OHTO - Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization RTO11

15/08/2024

The results from the Labour Market Group of Renfrew and Lanark (LMG) Employer Pulse Survey are in!

The survey took place over a 12-week period from September to December, 2023, providing valuable insights that aligned with the assumptions made by the LMG. In total, the survey elicited responses from 105 employers.

Download the results here 👇

14/08/2024

📣 Meet the Board: Cindy Jamieson, Whitewater Inn Beachburg

Ottawa Valley tourism operator, Cindy Jamieson, is no stranger to tourism. In 2019, after 20 years operating Jamieson Travel, Cindy transitioned to another tourism-focused business when she purchased Whitewater Inn.

A year later, she joined the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization's (OHTO) board of directors, as Vice Chief Governing Officer.

Supporting tourism businesses and stakeholders in Ontario's Highlands (RTO11).

13/08/2024

The Culinary Tourism Experience Award will be presented to the tourism business or organization that delivers an authentic consumer experience showcasing Canadian food and beverage. Wherever possible, please support your answers with statistical information and evidence to show the impact of the experience.

The Culinary Tourism Experience Award will be presented to the tourism business or organization that delivers an authentic consumer experience showcasing Canadian food and beverage. Wherever possible, please support your answers with statistical information and evidence to show the impact of the exp...

12/08/2024

Culinary tourism is on the rise with travellers seeking immersive food and drink experiences that connect them to their destination. There's a high demand for unique and immersive culinary experiences that reflect local culture, heritage and agriculture.

Experience a savory sense of time and place in a destination through culinary travel.

08/08/2024

📣 Call for 2025 Board Members

The Culinary Tourism Alliance is seeking enthusiastic folks to join their Board of Directors in October of this year. They are committed to maintaining a board of diversity of experience and perspectives including diversity with respect to race, gender, geography and areas of expertise to support and advance the organization’s performance and achievements of its mission and vision.

This includes:
* Meeting the 50/30 challenge and holding space for candidate that enable us to advance gender parity and increased board diversity
* Prioritizing a pan-provincial board with representation from coast to coast to coast

Interested in applying? Find more information here 👇

The CTA seeks to maintain a Board with a diversity of experience and perspectives, including race,  gender, geography, and areas of expertise to support organization in achieving its mission and vision.  The CTA Board currently meets the 50/30 challenge and will be holding space for  candidates ...

07/08/2024

The application portal for the Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) is open for the Summer 2024 term (May - August 2024)

The TOP, spearheaded by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, is designed to assist employers across Canada in hiring college and university students for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements. Through this program, employers can receive a wage subsidy covering up to 50% of student wages (up to $5,000) for each new placement.

The application portal is open for the Summer 2024 term (May – August 2024). Please note that funding is limited, and applications are not guaranteed funding. New applications will be placed on the waitlist and will only be moved into processing if funding is available.

05/08/2024

We love seeing tourism operators excel in marketing their business in a competitive industry. These folks go above and beyond in their social media efforts, tirelessly promoting both their business and region.

Read our list of five businesses who are killing it on Instagram these days and celebrate their success with us 👇

https://ohto.ca/news-events/we-see-you-celebrating-learning-ontarios-highlands-operators-winning-instagram

Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe Wilder Waters Cottage Rental Haliburton - H2H Cottage Co. Hummingbird Chocolate Maker Terramor Farm

Breadcrumb News, Stories & Events Coutts Coffee, Perth We See You: Celebrating + Learning from Ontario’s Highlands’ Operators Winning at Instagram July 15, 2024 We love seeing tourism operators successfully market their business in a competitive tourism world. These are the folks who are going t...

02/08/2024

Workplace Safety and Prevention Services - Free resources for New Canadians and Temporary Foreign Workers 📣

The people in your workforce have a wide range of backgrounds. Your employees may include new Canadians, temporary foreign workers, or others with English as their second language. All workers have a right to learn how to keep safe on the job, and information needs to be available in languages they understand.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), in collaboration with the Advisory Committees and other stakeholders, have developed a number of FREE resources for new Canadians and temporary foreign workers in various languages.

The people in your workforce have a wide range of backgrounds. Your employees may include new Canadi

31/07/2024

Family road trips are a great way to have a big holiday that immerses you in a region, but on a reasonable budget. What are the best family-friendly places to stay on a road trip through Ontario's Highlands?

(Think family-friendly campgrounds, adventurous accommodations, and must-see parks and kid-friendly experiences).

What are the best family-friendly places to stay and play on a road trip through Ontario's Highlands?

29/07/2024

Cycle MORE, a new adventure linking cyclists in Ottawa and the Valley. Cycle MORE is an exciting new cycle route being introduced this bicycle month for cycle tourists, seasoned cyclists.

Ottawa / Mississippi Mills – June 7, 2024 Cycle MORE is an exciting new cycle route being introduced this bicycle month for cycle tourists, seasoned cyclists — and especially for local riders…

25/07/2024

Canada focuses more on travel and tourism business to boost economy.

Canada climbs to ninth place in the UN World Tourism Barometer, highlighting its thriving tourism and MICE industry. Discover Canada's top tourist attractions.

23/07/2024

A new partnership is bringing more opportunities to access mental health services in Ontario.

Smart Serve Ontario is providing FREE mental health services. This campaign, called "Smart Serve Cares", is delivered in partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org, a non-profit that advocates for the mental health of hospitality workers, and Greenshield, a national non-profit health and benefits company.

Breadcrumb News, Stories & Events New Partnership Supports Mental Health in Hospitality Industry July 15, 2024 A new partnership is bringing more opportunities to access mental health services in Ontario. Smart Serve Ontario is providing essential and free mental health services to Ontario Smart Ser...

19/07/2024

Smart Serve Ontario, in partnership with Not 9 to 5 Org and GreenShield Canada, are offering FREE mental health support and resources to Ontarios hospitality workers holding a valid Smart Serve Certification with their new program Smart Serve Cares.

Smart Serve Cares, launched on May 9, 2024, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry and provide accessible support to those who need it most.

Smart Serve Cares is a new program that provides FREE Mental Health support and resources to active Smart Serve Certificate holders.

17/07/2024

On Friday, July 19, to mark Healthy Parks Healthy People Day. Ontario will be offering free day-use access to provincial parks for people to explore the parks and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.

Ontario Offering Free Admission to Provincial Parks July 19 | Ontario Newsroom

16/07/2024

Destination Canada has launched their new tourism strategy, 'A World of Opportunity', which sets a focus on transforming the sector and catapulting Canada back into the top 7 global destinations by 2030.

The new tourism strategy was presented at Rendezvous Canada in Edmonton. This strategy is designed to increase Canada's global competitiveness and bring in up to $160 billion in annual revenue by 2030, transcending the traditional constraints that currently cap the tourism industry's potential at $140 billion.

It's time to amplify Canada's presence on the world stage. Discover and learn about our 2030 strategy to elevate Canada to a Top 7 global tourism destination.

10/07/2024

Destination Canada has recently launched The Canadian Tourism Data Collective - a first-of-its-kind, secure, centralized platform designed to harness the power of data to increase Canada's competitiveness and boost economic growth.

The Data Collective dashboard is a ‘one-stop data shop’ delivering actionable insights and intelligence about Canada’s tourism economy, arming industry, communities, tourism operators and government with reliable information to make critical decisions.

The Canadian Tourism Data Collective is a new, centralized national platform that will serve as a two-way street for sharing and accessing Canadian tourism data.

08/07/2024

📣 Lanark & Renfrew Launches the 3rd Annual Culture Connect

The Local Immigration Partnership - Lanark & Renfrew has announced the 3rd Annual Culture Connect, an exciting celebration of diversity and culture. This vibrant event continues to serve a sa dynamic platform for converging community groups and organizations across the Ottawa Valley.

Culture Connect consists of a series of events that create a space for collective learning, celebration, honouring of culture and traditions in our communities.

The 3rd annual Culture Connect, happening in 2024, is an opportunity to celebrate beauty in diversity and the importance of culture. Culture Connect brings together community groups, organizations, individuals, newcomers, locals and more across the Ottawa Valley to embrace multiculturalism in our co...

05/07/2024

Rainbow Registered through Canada's 2slgbtqi+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations.

In addition to benefiting from guidelines that provide information and advice on ensuring 2SLGBTQI+ customers feels welcome and accepted, accredited businesses will be able to demonstrate and market themselves as safe destinations for the 2SLGBTQI+ market.

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce

04/07/2024

Family road trips are a great way to have a big holiday that immerses you in a region, but on a reasonable budget. What are the best family-friendly places to stay on a road trip through Ontario's Highlands? (Think family-friendly campgrounds, adventurous accommodations, and must-see parks and kid-friendly experiences).

What are the best family-friendly places to stay and play on a road trip through Ontario's Highlands?

02/07/2024

The safety of tourist destinations for the LGTBIQ+ community varies significantly worldwide and is influenced by legal, social, and cultural factors.

According to the 2024 edition of the Gay Travel Index, Canada is ranked the safest tourist destination, sharing the top spot with Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain, all of which have 12 points.

Malta and Canada top the ranking of safest destinations for LGTBIQ+ travelers.

27/06/2024

"Smart Serve Cares" campaign launches to provide essential and free mental health services to Smart Serve certificate holders.

Smart Serve Ontario, a registered charity dedicated to responsible liquor sales and service practices, is taking a crucial step towards improving mental health in the hospitality industry with the launch of its new campaign "Smart Serve Cares."

Delivered in partnership with Not 9 to 5, a non-profit that advocates for the mental health of hospitality workers, and GreenShield, Canada's only national non-profit health and benefits company, the program will provide free mental health services and education to individuals holding an active Smart Serve certificate.

Smart Serve Cares is a new program that provides FREE Mental Health support and resources to active Smart Serve Certificate holders.

26/06/2024

June is Pride Month in Ontario and in Ontario's Highlands we are celebrating the business owners and businesses who are going above and beyond to support diverse voices and orientations.

Becoming Rainbow Registered is a way for businesses to show their pride for all walks of life.

Breadcrumb News, Stories & Events Showing Our Pride: 11 Rainbow Registered Businesses to Support this Summer June 10, 2024 June is Pride Month in Ontario and in Ontario’s Highlands we are celebrating the business owners and businesses who are going above and beyond to support diverse voices and or...

24/06/2024

Only two days until the deadline for the Seed grant closes, on June 26, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET.

Applicants can apply for funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program and build their capacity to plan for future programs and services.

OTF Seed grants support the research, development, and testing of new ideas and approaches.

21/06/2024

On April 29, 2024, the federal government announced that international postsecondary students will be able to work a maximum of 24 hours per week during term time, starting in September.

On April 29, 2024, the federal government announced that international postsecondary students will b

19/06/2024

Have you applied for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Seed grant? Applicants can apply for funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program and build their capacity to plan for future programs and services.

The grant application period is May 29, 2024 to June 26, 2024 at 5 PM ET.

OTF Seed grants support the research, development, and testing of new ideas and approaches.

17/06/2024

Tourism is back and the future is promising!

Destination Canada has shared a video highlighting the sector's latest milestones in unlocking new opportunities from coast to coast to coast for their Spring 2024 update.

14/06/2024

Tourism Cares, in collaboration with Joe Jamison from VisitAble and Kristy Durso from Incredible Memories Travel, is offering a FREE Introduction to Disability Inclusion & Accessibility in Hospitality course. The module explores the the significance of creating inclusive environments for travellers with disabilities and provides insights into how organizations can enhance their services to cater to diverse needs.

Sign up for the course and learn how to contribute to a more inclusive world through thoughtful and proactive measures.

In this course, we delve into the critical topic of accessibility in the travel industry. We'll explore the significance of creating inclusive environments for travelers with disabilities and provide insights into how you can enhance your services to cater to diverse needs. Join us as we discuss the...

12/06/2024

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is concerned about the new federal rules limiting off-campus work hours for international students and the impact these changes will have on their welfare and the capacity of tourism and hospitality employers.

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is concerned about the new federal rules limiting

10/06/2024

On May 8, 2024 Executive Director, Nicole Whiting, had the privilege of presenting to Haliburton County Council.

The purpose of the delegation was to provide Council members with a refresher on how OHTO works with the Economic Development and Tourism Department of the County and lower tier Municipalities as well as the operators in the region to strengthen communities through responsible tourism. More specifically, the presentation shared the current challenges facing the tourism sector and the opportunities to collectively work together to address those challenges.

“Our region is the second largest in the province which makes it difficult to visit all of our communities on a regular basis. It was great timing to present an overview of our experience working with the tourism sector as they head into their busy season," Whiting said.

"There are a lot of competing priorities for local governments and so I also wanted to reiterate the vital role tourism plays in creating a vibrant sustainable community that cares as much about prosperity as it does about preserving the quality of life that makes this region such a great place, to live, work and visit.”

OHTO Board Director, Barrie Martin, was also on hand to support the delegation and participated in a mini-tour of the County alongside Nicole Whiting and Haliburton County Tourism Manager, Angelica Ingram.

A recording of the meeting can be found below (jump to 49:48)

The May 8th, 2024 - Regular Meeting of Haliburton County Council will be held via video conferencing software and live-streamed to the County's YouTube site.

06/06/2024

Summer is the perfect time to plan a long and sweet ride that ends at a cozy inn, hotel or cottage. Share with us the cycle-friendly accommodations in your region and where cyclists head after a day on the trail or the road 🚲

Share with us the cycle-friendly accommodations in your region, and where the cyclists head when the sun starts to set after a day on the trail or road.