GROWING TOURISM THROUGH CO-INVESTMENT

About RTO3 and the Partnership Program

RTO3 is one of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations established and funded by the Province of Ontario. RTO3 is responsible for supporting tourism-related growth and development across the municipalities of Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Brantford, and the County of Brant, as well as Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

RTO3 leads and supports initiatives that align with Ontario’s tourism priorities and are guided by mandates outlined by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the organization’s 2024–2026 Regional Tourism Development Strategy, and its annual Business Plan. This work is grounded in the Ministry’s core pillars: product development, investment attraction, workforce development and training, marketing, and partnerships. Through these pillars, RTO3 undertakes activities that also strengthen tourism infrastructure, build organizational and community capacity, foster regional collaboration, and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth across the Hamilton Halton Brant region.

Each year, RTO3 administers a Partnership Funding Program with funding support from the Ministry. This program is not a grant—it is a co-investment model that emphasizes collaboration, shared outcomes, and strategic use of resources. While focus areas may shift year to year based on evolving priorities, the underlying goal remains consistent: to strengthen the region’s tourism ecosystem and support a diverse range of projects that contribute to sustainable regional development.

Participating partners benefit not only from shared financial investment, but also from coordinated efforts, resource alignment, and knowledge sharing. 2025/26 partnerships will be completed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with all approved partners, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, timelines, deliverables and reporting requirement.

Definition of Partnership

A partnership is a formal, collaborative agreement between RTO3 and eligible stakeholders to co-invest in initiatives that advance shared regional development goals. These partnerships are intended to pool resources, extend the impact of individual efforts, and support a broad cross-section of organizations and operators within the Hamilton Halton Brant region.

While the focus of each partnership may vary depending on annual priorities and available programs, all are grounded in a mutual commitment to delivering measurable outcomes and fostering sustainable regional growth. Each partnership is governed by a signed MOU that outlines the respective roles, financial contributions, timelines, and reporting responsibilities of all parties involved.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

All eligible applicants must: 

  • Be established businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits), including:
    1. Legal incorporated tourism businesses, with an active CRA Business Number.
    2. DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), tourism organizations, tourism event organizations, associations/interest groups or municipalities representing/managing tourism partners in the delivery of a specific project that has direct benefits for the tourism operators.
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 
  • Operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)  
  • Other eligibility requirements may be specified within individual partnership opportunities.

Partner Contribution

The Partnership Fund is not a grant program, it is a Partnership Program that requires a buy-in of 50% of eligible project costs from the applicant. All approved partners must provide a minimum 1:1 cash contribution toward the eligible project. For example, a $1,000 investment from the partner will be matched by a $1,000 investment from RTO3. Partner contributions must be monetary in nature; in-kind contributions are not eligible.

Partner contributions may not be sourced from other Ontario government programs or agencies for the same project. This includes, but is not limited to, programs such as Experience Ontario, Destination Ontario initiatives, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and other Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs).

Payment and MOU Requirements

As per Ministry guidelines, RTO3 is responsible for administering all project funds. This means RTO3 cannot pay or reimburse partners directly. In most cases, projects are led and executed by RTO3, with partners receiving direct benefits through their participation and co-investment.

Approved applicants will be invoiced by RTO3 for their share of the project costs. Invoices are due upon receipt. Project activities will not commence until full payment is received. Non-payment may result in cancellation of the approved partnership.

Each invoice will be issued alongside a MOU, which formalizes the partnership and outlines the mutual expectations of both parties. The MOU includes details such as the scope of the partnership, financial contributions, timelines, roles and responsibilities, and reporting requirements. It serves as the official agreement between RTO3 and the partner.

Both the signed MOU and full payment are required for the partnership to be considered approved. Activities will not begin until both have been received, and non-payment may result in cancellation of the approved partnership.

2025/26 Partnership OVERVIEW

RTO3’s Partnership Funding Program supports strategic initiatives across our Ministry of Tourism mandated areas. Each year, partnership opportunities are developed to reflect evolving regional priorities, offer tangible value to tourism operators, and foster broad participation across the Hamilton Halton Brant region.

For the 2025/26 program year, our Partnership Opportunities will be launched in two intake phases. Details on individual partnerships, eligibility, and intake deadlines will be announced with each release. 

 

INTAKE 1 – MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS
Opens April 22, 2025. Application Deadline May 27, 2025

Details on the following programs appear in the next section: 

1. Co-Op Advertising: Paid Social Media Campaigns 
Partnered digital campaigns promoting seasonal experiences.

2. Photography Asset Development Program 
Collaborative professional photo sessions to build high-quality, tourism marketing visual assets. 

3. Co-Op Advertising: Destination Ontario Fall Culinary Campaign 
A fall co-branded digital campaign with Destination Ontario focused on culinary and agri-tourism trip motivators. 

4. Co-Op Advertising: Culinary Tourism Alliance Campaigns 
Seasonal digital campaigns with the Culinary Tourism Alliance showcasing culinary experiences through targeted ads and custom content delivered via Culinary Tourism Alliance and Destination Ontario.

5. Co-Op Advertising: The Globe & Mail ‘Explore Ontario Fall Colours’ 2025 Feature 
Print and digital integrated content opportunity showcasing fall tourism experiences in The Globe and Mail. 

 

INTAKE 2 – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ADDITIONAL MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS
Opens May 2025.

Details on the following programs will be released in May: 

1. Certification & Accreditation Support 
Opportunities to support tourism operators in building capacity through select industry-recognized certifications. 

2. Shoulder Season Experience Development 
Support for the creation or enhancement of tourism experiences that attract visitation between November and April. 

3. Influencer Marketing Initiatives 
Collaborative content campaigns with influencers to highlight authentic regional tourism experiences and reach new audiences. 

INTAKE 1 – Marketing PARTNERSHIPS
Opens APRIL 22 2025, closes may 27, 2025

Overview and Objectives

RTO3’s Marketing and Asset Development Partnerships offer a flexible menu of co-investment opportunities designed to extend partner budgets, support regional promotion, drive qualified leads, increase visitation and contribute to the development of useful marketing assets. These partnerships are structured to deliver direct value to participating organizations through collaborative initiatives that align with their priorities, engage target audiences, and support broader tourism development goals.

Recognizing that tourism partners have diverse objectives, resources, and seasonal needs, the 2025/26 program includes a range of partnership opportunities—from co-operative digital and print campaigns, to culinary-focused initiatives with Destination Ontario and the Culinary Tourism Alliance, to joint investments in photography assets and influencer-led content.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your brand assets, promote a specific experience, or reach new visitor markets, there’s a partnership opportunity designed to support your goals.

Timing & Intake Process

The 2025/26 Marketing Partnership intake will be open for a 5-week window (April 22 through May 27, 2025). During this time, all interested partners must submit their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) using the designated online form provided for each program. 

To ensure a fair and efficient process for all applicants:

  • Questions about program details or eligibility should be submitted in writing before the final week of the intake window.
  • Only EOIs submitted through the official forms will be accepted.
  • Incomplete submissions or those received after the intake window closes may not be considered.

Partners may apply for more than one Marketing Partnership and may be approved for multiple projects, subject to availability and program fit. We anticipate high demand during the initial intake period.

Priority will be given to partners who submit complete applications within this window. While RTO3 aims to allocate the full suite of available opportunities during this first intake to support advance planning and efficient delivery, a second intake may be issued later in the year if capacity remains.

Application Review

All EOIs will be reviewed following the close of the intake window. Evaluation will be based on:

  • Alignment with program criteria and partner eligibility
  • Equitable distribution across sub-regions and among different partner types
  • Order of submissions received

All applicants will be contacted with the outcome of their submission once the review process is complete.

Partnership Commitment Requirements

To confirm and activate an approved partnership, the following commitments are required from all participating partners:

  • Full Payment Upon Approval: Approved partners will be invoiced by RTO3 for their contribution to the project. Payment is due upon receipt and is required to confirm participation. Partnerships cannot be held or reserved for future payment. Payment must be made in full at the time of confirmation, regardless of the timing of campaign execution or project completion. Activities will not begin until payment is received. Non-payment may result in cancellation of the approved partnership.
  • Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Each partnership will be formalized through an MOU that outlines the scope of work, financial contributions, timelines, deliverables, and mutual responsibilities. The MOU must be signed and returned in conjunction with payment for the partnership to be considered approved.
  • Adherence to Timelines and Requirements: Partners must meet all deadlines associated with the program, including the timely submission of required content, materials, approvals and feedback as specified by RTO3.
  • Content and Asset Delivery: Partners participating in marketing or asset development initiatives must provide campaign content or information in accordance with the specifications and requirements outlined for each initiative.
  • Post-Project Collaboration: All partners are expected to support post-campaign or post-project reporting, including the sharing of relevant data or insights related to campaign performance, lead generation, engagement, or asset use.

MENU OF MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS AVAILABLE

The following (Intake 1) Marketing Partnership opportunities are available for the 2025/26 program year (April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026). Each option is designed to meet different business needs, campaign goals, and seasonal priorities.

Partners are encouraged to review each offering carefully and consider which programs best align with their objectives, target markets, and available resources.

You may submit EOIs in multiple categories and you may submit more than one EOI within an individual category. When submitting multiple EOIs, please be sure to use the priority preferences indications on the forms.  

Click each item below to expand detail. Please direct questions on Marketing Partnerships to Aiden Eng, Manager, Marketing & Communications. 

SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 to refresh your digital assets with professional photography this year. With a vetted and contracted, professional photographer, each session will last for 1.5 hours at one location and will produce 60 high-quality edited images. We recommend arranging models to represent customers or tourists in your photos to ensure the best possible image results. While we encourage you to compensate models for their time, this is at your discretion. Model compensation is not included in the project cost. Both RTO3 and the partner will have full usage rights to all images; the photographer retains ownership of images. 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

1) Must be established businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits), including: 

  • Legal incorporated tourism businesses, with an active CRA Business Number 
  • DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), tourism organizations, tourism event organizations, associations/interest groups or municipalities representing/managing tourism partners in the delivery of a specific project that has direct benefits for the tourism operators
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 

2) Must operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)

DETAILS

  • Partnership Investment: $500 (+HST) Partner Contribution matched by $500 from RTO3 = Total Photography Investment: $1,000.
  • Each session is based on 1.5 hours shooting at one location and includes 60 edited images.
  • RTO3 is vetting and selecting our 2025-26 photographer for this project that will be assigned to all photo shoots to ensure consistency and quality; no other photographers or previously completed photography projects are eligible for this partnership funding stream.
  • RTO3 photographer will coordinate shoot dates with you after partnership approval; date flexibility may be required.
  • To ensure the best possible image results, we recommend arranging models to represent customers or tourists in your photos. While we encourage you to compensate models for their time, this is at your discretion. Model compensation is not included in the project cost.
  • Both RTO3 and the partner retain full usage rights to all images; the photographer retains ownership of images.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • Invoiced upon approval; payment required immediately to confirm participation.
  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Partners collaborate with RTO3 on campaign preparation and approvals and each provides campaign performance metrics (such as impressions, reach, clicks, website traffic, leads generated) to satisfy Ministry reporting requirements.
SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 on this fall campaign with Destination Ontario (DO), featuring highly targeted paid social media ads on Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google Discovery (YouTube, Google Discover, Gmail). Managed by DO’s expert media vendor, these co-investments drive visibility and qualified traffic to partner websites, with a focus on fall culinary and agri-tourism trip motivators. Part of DO’s broader Fall Culinary Campaign and RTO3’s regional fall marketing, this initiative helps showcase seasonal experiences that inspire visitation.  Note: Partners must provide content assets by early June to participate.

CAMPAIGN DATES: Late August 2025 through early October 2025

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 

1) Must be established DMOs or culinary-focused businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits): 
  • Legal incorporated tourism businesses, with an active CRA Business Number
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 

2) Operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)  

DETAILS

  • DMO Partnerships: $2,500 (+HST) DMO Partner contribution matched by $2,500 from RTO3, matched by $5,000 from Destination Ontario = Total Campaign Investment: $10,000 (2 total spots available).
  • Culinary Tourism Operators Partnership: $500 (+HST) Culinary Tourism Operator Partner contribution matched by $500 from RTO3, matched by $1,000 from Destination Ontario = Total Campaign Investment: $2,000 (5 total spots available).
  • All leads directed to partner’s website.
  • Partner provides campaign assets via RTO3 and Destination Ontario and media vendor execute the campaign.
  • Participation is first-come, first-served, but subject to equitable distribution across the total partnerships applicant group for co-op advertising campaigns.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • Invoiced upon approval; payment required immediately to confirm participation.
  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Partners collaborate with RTO3 on campaign preparation and approvals and each provides campaign performance metrics (such as impressions, reach, clicks, website traffic, leads generated) to satisfy Ministry reporting requirements.
SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 and the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) in this seasonal digital campaign series, delivered in collaboration with Destination Ontario. After a successful run in 2024, CTA continues its ‘Do Something Delicious‘ campaign into 2025 & 2026.

These co-invested campaigns promote culinary tourism through highly targeted digital ads that drive traffic to custom articles on the Ontario Culinary Alliance website, where featured partners are showcased and linked. Each campaign includes paid media placements on Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Google Discovery, and content exposure through CTA’s consumer-facing channels. The goal is to inspire travel and drive qualified traffic to partner websites by positioning culinary as a key trip motivator.
 
CAMPAIGN DATES – 3 OPTIONS

  • Fall 2025 (Late August through late October 2025)
  • Holiday 2025 (November and December 2025)
  • Winter 2026 (Mid-January through mid-March 2026)

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

1) Must be established DMOs or culinary-focused businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits): 
  • Legal incorporated tourism businesses, with an active CRA Business Number
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 

2) Operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)  

DETAILS

  • Partnership Investment: $2,500 (+HST) from each of two partners matched by total $2,500 from RTO3 = $7,500 investment, PLUS additional investments from Culinary Tourism Alliance and Destination Ontario including additional campaign funding, promotion through Culinary Tourism Alliance’s owned media channels (website, e-newsletter, social media posts) for a total campaign value = $12,000.
  • 6 total spots are available across 3 campaigns (2 partners per campaign required).
  • Each partner receives equal exposure and value from the total campaign investment.
  • All ad leads directed to articles including partners (one partner in each of two separate articles) on the Culinary Tourism Alliance website and linked back to partner websites.
  • Partner works with RTO3 and Culinary Tourism Alliance to create the campaign article and provision of visual assets; campaign execution by Destination Ontario and media vendor.
  • Participation requires each campaign to be fully subscribed (2 partners) to run and is subject to availability with CTA.
  • Participation is first-come, first-served, but subject to equitable distribution across the total partnerships applicant group for co-op advertising campaigns.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • Invoiced upon approval; payment required immediately to confirm participation.
  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Partners collaborate with RTO3 on campaign preparation and approvals and each provides campaign performance metrics (such as impressions, reach, clicks, website traffic, leads generated) to satisfy Ministry reporting requirements.
SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 on ‘Explore Ontario – Fall Colours’ 2025 Edition, a co-invested, integrated content opportunity in partnership with The Globe and Mail.  Produced by Globe Content Studio, this fall campaign includes both print and digital features designed to showcase Ontario’s vibrant autumn experiences. Participating partners will be featured in editorial-style content that inspires readers to plan weekend getaways and seasonal escapes. With high-impact visuals, engaging storytelling, and data-driven distribution, this special feature reaches Globe readers at a key seasonal moment when fall travel planning is top of mind. The goal is to position participating destinations and experiences as must-visits for fall 2025, driving awareness and qualified interest among an engaged audience. 

PUBLICATION DATE: Friday, September 19, 2025 

ELIBIGLE APPLICANTS

1) Must be established businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits), including: 

  • Legal incorporated tourism businesses, with an active CRA Business Number 
  • DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), tourism organizations, tourism event organizations, associations/interest groups or municipalities representing/managing tourism partners in the delivery of a specific project that has direct benefits for the tourism operators
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 

2) Must operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)  

DETAILS

  • Partnership Investment: $2,250 (+HST) Partner Contribution from each of two partners matched by total $4,500 from RTO3 = $9,000 investment.
  • Partners will share a half-page print ad in The Globe and Mail’s ‘Explore Ontario: – Fall Colours’ 2025 Edition, alongside RTO3.
  • 2 total spots are available for this half page ad; partnerships requires two confirmed partners to proceed; if demand exceeds two partners, campaign may be upgraded to a full-page ad, with additional partner spots available at $2,250 each.
  • Each partner receives equal brand representation within the ad space and includes share of voice in adjacent editorial content prepared by The Globe and Mail’s Content Studio, as part of RTO3’s integrated feature.
  • Participation is first-come, first-served, but subject to equitable distribution across the total partnerships applicant group for co-op advertising campaigns.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • Invoiced upon approval; payment required immediately to confirm participation.
  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Partners collaborate with RTO3 on campaign preparation and approvals and each provides campaign performance metrics (such as impressions, reach, clicks, website traffic, leads generated) to satisfy Ministry reporting requirements.
SUBMIT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

INTAKE 2 – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS 
Opens may 2025

Details on the following programs will be released in May: 

1. Certification & Accreditation Support 
Opportunities to support tourism operators in building capacity through select industry-recognized certifications. 

2. Shoulder Season Experience Development 
Support for the creation or enhancement of tourism experiences that attract visitation between November and April. 

3. Influencer Marketing Initiatives 
Collaborative content campaigns with influencers to highlight authentic regional tourism experiences and reach new audiences. 

Frequently Asked Questions

All eligible applicants must:

1) Be established businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits), including: 

  • A legally incorporated tourism business, with an active CRA Business Number 
  • DMO (Destination Marketing Organization), tourism organization, tourism event organization, association/interest group or municipality representing/managing tourism partners in the delivery of a specific project that has direct benefits for the tourism operators
  • Capable of demonstrating financial and/or other capacity to execute the project in partnership (including meeting agreed upon timelines). 

2) Must operate within the RTO3 – Hamilton Halton Brant geographic boundaries (City of Hamilton, City of Burlington, Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.)  

Please note that other eligibility requirements may be specified within individual partnership opportunities.

Yes. Multiple applications are permitted, subject to availability and distribution priorities.

Based on strategic alignment, equitable access, and readiness — not solely first-come, first-served. 

All activities, invoicing, and expenditures must occur between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. 

Yes. All partnerships require payment before activation along with completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership would only commence once payment for the issued partnership invoice has been received. 

If partnership opportunities remain after intake dates close, intake dates may be extended, a second call may be issued, or funds may be assigned to a new partnership opportunity.

Each program has an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, available on the RTO3 website during intake windows. See individual programs for links to EOI forms. All submissions must be made using the specified forms. Applications cannot be accepted by email.

Please direct Partnership Program inquiries to the RTO3 team member listed with the individual opportunities or email info@theheartofontario.com.