Harsha Manani’s journey to Haliburton started far from the woods and lakes she now calls home. Born and raised in a small village in the UK, Harsha grew up in a place that reminds her a lot of Haliburton today.

After moving to Canada and settling in Toronto more than 20 years ago, Harsha began searching for an investment property with her family/co-owners. It was while travelling across Ontario in search of the perfect investment opportunity five years ago that a moment of serendipity inspired her to look more closely at Haliburton Highlands.

“I grew up in a little village called Lutterworth in the UK,” explained Harsha. “We were driving up in Minden and saw a sign for Lutterworth and thought this is where we’ll find the property, and it was.”

Lakeview Haliburton is a family-run property near Minden that sleeps a total of 42 guests across private rooms, family suites, and a secluded geodesic dome in the woods. The motel offers visitors the full cottage country experience, with outdoor hot tubs, an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, bonfire pits and more. Harsha operates Lakeview Haliburton with her uncle, Jagdish Shrimali.

Investing in Lakeview Haliburton was Harsha’s first foray into the hospitality industry, and this is where she “found her niche.” Although her initial plan was to contribute as an investor, drop in to the property now and then while continuing to live full time in Toronto, instead she stepped fully into the day-to-day life of Lakeview Haliburton and found a career that fits her perfectly.

“Life took a different journey and I ended up here,” Harsha said. 

Already active in the community through several boards and committees, joining the OHTO board of directors was a logical extension of Harsha’s work and genuine interest in connecting with people and their stories. For Harsha, tourism is more than a siloed experience, it’s a full ecosystem.

“I truly believe tourism isn’t just accommodations or adventures or being in a place where there are nice restaurants, I believe it’s about the entire experience,” explained Harsha. 

Already in the first couple of months on the board Harsha has learned a lot about the organization and its work in the Ontario’s Highlands’ region. She explained she was blown away when she learned how much OHTO accomplishes in the tourism community.

“I had no idea that OHTO does so much,” said Harsha. “There are so many resources available for organizations and operators…I think everyone needs to tap into it.”

Being part of the OHTO board is an opportunity for Harsha to dig deeper into tourism, to connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion for tourism and her community.

“I’m looking forward to what’s to come on the OHTO board of directors.”

Interested in joining OHTO's Board of Directors?

Share your vision for the future! OHTO’s Board of Directors is looking for energetic, positive and collaborative strategic thinkers to contribute to the growth of tourism in the region by volunteering to serve as a Director of the Board. Opportunities to fill vacancies are available to our members and interested individuals able to commit to a three-year term.

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