ONTARIO TRAILHEAD CONFERENCE – JUNE 19th, 2012
RTO 8: Our Favourite Place
TRANS CANADA TRAIL DEVELOPMENTPROJECT
Tourism Competitive Study Released in February 2009
“The report makes a strong case for the creation of well-defined and well-managed tourism regions across the province.”
The goal of regionalization is to bring together stakeholders, to oversee the development of new products and marketing initiatives; and to identify and define unique experiences offered by the region.
In January 2010, MTC announces plans to create 13 tourism regions in Ontario, following several months of consultation throughout the province.
Each to be managed by its own Regional Tourism Organization (RTO).
RTO’S BACKGROUND
RTO 8 ABOVE-THE-LINE ACTIVITIES
Product Development Marketing________________________________________
SUPPORTIVE NON-RTO ACTIVITIES
DMOs, Sector Associations, Economic Development Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, DBIAs
Experience Development Destination Marketing
Tours and PackagesCentral Reservation System Trans Canada TrailCyclingArts, Culture, Heritage
Meetings & Conventions
Industry EducatingHR HotlineMarket Readiness TrainingPackage TrainingTourism Marketing Training
MarketingSupport DMO ActivitiesCreate and Promote Regional
ExperiencesTrack and Measure Results
RTO 8 2012/13 Priorities:
Completion of 120 km of Trans Canada Trail in Region 8
• 3 gaps persisted = 37/120km• Most difficult is Peterborough to Hastings ~ 30km• Create a Greenway Trail in 1 year• Multiple agency negotiations• RTO 8 assistance critical/invaluable
Phase I: Trail Connection
ONTARIO TRAILHEAD CONFERENCE – JUNE 19th, 2012
Work to date• Successfully held 8 monthly steering committee meetings• Developed a business plan and implementation started• Developed a communications plan and implementation started• Successfully awarded grant from Trans Canada Trail for 50% of building costs• Negotiating land access agreements with the Province and the Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan
Peterborough to Hastings Section
ONTARIO TRAILHEAD CONFERENCE – JUNE 19th, 2012
• Destination Trail• Connection to regional cycling routes, Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and link to neighbouring Regions 6,9 and 11• Signage Plan for entire route• Economic driver for local businesses
Phase II: Product Development
ONTARIO TRAILHEAD CONFERENCE – JUNE 19th, 2012
ONTARIO TRAILHEAD CONFERENCE – JUNE 19, 2012
The opportunity is available NOW