Destination Northern Ontario Attends the Rural Ontario Municipality Association’s Conference

by Sara Currier | February 27, 2025

Destination Northern Ontario was honored to join the tourism delegations supporting the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto last month.

As a key advocate for Northern Ontario’s tourism sector, Destination Northern Ontario engaged with government officials and industry leaders to highlight the importance of tourism as an economic driver for the region. The event provided a valuable platform to discuss shared challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering sustainable tourism growth.

During the conference, Destination Northern Ontario focused on advocating for increased investment in tourism infrastructure, workforce development, and targeted marketing initiatives that cater to the region’s unique needs. By engaging with key decision-makers, the organization reinforced the importance of collaboration between municipalities, the provincial government, and industry stakeholders to drive economic development. These discussions also emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices that support long-term industry resilience and community prosperity.

A special thank you to Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Stan Cho, for meeting with us to discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). Additionally, Destination Northern Ontario participated in important discussions with Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and MPP Aislinn Clancy on MAT, charging infrastructure, and tourism resilience in cross-border trade.

The week also included a productive meeting with Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, as we continue working towards a stronger, more vibrant tourism industry in Northern Ontario.