Are You Coming? Why You Should Attend OHTO's Virtual AGM on Oct. 9

It’s that time of the year again! (drum roll, please) The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization’s virtual Annual General Meeting is coming up fast, happening this year on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

This year’s event invites tourism operators and stakeholders to join OHTO as we “Remember When,” reflecting on where we’ve been, how it has shaped the present, and help prepare the sector for a prosperous and sustainable future.

OHTO’s AGM is the perfect opportunity for tourism operators and stakeholders to check in with OHTO, see what has been happening over the past year, and get the inside scoop on what’s coming for the remainder of 2024 and beyond. This year’s keynote speaker is Ben Vadasz from Destination Think whose presentation will focus on collaboration, and turning the global spotlight on local initiatives.  

Not sure if you have time to attend? Following the trend from the past few years, this year’s AGM is completely virtual and at only two hours, you can take part even if you are short on time. So there are no excuses!  

Still on the fence about attending? Here are a few more reasons why you should register and pencil OHTO’s AGM into your calendar for Oct. 9.

Be Inspired to Think About Destination Building

Did we mention the keynote speaker? Ben’s presentation is guaranteed to inspire! As a seasoned tourism industry expert with decades of experience, Ben is also the co-founder of the acclaimed Destination Think . These folks are focused on using innovation and ingenuity to creatively market destinations that ensures tourism leads to a better future for everyone. Be inspired by case studies and local initiatives that showcase how collaboration can solve challenges faced in communities and be leveraged for good through tourism.

If Ben’s presentation isn’t enough inspiration for you, you will want to tune in to the Executive Director’s Report presented by OHTO’s Executive Director, Nicole Whiting. Once you see and hear everything that’s happening with OHTO and tourism success stories in the region, we know you will be encouraged to achieve your own success.

Contribute to the Conversation

We know you have some great thoughts about the current and future of tourism in Ontario’s Highlands, and we want to hear them! Contribute to the tourism conversation at the spark session at the AGM. This is your chance to share your thoughts on strengthening communities through tourism, to connect with tourism leaders and brainstorm solutions for common industry challenges.

Learn About OHTO’s Past and Future Programs

Have you tapped into OHTO’s upgraded Member Portal? Or the marketing partnerships that are available to members on a regular basis? Or how about our partnership with Not 9 to 5 to acess their mental health course specifically geared to supporting operators and staff working in tourism? In 2024, OHTO has been working overtime in developing new programming and new ways to support tourism in Ontario’s Highlands, and we have some great plans for the future, too. Attend the AGM and find out more about how you can benefit from OHTO’s existing programs, and what’s coming down the pipe in 2025.  

Become a Wander Sustainably Ambassador

Here at OHTO we are big believers in doing our part to protect and preserve our  tourism assets to ensure they are here for visitors and communities to enjoy for many many years to come. OHTO’s approach to responsible tourism is about harmonizing prosperity and preservation, and working collaboratively with and within our communities to build a thriving destination that will benefit the visitor while also creating a strong and resilient future for our communities.

To achieve this, we’ve developed a “Wander Sustainably” approach to tourism, which invites our operators, stakeholders, communities, and visitors to wander our region with a  regenerative mindset that not only reduces negative impacts, but increases the positive ones. Our marketing efforts are created with that in mind, and at the AGM we’ll be talking about this approach and how we are inviting others to join in to become a Wander Sustainably ambassador with us!  

Have we convinced you? Register today for the AGM and be part of the tourism conversation!