| |
|
|
2025/26 Partnership Funding ProgramIntake 1: Marketing Opportunities |
|
Whether you need to boost seasonal promotions or revitalize your visual assets, our NEW 2025-26 Marketing Partnerships introduce fresh opportunities and solutions designed to leverage your marketing budget for maximum impact and efficiency. Applications must be submitted via our Expression of Interest forms before May 27, 2025. Multiple applications are permitted and partnerships will be awarded subject to availability, program fit and equitable distribution of funds. For further enquiries on these Marketing Partnership Opportunities, please contact Aiden Eng. The intake period is now open for the following programs: |
|
Co-op Advertising: Paid Social Media Campaigns |
|
Partner with us on a Facebook and Instagram advertising campaign to drive traffic to your tourism business, event or experience during an 8-week period of your choice. Double your marketing investment with our funding while our expert media team executes your campaign to reach new audiences–simple and effective. |
|
|
|
|
Photography Asset Development |
|
Ready to refresh your visual storytelling? Showcase your business in a whole new way through a photography session with a seasoned professional. We have contracted Damian Dudek of Dudek Photography to capture premium-quality images of your business, products, or events at a special discounted rate. |
|
|
Co-op Advertising: Destination Ontario Fall 2025 Culinary Campaign |
|
Available to Hamilton Halton Brant DMOs and culinary-focused tourism operators, join us in Destination Ontario’s fall marketing campaign to highlight seasonal culinary and agri-tourism experiences across the region. This marketing alliance showcases your business or destination across Facebook, Instagram and Google Discovery platforms during the prime fall travel planning season. Maximize your marketing investment with combined funding support from both RTO3 and Destination Ontario, giving your brand province-wide visibility when visitors are making their autumn travel decisions. |
|
|
Co-op Advertising: Culinary Tourism Alliance ‘Do Something Delicious’ Seasonal Campaigns |
|
Open to Hamilton Halton Brant DMOs and Culinary Operators, the ‘Do Something Delicious’ marketing campaign with the Culinary Tourism Alliance to feature your business or destination during a season of your choice. Your business will be featured in a Culinary Tourism Alliance article, displayed on their platforms, and amplified across Meta and Google Discovery networks through their partnership with Destination Ontario. |
|
|
|
Co-op Advertising: The Globe and Mail
‘Explore Ontario – 2025 Fall Colours’ Edition |
|
Get in front of over 3 million readers across high-impact print and digital content with The Globe and Mail this fall! Your ad will be included in their special edition insert for Fall travel, added into a content piece created by Globe Content Studio, and be available in print, on their website and their digital platforms. |
|
|
|
Spring 2025 Industry Exchange Recap |
|
|
Our Sustainable Tourism Learning Series: Spring 2025 Industry Exchange was a gathering of regional marketers and thought leaders committed to sustainability in our region and beyond. Held in the unique setting of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the message of balance and community against the backdrop of historical preservation reinforces our industry’s commitment to sustainability. David Adames, CEO of Niagara Parks, shared his insights on how the Niagara Parks Commission balances tourism growth with environmental responsibility and all other social, financial, cultural, and operational sustainability pillars through strategic planning. Hamid Dwyer, our Destination Sustainability Officer, then facilitated a ‘Customer Journey Mapping and Sustainability’ workshop to help attendees communicate their values and successes to their audience. If you were unable to attend the event, you can watch our recording through the video link above, or download presenter slide decks on our Resources page on our refreshed RTO3.ca website. Follow our Linkedin, Instagram, or STLS Linktree as we continue to share resources, events and webinars through our Sustainable Tourism Learning Series. Together, we’re transforming Hamilton Halton Brant into a more sustainable destination for ourselves, our guests and our future. |
|
|
RTO3 Annual General Meeting |
|
| Each June, RTO3 hosts its Annual General Meeting – an opportunity to connect with industry partners, provide updates, and celebrate last year’s achievements. The meeting features a keynote speaker and serves as the official forum to appoint new members to our Board of Directors. Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Time: 2 to 4 pm. Light refreshments will be available. Location: Holiday Inn & Suites Oakville @ Bronte, 2525 Wyecroft Road, Oakville |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are pleased to welcome Michael McDonald, CEO of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s AGM. Under Michael’s leadership, the Conservancy—one of Ontario’s largest land trusts and steward of Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath—has been regularly named one of Canada’s Top 100 Charities by Charity Intelligence. Michael leads a dedicated team of staff and over 1,400 volunteers who manage more than 19,000 acres of protected natural lands along the Niagara Escarpment and over 1,300 kilometres of trail, fulfilling the BTC’s mission of preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever. RSVP before June 20, 2025 to save your spot! |
|
|
|
|
Last week, Hamid Dwyer, RTO3’s Destination Sustainability Officer had the opportunity to attend IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism, a two-day event hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This important gathering brought together tourism leaders, businesses, and associations from across Ontario to explore the future of sustainable tourism in our province. The conversations were thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in a shared commitment to strengthening our industry for the long term. Key Takeaways
Collaboration is Critical for Regional Impact
Building strong partnerships—between municipalities, Indigenous communities, tourism operators, and post-secondary institutions—is essential. Meaningful and purposeful collaboration will help us deliver tourism strategies that reflect regional priorities and provide real value across our network.
Sustainability Goes Beyond the Environment
Economic vitality and social equity are just as critical as environmental responsibility. Supporting local businesses, honouring cultural heritage, and ensuring equitable community benefits are all part of sustainability. Adaptability is Key to Long-Term Success
Our sector must remain flexible with climate change, evolving traveler expectations, new technologies, and policy evolutions like Bill C-59. Innovation and workforce development will be critical to helping our destinations thrive in a changing landscape. We are proud to be part of a regional tourism ecosystem that is committed to growth, resilience, and sustainability. Thank you to TIAO and all the speakers for sparking important conversations and actions for our region. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free Marketing Opportunities with RTO3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Get Listed on Our High-Traffic Consumer Website Take advantage of our consumer website traffic by creating a self-serve listing account. This free marketing opportunity allows eligible tourism-facing businesses to showcase their business, events, tours and experiences. Last year, over 330,000 unique visitors explored theheartofontario.com, generating 200,000+ partner listing views and 136,000+ direct referrals to tourism operator websites. |
|
|
Keep Us Updated on What’s New Share your business updates, special events, and new experiences directly with our marketing team. We regularly feature operator content across our email marketing (65,000+ subscribers) and social media platforms (65,000+ followers). This additional free opportunity allows us to promote your business to our engaged audiences at no cost to you! We encourage you to submit content to us reguarly throughout the year! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
