Press Release
OHTO
BEACHBURG – As the chapter comes to an end on another busy yet challenging summer tourism season, operators from across Ontario’s Highlands will soon gather virtually to learn and share ideas around responsible tourism at the 11th annual OH! Tourism Summit and AGM.
The event takes place virtually on October 20 starting at 9 am and is hosted by Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO). With a theme of Connections, the three-hour conference will explore what our connections are through responsible tourism – to ourselves, to our community, and to our region.
“It’s been another tough year for our tourism industry and being able to bring everyone together each Fall helps keep our operators inspired and motivated despite the challenges they’ve faced,” says Tegan Legge Chair of the OHTO Board of Directors and General Manager at Haliburton Forest. “We are all in this together, something we hope to make clear at our conference through this year’s theme that will help us build stronger ties and partnerships to come out of this pandemic more resilient.”
The theme of connections will be evident in every aspect of this year’s program, from the keynote speaker, Dr. Johnathon Day, an expert in sustainable tourism and responsible travel, to a live authentic Indigenous experience with Chantel Chadwick, along with a mindful moment from Creekside Yoga. Participants will also learn more about OHTO’s ongoing Connections campaign and the journey towards responsible tourism.
“We’re excited for this year’s program as we’ve brought together elements from our past in-person conferences to create a more immersive, hands-on experience our participants can enjoy and will make the virtual event more engaging,” says Nicole Whiting, OHTO’s Executive Director. “The Experience Packages we have put together will provide our attendees with memorable ways to connect with our responsible tourism approach.”
New this year is the OH! Tourism Summit Experience Package. Participants who register by Friday, Oct. 8 will receive an exclusive “Experience Package” filled with locally sourced items curated for the purpose of offering an immersive conference experience from the comfort of home.
