BRUCEGREYSIMCOE, ON, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) announces they are now accepting applications for the 2014/15 Partnership Funding Program. Partnership fund projects will support RTO7's business plan goal of driving overnight accommodation within the region and extending length of stay.
In the program's second year, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport has provided RTO7 with $336,000 in partnership funding, with matching dollars to be contributed from participating tourism partners. RTO7 will contribute an additional $168,000 from its base funding towards these partnerships.
Funding is available for the following areas of investment:
Reliable and recognizable tourism wayfinding continues to be a priority for RTO7. Increased funding has been allocated to tourism wayfinding signage, and cycling signage has been added (at an enhanced funding ratio). Digital (online) marketing remains another significant focus for funding. A review of the planning and buying patterns of RTO7's targeted audience(s) indicates overwhelmingly that they do so through internet and social media. Investment in consumer research, the region's tourism workforce and tourism experience development will assist in differentiating Region 7 from other tourist destinations, thereby increasing tourism receipts.
Organizations within BruceGreySimcoe eligible for Partnership Funding include:
Partnership Funding Program Guidelines and applications can be found on RTO7's website Partnership Funding page. Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis until available funds have been allocated to approved projects.
Strong partnerships and a coordinated, collaborative approach to product development, regional planning and marketing are essential to the future sustainability and increased competitiveness of tourism across BruceGreySimcoe.
About Regional Tourism Organization 7:
RTO7 provides strategic and collaborative leadership to build, sustain and grow tourism in the region comprised of Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties (BruceGreySimcoe). We are one of 13 RTOs - independent, not-for-profit corporations - to which the Ontario government provides some $40 million in annual funding to lead tourism planning, marketing and development in their respective regions. Some quick facts about BruceGreySimcoe tourism:
Consumer sites: | Tourism industry sites: | |||
On the web: | www.BruceGreySimcoe.com | www.rto7.ca | ||
Facebook: | http://www.facebook.com/BruceGreySimcoe | http://www.facebook.com/RTO7Connection | ||
Twitter: | https://twitter.com/BruceGreySimcoe | https://twitter.com/RTO7Connection |
Image with caption: "BruceGreySimcoe Always in Season (CNW Group/Regional Tourism Organization 7)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140513_C8126_PHOTO_EN_40244.jpg
SOURCE: Regional Tourism Organization 7
Alex Hogan
Manager of Partnerships
Regional Tourism Organization 7
705-888-8728 or [email protected]
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