Industry Newsletters
September 5, 2024
This month, we spotlight the growing impact of agri-tourism and share valuable updates to keep you informed on the broader trends and stories within our vibrant tourism community.
What’s Inside!
• Agri-Tourism Features
• Market Insights
• Opportunities
• Workforce Development
• Tourism Success Stories
• Media Spotlights
• Upcoming Workshops/Events
Summer 2024
Welcome to Summer!
Welcome to the Summer Edition! Explore the tantalizing world of food tourism as we explore global, national, and regional trends.
What’s Inside!
• World Food Travel Association - State of the Industry Report
• How Culinary Travel Tells the Story and Celebrates the History of a Destination
• Feast ON Certification
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot
• Ontario Tourism Industry Health Check
• RTO 9 Partnership Funds - opening soon!
PLUS opportunities, workforce development, events and industry spotlights!
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June 3, 2024
This month's newsletter focuses on sustainable tourism. Learn about the latest initiatives and tools designed to help businesses thrive while promoting sustainability.
What’s Inside!
• The Power of Transparency in Sustainable Tourism
• Understanding the 2030 SDG Goals for Tourism Businesses
• Nature Positive Travel & Tourism in Action
• The Canadian Tourism Data Collective
PLUS opportunities, workforce development, events and industry spotlights!
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May 6, 2024
Welcome to May!
As tourism evolves, optimizing HR strategies becomes paramount in ensuring staff retention, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. This month’s newsletter will focus on effective HR management for success.
What’s Inside!
• Leading Through learning
• Skills-based talent management in hospitality and tourism
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot
• Partnerships Fund 2023/24 Report
PLUS opportunities, workforce development, events and industry spotlights!
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April 2, 2024
As we celebrate Tourism Week in Canada April 15 - 19, this month's newsletter will focus on informing SME operators about relevant and helpful marketing strategies they can use to amplify their business.
What's Inside
• RTO 9 2024 Tourism Summit save the dates
• RTO 9 Annual General Meeting
• National Tourism Week 2024 (April 15-19)
• Marketing Tips & Tricks - Tourism businesses
• Insights Q1 2024: Top destinations and event trends
• Ontario travel consumer perception and behaviours
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot
• Survey - Your Marketing Needs
Plus opportunities, workforce development, events and media spotlights
Learn More
March 3, 2024
This March edition newsletter, focuses on on how travellers' desire for experiential travel creates a need for new offerings and what local tourism partners can do to meet this demand.
What's Inside
• RTO 9 2024 Tourism Summit dates announced
• Experiential Travel is on the Surge
• Travel Experiences in Demand
• Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions
• Business Intelligence Survey Report
• Skift Megatrends 2024
Plus opportunities, workforce development, events and media spotlights
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February 5, 2024
This February edition newsletter, focuses on the potential tourism has in enhancing the social and economic well-being of local communities and ways to achieve these benefits.
What's Inside
• Community-based tourism and its benefits
• Role of the local community in rural tourism development
• Tourism Outlook: Unlocking Opportunities for the Sector
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot: December 2023
• November 2023 Overnight Arrivals to Canada
Plus opportunities, workforce development, events and media spotlights
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2023-2024 Winter Edition
This winter edition newsletter, covering December and January, will focus on how travellers' emphasis on sustainability and responsibility while travelling affects demand and how local tourism partners can adapt to meet visitor needs.
What's Inside
• Shift Towards Sustainable Travel
• Younger Generation’s Approach to Sustainable Travel
• State of Destination Marketing 2024 Report
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot: October 2023
• U.S. Sentiment for Travel to Canada
• Applications Now Open for the Federal Tourism Growth Program
• Scheduling for Success
• Rainbow Registered Information Session
Plus media spotlights and featured destinations
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November 2, 2023
November's newsletter focuses on the impact of digitalization on the tourism industry and what local tourism partners should utilize in order to take advantage of this trend.
What's Inside
• The Digital Revolution
• Impact of Digitalization on Tourism Jobs
• Tourism SkillsNet Ontario: Workforce Issues, Opportunities & Impact
• Canadian Tourism Labour Market Snapshot: September 2023
• TIAC's Annual Tourism Congress
• 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference
• An Opportunity to Share Your Labour Challenges
• Making Your Business Accessible
Plus media spotlights and featured destinations
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October 3, 2023
Every month, we’ll be sending you the latest insights, research and thoughtful perspectives on the issues that matter most to tourism businesses and operators in RTO9.
October's newsletter concentrates on how the return of business trips create demand for flexible business package offerings and how the return of business events benefit the local economy.
What's Inside
• Top Business Travel Trends in 2023
• Strategies to Attract a Rising Segment: Bleisure Travellers
• 2023 Business Travel Index Outlook
• U.S. and Canada's Educational Tourism Market Experiences Significant Expansion
• June 2023 Overnight Arrivals to Canada
• U.S. Sentiment for Travel to Canada
• Making Your Business Accessible
September 5, 2023
September's newsletter focuses on how seasonality affects tourism, tourism workforce, and how local tourism partners can combat against the challenge of seasonality.
What's Inside
• Strategies to Overcome Seasonality
• Developing Winter and Shoulder Season Tourism
• Six key global travel trends for 2023
• Canadian Tourism Trends in Q1 2023
• Tourism Development Fund 2023 Now Open for Applications
• TIAO National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy Launched
2023 Summer Edition
This summer edition newsletter, covering July and August, will focus on how demand for workable spaces creates blended accommodation in the hospitality sector and how local operators can meet the demand of visitors.
What's Inside
• The rise of "bleisure" travel
• Laws of attraction for high value guests
• Indigenous travel is booming in Canada
• TIAO Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program- upcoming sessions
• The Culinary Tourism Alliance Launches the Great Taste of Canada
June 5, 2023
This month's newsletter, in timing with National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada (June 21), is about the power of Indigenous Tourism and how tourism benefits from communities sharing their values and culture, and the role that Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism partners can play to further the industry's efforts.
What's Inside
• Grant Writing 101: For Tourism Organizations
• Getting to Know Indigenous Peoples in Canada Through Tourism
• Applications Open for Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards and Pow Wow Pitch Competition
May 2, 2023
This month's newsletter will concentrate on how economic headwinds and inflation affect traveller decisions and what to expect in the face of a looming recession.
What's Inside
• Tourism HR Canada Unveils Campaign to Promote Growth in Canada's Tourism Industry
• The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Announces its 2023-24 Action Plan
• RTO 9 Brand Health Research Results
April 6, 2023
As we celebrate Tourism Week in Canada, this month's newsletter will focus on informing SME operators about relevant and helpful advertising strategies that they can use to further their marketing efforts.
What's Inside
• Experience Ontario 2023 – Apply Now
• Federal Budget 2023 Announced
• Vancouver Included in TIME's List of World's Greatest Places for '23
March 1, 2023
This month’s newsletter will focus on digitalization as a result of the pandemic, its impacts on the tourism industry, and how operators leverage this trend. Technology continues to disrupt the industry with global tourism boards and experts recognizing the solutions it can bring to tourism, especially regarding labour bottlenecks, visitor conversion, and more efficient marketing.
What's Inside
• Generative AI is Shaking Travel Marketing Up
• Skift Megatrends 2023
• Facial Recognition Could Make Airports More Efficient,
• But at What Price?
2023 Winter Edition
This winter edition newsletter focuses on how tourism partners can utilize small, digestible, and easy-to-create videos to grow visitation, as well as understanding the importance of tourism as a means to support and connect the local community and to increase the quality of life and economic parity of a destination.
What's Inside
• 2023 Top Trends Shaping the Future of Travel and Destinations
• Tourism Industry Association of Ontario: State of the Ontario Tourism Industry Report
• Revenge Travel: Taking a Responsible Approach
December 1, 2022
This month's newsletter will focus on how the pandemic has impacted traveller values and how local tourism partners can adapt to meet visitor needs. COVID forced us to shift gears, whether as travel providers or as travellers ourselves. People are more hesitant to commit to plans, have heightened expectations of travel experiences, and are more conscious than ever of their traveller footprint in the destination.
What's Inside
• Federal Government to Invest $10 Million in Tourism in South Eastern Ontario
• How To Connect With Us on Social Media
• Rainbow Registered Program
• National & Regional Employment Demand Projections to 2025
November 4, 2022
This month's newsletter will focus on sport tourism as an important building block for increased visitation and expenditures and the important tourism benefits beyond the rights holders. The global sports tourism market is rapidly gaining traction over the recent years and is expected to register robust revenue growth in the near future. Only in Canada, the sports tourism industry is nowadays valued at $7.4 billion.
What's Inside
• FedDev Ontario Launches New Tourism Relief Fund
• How Sports Tourism is Boosting Local Economies
• Sports Tourism Trends for 2022 the New World
October 14, 2022
This month’s newsletter will focus on why destination intelligence matters and how tourism partners can utilize data to deliver a targeted experience to visitors. Big data and advances in computing power have transformed the world’s biggest industries, and tourism is no exception. Data analytics has become the strategy of choice for organizations of any size looking to secure competitive differentiation and seek out new revenue opportunities.
What's Inside
• The Importance of Destination Intelligence
• How Can Tourism Partners Leverage Data to Deliver a Targeted Experience to Visitors?
• Ontario Strengthening Entertainment Industry in the North
• Ontario Investing an Additional $90 Million into Skills Development Fund
September 7, 2022
This month’s newsletter will focus on the continued need for frictionless travel and how tourism partners can provide visitors with a worry-free experience.
During COVID-19, travellers faced an unprecedented level of disruption across most touchpoints of their travel experience, while the current travel demand increase combined with severe labour shortages are not contributing towards a smooth trip. However, all players in the tourism ecosystem are doubling efforts to enable easy travel.
What's Inside
• Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada’s Tourism Industry
• Destination Canada’s Resident Sentiment Report
• The Difference Between Touchless and Frictionless Travel
• 5 Unique Ways to Experience Indigenous Culture in Canada
2022 Summer Edition
This summer edition of our newsletter will focus on the increased demand for experiences that demonstrate action on reducing the impacts of tourism and how tourism partners can play their part, as well as understanding the renewed importance of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) for the local tourism economy.
What's Inside
• RTO 9 Tourism Summit
• How Are Destinations Attracting MICE Travel Post-COVID?
• Top Inbound Tourism Markets Snapshot
• Canada’s Tourism Renaissance: New National Strategy for Recovery
June 6, 2022
This month’s newsletter, in timing with National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), is about the power of Indigenous Tourism and how it can support Truth and Reconciliation.
What's Inside
• US Sentiment for Travel to Canada
• South Eastern Ontario Consumer Insight Research Wave 2
• Rising Gas Prices Impacts on Spring/Summer Travel Season
• ACTA Calls for Help to Address Travel Delays
• Virtuoso Lists Canada in the Top 10 Destinations for US Travellers in 2022
May 6, 2022
This month’s newsletter is about labour and workforce development.
What's Inside
• Tourism HR Canada Monthly Tourism Snapshot
• Tourism Workforce Recovery Toolkit
• Federal Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program
April 4, 2022
This month’s newsletter is about leveraging partnering and packaging to respond to key market trends and to be ready for the upcoming travel season.
What's Inside
• 6 Steps for Tourism Businesses To Create Great Travel Packages
• Upcoming Application for Seats on the RTO 9 Board of Directors
• Featured Operators & Destinations on Packages & Itinerary Building
March 4, 2022
This month’s newsletter is about inspiration for women in travel and female travel trends that you need to know.
What's Inside
• Solo Female Travel on The Rise
• Understanding Fair Pay
• Meet The Women Making The Outdoors More Accessible To All
• The Power Of Women In Travel
February 7, 2022
In this newsletter, you will find links to Destination Ontario Presents Webinars: Know Your Target Audiences by Tourism Product, Sessions 1 & 2 as well as information on the Culinary Tourism Alliance Launches Brand New - Free - Online Training Program In Partnership With OTEC and links to recordings from Destination Canada - Key Trends Shaping the Future of Canada's Tourism Industry.
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January 2, 2022
This month’s newsletter is about looking ahead and ushering in a feeling of renewal!
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December 6, 2021
This month’s newsletter is about Travel Trade and how to engage and leverage it.
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November 3, 2021
This month’s newsletter is about HR Planning: Outlook and approaches for hiring in the tourism industry
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October 6, 2021
This month’s newsletter is about astrotourism and dark sky activities for travellers. What exactly is astrotourism?
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September 10, 2021
This month’s newsletter is about cultural tourism and how to harness the segment for recovery.
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August 14, 2021
This month’s newsletter is about pricing trends and opportunities and why values are important.
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July 5, 2021
This month’s newsletter shares new research on destinations and travel behaviour in response to the shifting landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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June 28, 2021
In this month’s newsletter, we explore consumer brand perception and travel intention research conducted by Twenty31 Consulting, provide a link to the Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force Report with 10 key recommendations, as well as information on Ontario moving into Step Two of the Roadmap to reopening.
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May 13, 2021
This month’s newsletter delves into the topic of placemaking and what it means for destination branding and travel marketing.
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April 9, 2021
In this month’s newsletter, we explore new research on Canadian destinations and travel behavior in response to COVID-19.
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March 4, 2021
In this month’s newsletter, we explore how the performing arts sector is responding and adapting to the pandemic.
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February 5, 2021
This month’s newsletter explores research and strategic planning tools to reflect, develop new ideas and think outside the box.
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January 8, 2021
This month’s newsletter delves into the ways SMEs can navigate changing consumer preferences and industry dynamics to support recovery.
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December 2, 2020
This month’s newsletter is about wellness and adventure tourism trends, opportunities and traveller needs.
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November 5, 2020
This month’s newsletter is about wellness and adventure tourism trends, opportunities and traveller needs.
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October 6, 2020
This month’s newsletter is about the tourism workforce, the changing landscape, and approaches businesses can take to support recruitment, retention, and more.
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September 22, 2020
NEW Partnership Fund Program
Due to the cancellation of some projects in the 2020-2021 Partnership Fund, we are opening a second application window for funding. This application is specific and is designed to assist in promoting itinerary projects that include more than one tourism operator, through a social media marketing campaign. These funds will not be available for product or event development.
September 4, 2020
In this month’s newsletter, we will explore ways operators can build new networks and partnerships.
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August 22, 2020
It's the must-attend tourism summit for South Eastern Ontario that you can be part of... online! Take a step back from your usual routine, and join us for a day of information and discoveries to help build a strong future for tourism.
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July 30, 2020
In this month’s newsletter, we will explore revenue management strategies and factors that you should consider through recovery and ramp-up.
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July 27, 2020
RTO 9, the leading strategic partner to sustainably develop and manage tourism in South Eastern Ontario has formally launched its Immediate Action Plan and Interim Strategy designed to support local destinations and SMEs rebuild tourism this summer and fall.
Developed with the advice of tourism management firm Twenty31 Consulting using a scenario-based framework, the Action Plan and Interim Strategy includes a number of specific initiatives including training, communications, itinerary development and, marketing.
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July 10, 2020
We have been busy these past couple of weeks with back-to-back webinars! We chatted with marketing and tourism experts on topics such as, Providing Traveller Value, Reputation Management, and Attracting Tourist Through Partnerships and Itineraries. Please feel free to pass these along to any colleagues who may be interested!
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July 4, 2020
In this month’s newsletter, we take look at the impact of COVID-19 on consumer sentiment and behavior as the summer travel season begins.
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June 12, 2020
As we navigate through the rebuilding/reopening phase, we would like to provide you with helpful content to not only answers your questions but to inspire you.
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June 9, 2020
Tourism Champions, Operators, & Local Business Owners; We Need Your Help
We're looking for locals to share with us their favourite places and things to do in South Eastern Ontario!
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May 29, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most difficult challenge we have faced together. As we navigate through these uncertain times, we hope to provide content that not only answers your questions but inspires you to keep moving forward.
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May 15, 2020
In this newsletter, you will find information on Engaging Customers During COVID19, Stage 1 Of Framework To Re-Open Province as well as information on Future Skills Centre & OTEC Announce Rapid Response Project For Hard-Hit Tourism & Hospitality Workers.
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May 8, 2020
During this uncertain time, we at RTO9 are working hard to ensure the voice of Tourism in South Eastern Ontario is well communicated to our industry leaders and shareholders. Please listen to what our board Chair has to say.
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May 4, 2020
Over the last few weeks, our most rewarding conversations have been with our DMO's, operators, and travel marketers! Stories and examples from others within this industry are incredibly valuable right now. Find out more.
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April 27, 2020
In this newsletter, you will find information on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, information on Free TIAO Membership as well as information on How to Apply for CERB.
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April 17, 2020
In this newsletter, you will find webinars on Pivoting Your Business To Serve the Covid-19 Economy, React. Rethink. Recover as well as information on Federal & Provincial government updates.
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April 1, 2020
In this month’s newsletter, we take look at the impact of COVID-19 to provide you with tourism insights to navigate through this challenging time
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