News Archives - Page 2 of 9 - RTO 9

Tourism Organizations on Both Sides of the Border Applaud Government of Canada’s Decision to End Travel Restrictions

Easing of COVID-related testing and other measures to significantly impact tourism recovery  

Kingston, ON – September 28, 2022 – As COVID-19 entry requirements lift later this week, tourism organizations on both sides of the border are applauding the Government of Canada’s decision to remove travel restrictions including testing, proof of vaccination status, quarantine and isolation planning. 

With three land border crossings connecting South Eastern Ontario to the U.S. Thousand Islands and Upstate New York regions, the easing of restrictions is a step in the right direction for businesses that rely on cross-border traffic.   

“We are excited to learn that travel restrictions will finally ease for cross-border travellers. This is wonderful news for our destinations in South Eastern Ontario,” said Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, Regional Tourism Organization 9 (RTO 9), South Eastern Ontario. “With three land border crossings in our region – Massena-Cornwall International Bridge in Cornwall, Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge in Johnston and the 1000 Islands Bridge in the heart of the 1000 Islands – we hope to be able to resume cross-border travel to pre-pandemic levels.”  

“The removal of these travel restrictions is very much welcomed and appreciated with Black Friday and holiday shopping looming. This is a significant step toward rebuilding international visitation and reuniting our border towns,” said Corey Fram, Director of Tourism, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council. 

Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website; provide proof of vaccination; undergo pre- or on-arrival testing; carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation; or monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada. 

Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements, meaning travellers will no longer be required to undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or wear masks on planes and trains. 

Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated, or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States. 

Further information and the official Government of Canada update can be found here

All travellers are being reminded to make informed decisions when travelling outside of Canada and are encouraged to review the travel and health notices at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. 

For more information on Regional Tourism Organization 9 or South Eastern Ontario, visit www.rto9.ca or www.southeasternontario.ca

RTO 9 Signs A Workplace Charter Of Inclusion With KEYS Job Centre

To address workforce shortages, RTO 9 embarked on a series of Workforce Development initiatives with both an immediate and long-term focus in mind. This included the development of a Workforce Development Webinar series. The first webinar related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practices, as equity-seeking groups continue to face systemic barriers to employment. Employers may lack the support to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces, or may not be effectively recruiting and retaining marginalized groups.  

To show leadership and encourage other tourism employers to make EDI a priority, RTO 9 has signed a workplace Charter of Inclusion with KEYS Job Centre in Kingston. Over the coming months, RTO 9 and KEYS will be working with employers throughout South Eastern Ontario on how to create a more inclusive work environment.

Why should I invest time and maybe money to adopt EDI plans set by other
organizations in my business?

  1. We all don’t know what we don’t know and thus having an understanding of the business EDI needs and how to form a doable and impactful EDI action plan that helps my business by collaborating with EDI experts and people from diverse communities with lived experiences is the best way to benefit from diversity to achieve my business goals and meet my social responsibility.
  2. Recognition: Once you complete your EDI action plan, you will be awarded and recognized by an EDI badge that you could use in your branding and promo materials. This badge will be recognized in the community and will be highlighting your business as a welcoming and Inclusive establishment. KEYS also would be happy to give your business a shout out to celebrate your achievement on their Social Media platforms.

What would I benefit from adopting an EDI?

  1. Include new market segments and thus increase market share
    In the hospitality industry, success is largely dependent upon employee-customer interactions. Hospitality is an industry in which customer-facing representatives need to understand and appreciate different cultures. Tourists come from all walks of life, and the local demography of Ontario and Canada is significantly changing to a more diverse population. The ability of businesses and business representatives to connect with people of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic statuses, and belief systems is key in making out-of-towners feel welcome in your establishment.​ Organizations that have representation of the community population promote a positive reputation, increase marketplace awareness, and generate a more diverse client base. 
  2. Diverse organizations benefit from the widely spread positive reputation and are able to position their businesses very well in the market.
    Nowadays, word of mouth and online reviews are some of the best ways of drawing in new and returning customers. By meeting the diverse needs of clientele time and time again, hospitality establishments can ensure a steady source of income, develop a resilient business model, and help employees and customers alike feel more at home.​
  3. Increased productivity and creativity
    As various cultures and backgrounds work together, the opportunity for increased creativity exists. This is because there are more people with differing perspectives and solutions to problems, allowing for a greater chance of a workable solution to a workplace​.
  4. Supporting businesses in facing the labor shortage challenge by tapping on many untapped talents that have been underutilized for years.
    I.e., Newcomers, Racialized, Indigenous, etc.…
  5. Diversity introduces opportunities to globalization
    What could be better than having employees that speak the languages and having
    connections in the courtiers you might want to partner with to exchange tourists and
    expand business?

RTO 9 Announces Partnership Fund Recipients for Intake Round 2

RTO 9 is pleased to announce that we will be partnering with 14 tourism operators from across the region from now until February 15, 2024. The Partnership Fund program is an initiative to support projects designed with the intent to make the South Eastern Ontario region a premier travel destination.

The project categories for this year’s applications included New Event Product, Indigenous Tourism Development, and Development of Guided Experiences or Trails.

Congratulations to the successful recipients from our second intake period.

Bay of Quinte

Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na

A Path Forward – Opening physically in Macaulay Heritage Park on September 30, 2023 (opens virtually in early 2024), “A Path Forward” is an Indigenous art exhibition on the County’s efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation as well as a place for education, reflection, and guidance from our Indigenous community through history, art, and storytelling.

Vivacious Clothing and Day Spa

Large holiday shopping event in Quinte West November 4th & 5th, 2023 to bring local makers, larger retailers, and independent businesses all under one roof for the kick-off to holiday shopping weekend.

1000 Islands Rideau Waterways

To Be Continued Consignment Store

The Disco Bus has had several successful day trips to Almonte & Perth, each with an average 80 shoppers. This will provide Kemptville with an economic injection as well as much-needed promotion as a ‘tourism destination’ 30 minutes from the city. Three (3) trips will be offered, late summer, holiday shopping & Valentine’s.

SDG Counties

Tranquility Acres

Wine tasting and food pairing on September 30, 2023, hosted by the magnificent Liane Cote. Prior to the ticketed event, our gates will be opened to the public starting at 3 p.m. where guests can tour the property, meet our lovely farm animals, and meet & shop local vendors & businesses all while enjoying live music and bar services. Our Wine tasting & food pairing will start at 7 pm, followed by a buffet, live music, and dancing!

Kingston

Kingston Canadian Film Festival

“In Conversation With…” series over 4 weekends in the fall. Each show will involve a moderated Q&A session with a Canadian luminary. We are currently in talks to book Mark McKinney (Kids in the Hall), Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek), and Linda Schuyler (Degrassi), with Elamin Abdelmahmoud (CBC’s Commotion) moderating the talks. Currently, the series is set to kick off in mid-October, with additional shows in early November, late November, and early December. Final dates have not been set.

Theatre Kingston

Running October 15 to November 12, 2023, this brand new play written by Kingston playwright Chloe Whitehorn discusses the importance of the timely issue of Roe V Wade.

Prince Edward County

Chetwyn Farms Inc.

Fibre arts and the niche market for bringing together like-minded people as evidenced with shows such as VOGUE KNITS, knitting retreats, arts camps, and lecture workshops throughout the winter months in PEC.

Three Dog Winery

A one-day event with vendors and performers to kick off the 2023 holiday season on December 2nd, 2023.

Base 31

The Arrow Trail is a partnership project with the Royal Canadian Air Force in celebration of their 100th anniversary & Osisko Mining (Raise the Arrow), the National Air Force Museum of Canada, 8-Wing Trenton, The County Museums, Base 31, the South Shore Joint Initiative, The Regimental Museum, the County of Prince Edward, the Municipality of Quinte West & the City of Belleville. It will create a driving route that celebrates and explores the incredible story of the Avro Arrow, and honours the amazing efforts of the team behind the Raise the Arrow campaign who found & raised an Avro Arrow free flight test model in the waters off Prince Edward County, and shares the intertwining stories that weave Canadian folklore and national icons into local legend.

County Cooperage

Guests will be provided a guided tour throughout the cooperage to learn how barrels are made, including the highlight of barrels being set on fire, followed by a tasting of the different products that go into our barrels. The cooperage experience will be elevated by telling the story of Prince Edward County’s canning industry and our new home which is in the historic Hyatt Canning factory.

Frontenac County

Wolfe Island Records

Wolfe Island Equinox is an outdoor and indoor music festival. It will feature music from 6-8 Canadian musical acts with one U.S.-based headliner.

Lennox & Addington

The Lodge Coffee House

European-style outdoor Christmas market featuring all local, hand-crafted goods, a street closure, and lights lining above Main Street. There will be visits with Santa, wagon rides through the village, campfires for s’mores, and musicians playing at various stops along Main Street. In the evening of December 7th, 2023.

Greater Napanee Pride

Occurring September 23, 2023 in Napanee. An event combining education, networking, and community building to create a meaningful tourism product.

1000 Islands Gananoque

Pangea House

Brand new event series comprised of three multi-night stays to attract 20-25 tourists to the Thousand Islands during the shoulder/winter season. A health and wellness weekend, Writer’s Retreat, and a Holiday shopping weekend to be hosted throughout the winter months.

Learn more about our Partnership Funding Program here. If you have further questions, you are encouraged to contact Meg Dabros, Operations Manager at RTO 9 at mdabros@region9tourism.ca

About RTO 9

RTO 9 is a regional tourism organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. 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. The regions of South Eastern Ontario are 1000 Islands GananoqueBay of QuinteBrockvilleCornwall and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry CountiesFrontenac CountyKingstonLennox and AddingtonPrince Edward County, and the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.

How To Best Leverage Your DMO & RTO9 To Benefit Your Tourism Business

If you’re a tourism business within RTO9, your first point of contact is with your Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Destination Marketing Organizations and Destination Marketing Programs market their respective regions as tourism destinations to bring visitors to their destination. RTO 9 markets the South Eastern Ontario region as a tourism destination to bring visitors to.

It’s really important that you work directly with your DMO and RTO. We both need to know about your product and experiences to help you market it. If we don’t know about it, then, you might be missing out on opportunities!

Find out who your DMO is in South Eastern Ontario.

Here are some ways you can leverage your DMO & RTO9

  • Get familiar with your DMO and RTO about their marketing pillars – the more you can align your content with what they are promoting, the more likely they will talk about you.
  • Meet with your DMO about your events and new tourism products. When the DMO includes your event on their events calendar or features your business, it allows RTO9 to find and promote it. 
  • Attend training sessions and events – the better we know you and what you’re up to, the better able we’ll be to identify opportunities to promote you in the region’s marketing strategy. It also allows you to gain a better sense of where the organization is going, how you can work with us, and find opportunities to partner with or learn from fellow tourism operators.
  • Have a website, or at the very least an active social media page so that your DMO and RTO9 has a place to direct people to. 
  • Make sure you give lots of lead time – social media content calendars are planned in advance, and if the information is available early, they’re more likely to be able to work it into their calendars and pass the info to RTO9.
  • Use the appropriate mentions and tags in your posts – This allows the various organizations to find your stuff, so they can promote it. 
  • Remember that we can’t share everything you do. But if you consistently engage with us and provide great content that aligns with the region’s marketing, it makes it so much easier to leverage your tourism product!

Here are our social accounts to mention when engaging with our consumer brand, South Eastern Ontario.

Facebook @South Eastern Ontario – Mention us in your captions.

Instagram @southeast.ontario – Tag us in your post, Mention us in the caption, & use our hashtag #SouthEasternOntario.

Twitter @southeast_ontario –Tag us in your post, Mention us in the caption, & use our hashtag #SouthEasternOntario.

Visit our About Us page and our Welcome Kit for more information on how the RTO9 fits into the broader hierarchy of tourism organizations.

What Is An RTO?

RTO stands for Regional Tourism Organization. RTO’s are independent, not-for-profit, industry led organizations governed by a Board of Directors. There are currently 13 RTO’s across the province of Ontario. We are RTO9, located within the South Eastern Ontario borders. 

The purpose of RTO9 is to support the tourism industry and attract tourism visitors within the region of South Eastern Ontario. South Eastern Ontario encompasses destinations such as: Cornwall, Stormont Dundas Glengarry (SDG Counties), Leeds & Grenville including the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways, Brockville, 1000 Islands Gananoque, Kingston, Frontenac County, Lennox & Addington, Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte. 

Our organization works closely with Destination Marketing Organizations, Destination Marketing Programs, municipalities, counties and independent business owners to explore strategic projects and programs to support and grow tourism. This is done through our consumer brand South Eastern Ontario, plus other initiatives such as our Partnership Fund Program. RTO9 also supports the tourism industry through research & economic impact studies, industry workshops, and product development.

Visit our About Us page and our Welcome Kit for more information on how the RTO9 fits into the broader hierarchy of tourism organizations.