AI is everywhere, but knowing how to use it in a way that actually helps your tourism business is another story.
If you’re curious about AI, already experimenting with it or wondering whether it’s worth your time, the feature presentation at the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization’s (OHTO) virtual 2026 AGM is built for you.
Join us at the AGM on Wednesday, Oct. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. Following the AGM’s regular meeting activities, AI educator, trainer and professor Emily Baillie of Compass Content Marketing will lead AI in Action: Real Solutions for Tourism Operators - a one-hour session to help you understand where AI can deliver meaningful value for your business.
Move Beyond the Hype
AI is changing quickly, and the pressure to keep up can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already balancing staffing, marketing, operations and the guest experience.
“AI is changing quickly, and tourism operators don’t need more pressure to keep up - they need help understanding what is useful for their business," explained Nicole Whiting, Executive Director for OHTO.
This session will help you cut through the noise and focus on whether, where and how AI can support your operation. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the opportunities that deserve your attention - and the ones that may not.
Find Practical Ways to Save Time
What could your team accomplish with more time in the day? In her presentation, Emily will explore practical, high-value applications of AI that can streamline recurring tasks and improve productivity. You’ll gain ideas for reducing time spent on everyday work, making better use of limited resources and creating more capacity for the work that matters most.
The goal isn’t to add another complicated system to your operation. It’s to help you identify where AI could make the work you already do easier.
Strengthen Your Marketing and Support Growth
AI can do more than speed up tasks. Used thoughtfully, it can help strengthen your marketing, generate leads and support revenue growth.
You’ll learn how AI can contribute to practical, approachable and human-centred marketing work—helping you make more of your time and resources while staying focused on the business goals behind your marketing.
See How AI Is Already Working in Tourism
Wondering what AI implementation looks like in a real hospitality business? Joel Greaves, Founder and CEO of Somewhere Inn, will share how the company has implemented Claude across its operations. You’ll hear how Somewhere Inn is using AI to save staff time, support the guest experience and improve the business overall.
This real-world Ontario example will move the conversation from theory to action and show how another tourism operator is putting AI to work today.
Make More Confident Decisions
Not every AI tool or application will be right for your business—and knowing what to avoid can be just as valuable as knowing what to try.
The session will address where operators should proceed with caution and how to assess AI opportunities based on their own needs, priorities, resources and risk tolerance.
You’ll leave better equipped to make informed decisions instead of feeling pressured to adopt every new tool that comes along.
Start Wherever You Are
You don’t need to be an AI expert to take part in the presentation at the AGM. This presentation is designed for operators who are already exploring AI as well as those who aren’t sure where to begin.
Come with your questions and leave with practical ideas, greater confidence and a clearer next step for your business. In one hour you will gain tourism-specific insight, real-world experience, and practical take-aways you can put to work right away.
Join us on Oct. 7 and discover how AI could help your tourism business save time, strengthen its marketing and prepare for what comes next.