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. 2026/27 partnerships will be completed between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. 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:
- 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).
- 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.
2026/27 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 2026/27 program year, our Partnership Opportunities has been expanded based on the feedback of our 25/26 cycle. Details on individual partnerships, eligibility, and intake deadlines will be announced with each release.
2026/27 Partnership Funding Program INTAKE 1 – March 2026
Marketing partnerships – closed
Product & Experience Development, Certification support partnerships – Opens March 19 until 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 and support a four-season destination. These co-investment opportunities support tourism operators in enhancing exisitng offerings, expanding into new markets, developing new visitor experiences, and contributing to a stronger visitor economy. These efforts support sustainable regional growth across Hamilton Halton Brant.
Recognizing that tourism partners have diverse objectives, resources, and seasonal needs, the 2026/27 program includes a range of partnership opportunities—from product and experience development support, to certification support to align your business with national and provincially recognized associations, and expanded co-operative digital campaigns, joint investments in photography assets and travel 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 1 Opportunities of our 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program will be accepted from March 19 through April 10, 2026 for marketing partnerships, and until our funding capacity has been met for product & experience development, and certification support partnerships.
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 Partnership opportunities are available for the 2026/27 program year (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027). 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:
Four Season Experience Development Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development,
Certification Support Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development
Marketing Partnerships to Aiden Eng, Manager, Marketing & Communications.
Product Development & Investment Attraction
OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES: Hamilton Halton Brant is home to some of Ontario’s most compelling tourism stories, shaped by our natural landscapes, rich heritage, vibrant cities, rural and agritourism experiences, charming small towns, and the people who bring them to life.
At RTO3, our mission is to create the platforms, partnerships, and pathways that transform these stories into market-ready, visitor-ready experiences that can reach audiences across Ontario, Canada, and the world. Through our co-investment programs, tourism operators have the opportunity to grow their offerings, reach new domestic and international markets, and play a direct role in strengthening the region’s visitor economy.
Our goal is simple:
To inspire more visitors to choose Hamilton Halton Brant and to deepen the value they bring to our region and its communities. Hamilton Halton Brant’s brand value lies in its distinctive blend of:
- Natural assets
- Cultural richness
- Authentic local character
PRIORITY EXPERIENCE THEMES:
RTO3’s Product Development and Investment Attraction prioritizes tourism experiences that build on the Hamilton Halton Brant region’s strengths and respond to growing visitor demand in both domestic and international markets.
Projects should support the development of market-ready, bookable experiences that enhance the region’s appeal as a four-season destination, align with travel trade opportunities, and reflect principles of responsible and regenerative tourism, where visitor experiences contribute positively to the environment, local culture, and community well-being while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the destination.
Priority areas include culinary and beverage tourism, agritourism and rural experiences, outdoor recreation and cycling tourism, arts, culture and heritage experiences, and Indigenous tourism developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities and businesses. RTO3 also encourages projects that reflect the diversity of our communities, support tourism businesses from underserved groups, and create experiences that foster meaningful connections between visitors and place. Innovative or authentic experiences that showcase the region’s distinctive stories, encourage longer stays, increase visitor spending, and contribute to a resilient and inclusive visitor economy will be prioritized.
Future tourism growth depends on attracting high-value travellers—visitors who return often, stay longer, spend more, and generate sustained economic impact. These audiences seek authentic, diverse, and enriching experiences that reflect local culture and contribute positively to the communities they visit.
On average, these travellers spend three times more than domestic travellers and tend to explore across multiple regions, amplifying the economic impact of each trip.
A cornerstone of RTO3’s Product Development work is supporting industry innovation through targeted investment. These investments help strengthen business development capacity through:
- Program development
- Training and skills development
- Industry association certifications
- Strategic partnerships
Together, these actions accelerate investment, improve market readiness, and cultivate collaboration between RTO3 and regional tourism partners.
This collaborative approach supports knowledge transfer, strategic alignment, and innovation, helping position our region as a leader in experience-driven tourism development.
A priority within RTO3’s strategic destination development plan is ensuring the region is recognized as a four-season destination. Product and experience development initiatives are encouraged to:
- Enhance existing experiences for additional seasons, or
- Create new visitor experiences that operate year-round.
RTO3 can support partners in developing experiences for any season, leveraging partnership funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) to support your investment.
Investment, Innovation & Industry Capacity
A cornerstone of RTO3’s Product Development work is supporting industry innovation through targeted investment. These investments help strengthen business development capacity through:
- Program development
- Training and skills development
- Industry association certifications
- Strategic partnerships
Together, these actions accelerate investment, improve market readiness, and cultivate collaboration between RTO3 and regional tourism
partners. This collaborative approach supports knowledge transfer, strategic alignment, and innovation, helping position our region as a leader in experience-driven tourism development.
A priority within RTO3’s strategic destination development plan is ensuring the region is recognized as a four-season destination. Product and experience development initiatives are encouraged to:
- Enhance existing experiences for additional seasons, or
- Create new visitor experiences that operate year-round.
RTO3 can support partners in developing experiences for any season, leveraging partnership funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG) to support your investment.
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 from March 19 and will accept applications until our allocated funding budget has met capacity..
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.
Certification Support - FeastOn® Program Certification
Certification Support: Feast On®, Culinary Tourism Alliance
Download the Presentation Slides
OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES
Culinary tourism is a powerful driver of regional visitation, connecting visitors to the landscapes, farms, producers, and communities that define a destination’s identity. To strengthen these connections across Hamilton Halton Brant, RTO3 is supporting restaurants, culinary businesses, and food and beverage artisans and producers interested in obtaining FeastOn® Certification, delivered by the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
FeastOn® is Ontario’s recognized certification program for businesses committed to sourcing and celebrating locally grown and produced food and beverage products. The program highlights businesses that showcase Ontario ingredients and contribute to vibrant regional foodways.
Eligible businesses may receive:
• 50% coverage of the first-year FeastOn® certification fee
• 50% coverage of the second-year certification fee, provided certification requirements are maintained
Expanding the network of FeastOn®-certified restaurants, culinary businesses, and artisans strengthens the region’s culinary tourism offering by highlighting local flavours, supporting farmers and food producers, and creating authentic visitor experiences rooted in place. These experiences help position Hamilton Halton Brant as a destination where visitors can connect with local food culture while supporting the sustainability of the region’s agricultural and food economy.
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.
Globe & Mail 2026 - "Explore Ontario - Fall Colours"
OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 on ‘Explore Ontario – Fall Colours’ 2026 Edition, a co-invested, integrated content opportunity in partnership with The Globe & 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 2026, driving awareness and qualified interest among an engaged audience.
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: $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 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, MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) & 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.
Co-Op Advertising: Paid Social Media Campaign
OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with us and launch highly targeted paid media campaigns on Meta (Facebook and Instagram ads) through our expert media management vendor. These co-investments aim to increase visibility and drive qualified traffic directly to your website(s) based on your seasonal and product priorities.
CAMPAIGN DATES Any 8 week period during the RTO3 2026/27 fiscal year (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027). Applicants can apply up to 3 campaigns and express interest for more. Campaign period must be 6 weeks from your application date.
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: $2,000 (+HST) Partner Contribution matched by $2,000 from RTO3 = Total Campaign Investment: $4,000.
- Partner selects campaign timing (up to 8 weeks in length).
- All leads directed to partner’s website.
- Partner provides campaign assets; RTO3 and media vendor execute the campaign through a collaboration ad with partner.
- Multiple campaigns will be permitted per applicant in this stream. 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.
Travel Influencer Marketing
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
- 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.
Photography Asset Development
OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES Partner with RTO3 to refresh your digital assets with professional photography this year. We have contracted Damian Dudek of Dudek Photography to offer his professional services; each photography 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 has contracted Dudek Photography for this partnership project; no other photographers or previously completed photography projects are eligible for this partnership funding stream.
- RTO3 and Dudek Photography 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses or organizations are eligible to apply?
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.
Can I apply for more than one partnership opportunity?
Yes. Multiple applications are permitted, subject to availability and distribution priorities.
How do you decide who receives a partnership?
Based on strategic alignment, equitable access, and readiness — not solely first-come, first-served.
When must projects and spending be completed?
All activities, invoicing, and expenditures must occur between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
Based on the awarded partnership(s), an invoicing deadline may be set before March 31, 2027.
Are payments required upfront?
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.
Will there be future intakes in this fiscal?
If partnership opportunities remain after intake dates close, intake dates may be extended, or funds may be assigned to a new partnership opportunity.
Where do I submit my application?
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.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please direct Partnership Program inquiries to the RTO3 team member listed:
Four Season Experience Development Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development,
Certification Support Partnerships to Bev Scott, Manager, Business & Visitor Experiences Development,
Marketing Partnerships to Aiden Eng, Manager, Marketing & Communications,
or email [email protected] for general enquiries.