1. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Regional Tourism Organization 12 (RTO 12)

2. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Agenda Background Region 12 Roles & Responsibilities Funding Transitional information Destination Development Plan

3. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Background and Chronology February 2009, the Ministry of Tourism released the Ontario Competiveness Study - ‘Sorbara’ report –Key recommendation: “bring together stakeholders...to oversee the development of new products, and to identify and define unique experiences offered by the region.” January 2010, Following several months of consultations, MTC announces a plan to create 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO) June 2010, Ministry announces RTO funding

4. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Ontario Regions

5. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Region 12

6. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Who is included in Region 12? Algonquin Provincial Park Township of the Archipelago Township of Armour Town of Bracebridge The Municipality of the Village of Burk's Falls Carling Township Township of Georgian Bay Town of Gravenhurst Town of Huntsville Joly Township Town of Kearney Township of Lake of Bays Township of Machar Township of Magnetawan Municipality of McDougall Township of Mckellar Township of McMurrich-Monteith Township of Muskoka Lakes Town of Parry Sound Township of Perry Township of Ryerson Seguin Township Township of South Algonquin Village of South River Strong Township The Village of Sundridge Municipality of Whitestone

7. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Vision To establish a Regional Tourism Organization that will build a competitive and sustainable tourism region that maximizes the region’s potential to successfully attract new visitors and grow tourism spending.

8. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Goals Change how government and industry work together to develop tourism and foster economic growth. Set standards for success to become more internationally competitive. Maximize and measure the impact of private and public tourism investments on new and revitalized product.

9. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Goals Reach out to consumers before they get here and when they arrive, so that we can welcome more tourists. The Ministry will work in concert with industry partners to identify regional priorities that move the provincial RTO agenda forward. Double Tourism receipts by 2020

10. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Roles/Responsibilities Strategy Development Marketing Product Development and Innovation Attract Investment Workforce Development and Training Coordination Manage Performance Support Financial Sustainability

11. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Funding Provincial Budget for the 13 Regions –$65 Million per year in year 1 & 2 –$40 Million in year 3 and beyond RTO 12 Budget –$1.25 million per year in fiscal 2010/2011 and fiscal 2011/2012 for a total of $2.5 million over two years.

12. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Transitional Accomplishments Created transitional Board and held three meetings Georgian Bay Country Tourism has been named as the Administrator for Region 12 By Oct. 31, prepare a 2010/2011 Operational Plan

13. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Transitional Board The transitional board comprises business leaders from different sectors of the tourism industry and geographic areas in RTO 12

14. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Transitional Board Al Dare, Wilson Lake Resort, Port Loring Andrew Ryeland, Bear Claw Tours, Parry Sound Brenda Scott, iBrand Almaguin, South River David Stewart, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale John Sorensen, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park Ken Turner, Woodland Echoes Resort, Magnetawan Don MacKay, Dream Links Ltd. Bracebridge Lorne Jolliffe, Manager, Motel 6, Huntsville Gary Froude, Muskoka Cultural Impresarios, Port Carling Jamie Hopkins, Santa’s Village & Sportsland, Bracebridge Shannon Bebamash, Comfort Inn, Parry Sound Jim Murphy, Park Planner, Algonquin Provincial Park Brenda Scott, iBrand Almaguin South River, David Stewart, President, Almaguin Highlands Ontario Inc. Sprucedale John Sorensen, Owner, Couples Resort Whitney - Algonquin Park,

15. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Destination Development Plan By November 2010, begin an extensive consultation with industry partners and stakeholders to identify regional priorities for: 3 year regional tourism strategy Marketing Product Development and Innovation Investment Attraction Workforce Development and Training Coordination Managing Performance Financial Sustainability

16. MuskokaGeorgian Bay CountryAlmaguin HighlandsAlgonquin Park Questions? For further information please visit www.rto12.ca or e-mail: info@rto12.ca