Regional Tourism Organization 12 (RTO 12)

Transcription

1 Regional Tourism Organization 12 (RTO 12) SHOWCASE ALMAGUIN January 2011

2 Background Roles & Responsibilities Funding Transitional information Sub-Committees 2010 / 2011 Projects

3 Background February 2009, the Ministry of Tourism released the Ontario Competiveness Study Key initiative Ontario should establish tourism regions to better coordinate tourism marketing and management across the province. Each region should work toward creating a unique brand and stellar experience. January 2010, After several months of consultations, MTC announces a plan to create 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) June 2010, Ministry announces RTO funding

4 Ontario Regions

5 Region 12

6 Who is included in Region 12? Algonquin Provincial Park Township of the Archipelago Township of Armour Town of Bracebridge The Municipality of the Village of Burk's Falls Carling Township Township of Georgian Bay Town of Gravenhurst Town of Huntsville Joly Township Town of Kearney Township of Lake of Bays Township of Machar Township of Magnetawan Municipality of McDougall Township of McKellar Township of McMurrich-Monteith Township of Muskoka Lakes Town of Parry Sound Township of Perry Township of Ryerson Seguin Township Township of South Algonquin Village of South River Strong Township The Village of Sundridge Municipality of Whitestone

7 RTO 12 Performance Metrics 2008* 3.5 million person visits Visitor Spending $662 million * Source: Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture Regional Tourism Profiles 2008 Stats Canada, International and Canadian Travel Surveys (2008)

8 Goals Change how government and industry work together to develop tourism and foster economic growth. Set standards for success to become more internationally competitive. Maximize and measure the impact of private and public tourism investments on new and revitalized product.

9 Goals Reach out to consumers before they get here and when they arrive, so that we can welcome more tourists. The Ministry will work in concert with industry partners to identify regional priorities that moves the provincial RTO agenda forward. Double Tourism receipts by 2020

10 Roles / Responsibilities Strategy Development Marketing Product Development and Innovation Investment Attraction Workforce Development and Training Coordination Manage Performance

11 Funding Source of funds is HST increase on accommodation tax from 5% to 8% RTO 12 Budget $1.25 million per year in fiscal 2010/2011 and fiscal 2011/2012. A total of $2.5 million over two years.

12 Transitional Accomplishments Since June Created transitional Board Registered as not for profit (By-Laws, etc) Georgian Bay Country Tourism named as the Administrator for Region 12 Created Transition Plan / Terms of Reference Prepared 2010 / 2011 Operational Plan Approved Jan 2011

13 Transitional Board The transitional board is comprised of business leaders from different sectors of the tourism industry and geographic areas in RTO 12 Nominations for an elected Board will take place in March followed by an election at the first annual general meeting this spring.

14 Transitional Board Al Dare, Wilson Lake Resort, Port Loring Andrew Ryeland, Bear Claw Tours, Parry Sound Brenda Scott, ibrand Almaguin, South River David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale John Sorensen, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park Ken Turner, Woodland Echoes Resort, Magnetawan Don MacKay, Dream Links Ltd. Bracebridge Lorne Jolliffe, Manager, Motel 6, Huntsville Gary Froude, Muskoka Cultural Impresarios, Port Carling Jamie Hopkins, Santa s Village & Sportsland, Bracebridge Shannon Bebamash, Comfort Inn, Parry Sound Jim Murphy, Park Planner, Algonquin Provincial Park

15 Transitional Board Advisory Committee Muskoka Tourism, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, Parry Sound Area Community Business & Development Centre Georgian Bay Country, Parry Sound Resource Member Ministry of Tourism & Culture

16 RTO 12 Sub- Committees Executive Communications Innovation & Research Investment Review

17 Communications Committee committed to open and transparent communication between RTO 12 and regional partners / stakeholders.

18 Innovation & Research Committee Identify incremental research projects that help accomplish RTO 12 goals.

19 Investment Review Committee Provides a link between tourism partners/stakeholders and RTO 12. Evaluate projects that fit with RTO 12 regional priorities. Quick implementation. Demonstrate measurable payback in < 2 years; Project fills an identified gap. Does not duplicate; Project should be rolled out to benefit the whole region; Leverage support. Investment from other partners. Projects of interest are presented to the Board for further discussion

20 2010 / 2011 Projects Social Media Branding Research Attraction Coordination Training and Education Mapping Online Reservation Service Destination Development Plan Georgian Bay Coastal Route Sign

21 Questions? For further information please visit or