2021 Northern Ontario Tourism Spring Training Week Resources

Tourism beyond 2020 will be forever changed by the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Many hypothesized how best to prepare for an era of impending disruption. Most believed that disruption would come in the form of technology, but few could foresee it coming via a global pandemic. Nevertheless, we are now presented with a unique opportunity to rethink, reshape and reinvent tourism as we know it. The good news is that the process of reinvention can be learned, best practices can be adopted, and unconscious misleading beliefs can be uncovered and displaced by a clear, powerful process so we can reinvent our businesses as we collectively reinvent our industry through resilience, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability.

Presented by: Joe Baker, Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) Systems Leadership and Integrated Strategy Advisor

This seminar will review the most effective tactics for getting your business or organization seen by the digital world; websites, social media and third party services.

Presented by: Mike Jacobs, CEO, The New Business

An overview of TICO, its role in the travel industry andthe services it provides.

Presented by: Richard Smart, President & CEO / Dorian Werda, Vice President, Operations

One way to ensure your business is following safety standards and effectively communicating those standards to potential visitors is having the Safe Travels Stamp.
This specially designed Safe Travels Stamp allows travellers to easily recognize operators around the world which have adopted the highest standards of health and hygiene protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

Presented by: Maxine Morrell-West, Stakeholder Relations Manager, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

Optimism is high though uncertainty still looms. After a year of sticking close to home many Ontarians are ready to venture out and explore undiscovered places in their own province. The focus will be on connecting to the people and the land in a safe, yet open way. This workshop covers trends, insights from summer 2020, visitor expectations and current travel motivators. The session will help participants quickly build rich, local experiences to entice the drive market from Ontario and neighbouring provinces for this summer.

Presented by: Eva Gutsche – Managing Director – STEM Consulting

Experience Fishing has proven to be an exciting, safe, family inclusive and instructive way to introduce the fun of fishing to beginners. The program is an ideal way for lodges and resorts to reach domestic markets and encourage new anglers including women, families with children and new Canadians to book a package.

Take advantage of this free program complete with online training resources designed for your business. Be ahead of the curve and allow Experience Fishing to help you access new markets.

Presented by: Emma Jones, Director of Special Events & Initiatives, Karen Jones Consulting Inc.

In the midst of the new reality that tourism operators are facing to reopen and restart their activity in 2021 and beyond, domestic and interprovincial travel will be key to their success. Reaching out to the Quebec francophone market is an opportunity that Ontario tourism businesses and destinations have to get ready for. In this session, we will show you how to “French It Up!” to attract and welcome our neighbours from La Belle Province.

Presented by: Isabelle de Bruyn, Gestionnaire en tourisme – Project Manager, Tourism

The road trip is back baby! The one thing to come out of the global pandemic is people’s appreciation for hitting the open road, on their terms. Venturing far from urban centres, road trippers are lured by the journey, quirky stops and accommodations that provide ample space to stretch out, literally. Join Chris as he (walks/drives/rides) you through what makes a successful touring route and why rural and remote areas have the most to gain.

Presented by: Chris Hughes, BC Hughes Tourism Development

Six “Spark” Program finalists from across Northern Ontario will pitch ideas on how they would re-imagine or expand their tourism business to a panel of judges at a “Dragon’s Den”-style session. Three winners will be selected to receive a $3000 grant, mentorship plus additional partner support valued at up to $9,500

Winners:

• Northeastern Ontario: Matthew Larivee, Foxfire Heritage Farm (Yurt, Picnic Area Expansion, Info Signage)
• Algoma/Central: Erica Hogan, Hogan's Homestead (Sweetest Destination)
• Northwest Ontario: Bridget Taylor, Tall Pines Camp (Women's Retreats)

Runners Up:

• Northeastern Ontario: Allison Easton, Graceful Roots (Guided Forest Therapy Walks)
• Algoma/Central: Ellen Barber, Red House Ice Cream (Picnic Project)
• Northwest Ontario: Aric Fishman, Outdoor Skills & Thrills (Rappelling Adventure)

Presented by: Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab