Partnership Funding
Each year, RTO 9 works hand-in-hand with tourism partners to enhance experiential tourism across the South Eastern Ontario region. RTO 9’s Partnership Fund is designed to forge strong and diverse partnerships that either build on existing tourism products or introduce new tourism products. These projects serve to enhance the region’s diversity of offerings to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences throughout the South Eastern Ontario region.
Definition of ‘Partnership’
Partnership is defined as the agreement of RTO 9 to work with one or more entities on a specific project in support of RTO 9’s Business Plan for the current year. Partners who are awarded funding through the Partnership Funding program receive more than money to help reach their project goals. RTO 9 provides guidance in partnership building, experiential tourism development, and digital marketing designed to utilize partner synergies and drive tourists to the region. RTO 9 works in collaboration with our tourism partners to ensure projects come to fruition. RTO 9 partners with operators to share costs on a 50/50 basis and provides guidance in the areas of development, and digital marketing.
Who is eligible to apply?
Partnership Funding for 2023-2024 is intended solely for tourism businesses interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the South Eastern Ontario region.
Please connect with Meg Dabros at mdabros@region9tourism.ca for all questions related to our application process.
Application for 2023/2024 Partnership Funds
RTO 9 continues to offer partnership funding opportunities to our individual tourism operators to help with pandemic recovery and rebuilding across the region. This program is intended to provide operators with resources to better develop their tourism offering and promote visitation within South Eastern Ontario.
Partnership Funding is not available to DMO/DMP offices, Business Investment Areas, Chambers of Commerce, Municipalities, or any other membership-based associations. The funding is intended to assist operators to grow their businesses.
The first application window has now closed. The second application will open from July 3rd - July 21st.
Partnership Fund Guidelines
Included in this guide is information regarding our current program including the following: program rationale, partnership eligibility requirements, funding parameters, and the 2023–2024 project initiatives. Approval of Partnership Funds is dependent upon RTO 9 receiving their 2023–2024 Transfer Payment Agreement from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport (MTCS).
The first application window has now closed. The second application will open from July 3rd - July 21st.