WELCOME TO RTO8
Helping Grow Tourism for Kawarthas Northumberland
OUR VISION
By 2026, Kawarthas Northumberland communities will be recognized as one of the leading travel destinations in Ontario for experiencing soft outdoor and rural adventure connecting Canadian waterway heritage.
OUR MISSION
Kawarthas Northumberland will be a destination that drives its visitor economy with balanced and purposeful year-round visitation that meets our current and future capacity and community development needs.
WHY KAWARTHAS NORTHUMBERLAND?
RTO8 exists to support a competitive and sustainable regional tourism industry, attract visitors, generate economic activity and create jobs. We work with industry partners to build up the Kawarthas Northumberland region through experience development, investment, marketing, and workforce development
WHAT'S NEW
2023 Tourism Development Fund – Applications Now Open
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is pleased to announce the launch of the Tourism Development Fund 2023 program.
The fund supports projects that encourage the development of innovative new tourism products, support tourism investment or build the capacity of Ontario’s tourism industry to foster new tourism investments.
Regional Development Advisors are available to assist with questions about the application process. Contact information can be found in the program guide.
The application period is now open – applications will be accepted until September 14, 2023, at 5 p.m. (ET).
Click here for more information
The Experience Ontario 2023 program is open for applications
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Experience Ontario 2023 program for festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. This year, the Ontario government is investing $19.5 million in one-time funding through the Experience Ontario 2023 program to provide support to in-person festivals and events that will have an economic impact and generate increased tourism spending.
For information on the program, please see the Experience Ontario Application Guide
Acceler8—Leading Business Towards Success
Regional Tourism Organization (RTO8) is pleased to offer Acceler8, a community based Business Mentoring Program This program is geared to existing tourism sector businesses within the Kawarthas Northumberland region. The tourism industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic and as we focus on recovery, we believe a mentoring program can help your business rebuild and achieve business growth.
Taste of the Trent-Severn Waterway Culinary Program
Calling all Culinary Providers within Kawarthas Northumberland. We’re reaching out to all food & beverage producers and providers within Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough City and County and Northumberland County to get creative and showcase a culinary product created to commemorate the 101st anniversary of through navigation on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada.
Are You a Trail Town Friendly Business?
If you a consumer facing business located within 2km of one of the 9 Trent-Severn Trail Town (TSTT) communities, the answer should be YES! Sign up today so your businesses can start to benefit from the TSTT program and its marketing initiatives. Click the logo on the left to view the criteria and to submit an application.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Trail Towns with Amy Camp
Trail Town ideas and success stories from Amy Camp of Cycle Forward.
Destination Canada Tips and Tricks
This video series by Destination Canada is designed to help Canadian tourism business get the most out of their marketing efforts, reach travellers and remain competitive. The quick tutorials feature Destination Canada team members sharing their expertise.
Let's Talk Tourism Video Series
These videos will teach tourism businesses how to leverage their DMO & RTO8 for best results.