News
Industry training program creating a ‘quality shift’ for Northern Tourism Operators
How Tourism Excellence North is creating growth opportunities for Bruce Bay Cottages and the tourism industry Pat Peterson had her reservations about introducing a new online booking platform into her and her husband Larry Peterson’s quaint northern resort in Bruce Mines, Ontario. Her experience with technology was limited and Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse had been a successful…
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What you didn’t know about angling tourism in Northern Ontario
Richard (Dick) Watson Sr. first introduced his daughter, Betty to Pine Portage Lodge when she was only 19 days old. In this quiet moment, Watson was able to share with her a dream and a business he would nurture to success for his family in years to come. A native to the nearby Northern Ontario…
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Occupancy Rate Trends Mean Opportunities in the North
Access to accommodations for travellers in the rural north could become more difficult to find due to a growing tourism industry and rising occupancy rates across the region. According to an article published by Destination Northern Ontario, rural occupancy rates and revenue generated for Northern Ontario accommodations have jumped 15 and 28 percent points year over…
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Cruising Industry to make a Splash in Northern Ontario
In Northern Ontario, there are select travel experiences that are the showpieces of our region. Angling on nearly untouched remote lakes for trophy fish, infinite trail systems for summer and winter sports, and snowfall that has snowmobilers migrating north annually are just a few. But soon, the north could be adding a new signature experience…
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New Accommodation Tax now collected in many northern municipalities
The MAT at a glance t’s been a few months since the new Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) was implemented in cities across Northern Ontario. As hoteliers, innkeepers and resort owners balance their books and remit their inaugural round of levies, some residents remain uncertain about how this new tax fits in with life up north.…
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Minimum Wage Increase in the North
Visit almost any tourism operation in Northern Ontario during the summer and chances are you’ll receive service from one or more hard-working students. The seasonality of tourism in the North is a perfect complement to most academic schedules creating a win-win for businesses seeking interim, lower-wage labour and for students looking to earn income for…
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Destination Northern Ontario Sets its Sights on International Marketing
2017 marked a banner year for international tourism in Canada with visitors gathering during 20.8 million overnight stays. As overseas visitors are at an all-time high nationally, Northern Ontario is looking to capitalize this trend to bring additional economic benefit to the region. It will only take a 2 per cent increase in the total…
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The future of fishing: DNO Focused on Hooking New Anglers
If you were on any one of the many lakes or rivers in northern Ontario this past summer, you may have witnessed a new angler having their first fishing experience. This Canadian tradition may have been making a memory for a new Canadian, a couple on a weekend getaway, or for a family with children…
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Established RV Touring to Draw in more International Visitors to the North
For many Northern Ontario residents, the great outdoors can easily be taken for granted. The natural beauty and recreational opportunities available can be as close as the backyard or within a few hours’ drive. But for overseas tourists travelling in RVs, those scenic backdrops, along with cultural and recreational opportunities, are bucket list items just…
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Wayfinding Strategy to be a Key to Tourism Success in the North
Despite all the GPS technology available to travellers, there’s nothing like wayfinding signage to assure you of your destination. Or that you’re heading in the correct direction. It can also provide a sense of security. And for residents, signage can instill a sense of pride in the community and sometimes even raise their awareness as…
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