaping the working world. I would also say that immigration in Canada is down. So we’ve got a job shortage in that sense. We’re seeing that attrition in the workplace is up, we’re seeing more baby boomers retiring than ever before, especially now that the pandemic would like to thank is on its final legs. So there’s a structural change in the employee market.”

COVID has helped bring some very key aspects of employment that maybe were not top of mind before – Psychological Safety, Belonging, community, camaraderie. It is vital that you engage in a positive way with your team! If you are looking for more inspiration, we would encourage you to look for a copy of Eric’s book Rethink Work.