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.
    3. 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, Culture and Gaming 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 2 –  Shoulder Season Experience Development, Certification Support, and Marketing Opportunities
Opens June 16, 2025, closes October 31, 2025; or capacity reached.

Overview and Objectives

RTO3’s Product Development partnership initiatives aim to strengthen regional tourism business capacity and develop engaging, market-ready experiences that drive visitation during the shoulder season. These co-investment opportunities support tourism operators in enhancing their offerings, expanding into new markets, and contributing to a stronger visitor economy for sustainable regional growth.

With the engagement from our Intake 1: Marketing Opportunities, we have re-launched several of them to be available for the rest of the year with their own individual intake windows and timelines. Thank you to all our partners from Intake 1 for engaging with us and for prompting this re-launch. We will be reaching out with partners within the coming weeks to establish our next steps.

Recognizing that tourism partners have diverse objectives, resources, and seasonal needs, the 2025/26 program includes a range of partnership opportunities—from shoulder season product and experience development support, to certification support to align your business with national and provincially recognized associations, or co-operative digital campaigns, joint investments in photography assets and influencer content support for marketing.

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

Timing & Intake Process

Applications for the Intake 2 Opportunities of our 2025/26 Partnership Funding Program will be accepted from June 16 through October 31, 2025, or until our funding capacity has been met.

All applicants must read the details, structure and instructions of the opportunity they wish to apply for fully as they each differ across each option. All interested partners must submit their applications using the designated online form provided for each program and the relevant RTO3 team member will be in contact within two weeks.

Partners may apply for more than one Partnership Opportunity and may be approved for multiple projects, subject to availability and program fit. 

Application Review

All applications will be reviewed against the strategic initiatives across our Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming mandated areas. 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 Issuance of Invoice: Approved partners will be invoiced by RTO3 for their respective project investment and RTO3 must manage all project payments. Payment is due when the invoice is issued and is required to confirm participation. Partnerships cannot be held or reserved for future payment. Activities will not begin until payment is received. Non-payment may result in the 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 as outlined in the established MOU, 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 PARTNERSHIPS AVAILABLE

The following (Intake 2) 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.

Click each item below for more details. Please direct questions regarding each opportunity to the following team members:

Shoulder Season Experience Development Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development,

Certification Support Partnerships to Maureen Beatty, Executive Assistant, 

Marketing Partnerships to Aiden Eng, Manager, Marketing & Communications. 

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES To continue positioning our region as a four-season destination, RTO3 is prioritizing the development and enhancement of shoulder season experiences from November 2025 to April 2026. These partnerships provide co-investment to support tourism product development across the Holiday (November & December) and Winter (January to March 2026) seasons.

WHAT IS EXPERIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Experience Development creates authentic, place-based experiences that give visitors a sense of what makes your location special. These interactive, immersive activities increase visitor spending through innovative programming that tells the full story of a place while managing visitor expectations throughout the buying cycle.

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.)  

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

1) For-profit or not-for-profit organizations that do not have a tourism-focused product or activity.

2) Franchises or chain businesses.

TIMING & APPLICATION PROCESS
The application window will be open until October 31, 2025 and all proposed projects must be executed in November or December of 2025, or January, February or March of 2026.

Interested partners should contact Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development, to arrange an initial meeting to discuss their application and opportunities that align with RTO3’s strategic priorities.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • Invoiced upon approval; payment required immediately to confirm participation.
  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Partners must collaborate with RTO3 on project reporting and performance metrics (such as the number of event partnerships formed, the creation of overnight packages, the number of events if part of a series, and engagement metrics with event attendees) to satisfy Ministry reporting requirements.

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES RTO3 is committed to supporting tourism businesses in pursuing specific certifications that build capacity and enhance visitor experiences. These partnerships provide co-investment support for eligible first-time applicants pursuing industry-recognized certifications.

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 
  • 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.)  

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

1) Destination Management/Marketing Organizations 

2) Municipal entities

DETAILS

  • Each partnership requires a signed MOU and payment must be made upon the issuance of the partnership invoice.
  • RTO3 will pay 50% of Year 1 costs upon proof of certification or identified project costs to attain certification.
  • Approved partners must complete the identified certification process and attain certification before February 28th, 2026.

CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

#1 – RAINBOW REGISTERED BY CANADA’S 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CGLCC)  

Transform your business into a recognized 2SLGBTQI+ friendly destination. The global 2SLGBTQI+ travel market is valued at over US$200 billion annually. By being Rainbow Registered with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, you position your business to meaningfully engage with this significant market while creating a more inclusive environment for all guests and staff.

This prestigious national certification signals to travelers that your business meets stringent standards ensuring 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel genuinely welcomed. Beyond just a symbol, this certification provides tangible tools to enhance your service delivery and workplace culture.

BENEFITS OF BEING RAINBOW REGISTERED:

  • Market differentiation – Stand out in a competitive marketplace with a recognized credential that matters to travelers.
  • Enhanced visibility – Featured listing on the Rainbow Registered website, the national directory of 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses.
  • Marketing toolkit – Receive window decals, digital badges, and promotional materials to showcase your certification.
  • Industry connections – Access to CGLCC National Associate Member benefits, including networking events and business opportunities.
  • Staff development – Resources to help your team better understand and serve 2SLGBTQI+ customers.

RAINBOW REGISTERED PARTNERSHIP DETAILS

  • Approximate Year 1 cost: $300-$600 (depending on type and size of business).
  • RTO3 pays 50% of Year 1 costs upon proof of certification, making this valuable credential more accessible.
  • Initial certification review to be performed by the CGLCC – Review certification requirements here.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • MOU signed after initial CGLCC review; Invoice issued upon completion of certification process, and partner is identified as eligible for certification.
  • Invoice must be paid in full to receive matched funding from RTO3 for Year 1 costs.
  • Partner must collaborate with RTO3 on post-partnership reporting as necessary.

#2 – FEAST ON BY CULINARY TOURISM ALLIANCE (CTA)

Food motivates travel—and today’s visitors are seeking authentic culinary experiences that connect them to local producers and flavors. The Feast ON certification by the Culinary Tourism Alliance is North America’s largest and longest-running local food program that puts your commitment to Ontario-grown ingredients front and center.

Join over 150 businesses across the province who are telling their local food stories and attracting culinary-motivated travellers. This certification creates a powerful differentiator in the marketplace while connecting you to a vibrant network of like-minded operators, chefs, and producers.

BENEFITS OF BEING FEAST ON CERTIFIED:

  • Credibility – Third-party verification of your local sourcing practices adds authenticity to your culinary story.
  • Expanded network – Direct introductions to Ontario growers, producers, and distributors to help increase your local spend.
  • Marketing reach – Featured profile and regular promotion through Culinary Tourism Alliance’s consumer channels
  • Media opportunities – Priority consideration for press trips, features, and Ontario culinary tourism campaigns.
  • Community connection – Join a collaborative network of businesses committed to showcasing Ontario’s diverse food culture

FEAST ON PARTNERSHIP DETAILS

  • Approximate Year 1 cost: $300-$600 (depending on type and size of business).
  • RTO3 pays 50% of Year 1 costs upon proof of certification, making this valuable credential more accessible.
  • Initial certification review to be performed by the CTA – Review certification requirements here.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • MOU signed after initial CTA review; Invoice issued upon completion of certification process, and partner is identified as eligible for certification.
  • Invoice must be paid in full to receive matched funding from RTO3 for Year 1 costs.
  • Partner must collaborate with RTO3 on post-partnership reporting as necessary.


#3 – ONTARIO BY BIKE (OBB) CERTIFIED

Cycle tourism is booming across Ontario, with visitors seeking bicycle-friendly businesses that welcome them and cater to their unique needs. Ontario By Bike certification helps you capture this high-value market by making simple, affordable improvements to your visitor experience.

This free certification program connects you to a province-wide network of bicycle-friendly locations while positioning your business as part of the growing cycle tourism ecosystem. With cyclists spending more and staying longer than average visitors, this represents a significant opportunity with minimal barriers to entry.

BENEFITS OF BEING CERTIFIED:

  • Targeted visibility – Customized business listing on the Ontario By Bike website with placement on their interactive map used by thousands of trip planners.
  • Marketing exposure – Featured in consumer e-newsletters reaching 16,000+ cyclists and social media promotion to an engaged cycling community.
  • Search optimization – Improved online visibility through valuable backlinks from the Ontario By Bike platform.
  • Business development – Insights on adapting your offerings to better serve this growing market segment.
  • Networking opportunities – Connect with other bicycle-friendly businesses and regional cycling initiatives.

ONTARIO BY BIKE PARTNERSHIP DETAILS

  • No certification fee charged by OBB.
  • RTO3 pays 50% of costs for identified equipment for certification (up to $500).
  • Eligible expenses include, but is not limited to, bicycle toolkits, first aid kits, and bike racks.
  • Initial certification review to be performed by the OBB – Review certification requirements here

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • MOU signed after initial OBB review; invoice issued after equipment quotation is received and approved.
  • Invoice must be paid in full to receive matched funding from RTO3 for project costs.
  • Partner must collaborate with RTO3 on post-partnership reporting as necessary.
INTAKE 1 CLOSED

OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES RTO3 invites DMOs and tourism operators to apply for co-investment support for upcoming travel influencer collaborations. Whether you’re aiming to reach new audiences, promote a new experience, or gather visual content, this program helps amplify your destination or business through strategically aligned partnerships.

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

  • Up to 50% of the Influencer’s service fees are eligible for partnership support. The minimum total service fee that qualifies for partnership is $1,000. All other expenses are the responsibility of the Partner and must be paid directly to the content creator.
  • The Partner is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the collaboration, including negotiation, itinerary planning, and payment.
  • Final influencer content must tag and include RTO3’s consumer-facing social media accounts as collaborators.
  • Participation is subject to available budget and equitable distribution across applicants.

PAYMENT, MOU AND REPORTING

  • MOU signed upon approval.
  • Due to Ministry requirements, the co-funded portion of Influencer service fees must be invoice to and paid by RTO3. RTO3 will invoice the Partner for their portion of the agreed upon contract cost in advance of the influencer trip and payment is due in advance.
  • 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.
INTAKE 1 CLOSED
INTAKE 1 CLOSED

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.
INTAKE 1 CLOSED

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. 

Based on the awarded partnership(s), an invoicing deadline may be set before March 31, 2026.

Yes. All partnerships require payment upon issuance of your specific partnership invoice. The timeline for issuance of the partnership invoice will vary according to the partnership opportunity that you apply for.

All payments should be made 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, or funds may be assigned to a new partnership opportunity.

Each program has a form that available on the RTO3 website during intake windows. See individual programs for links to their respective 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:

Shoulder Season Experience Development Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development,

Certification Support Partnerships to Maureen Beatty, Executive Assistant, 

Marketing Partnerships to Aiden Eng, Manager, Marketing & Communications, 

or email info@theheartofontario.com for general enquiries.