The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is pleased to announce the organization has received Rainbow Registered Accreditation, a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly businesses and organizations through Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). 

Businesses or organizations who are Rainbow Registered are provided with the “Rainbow Registered” logo for use on their website and at their place of business. The Rainbow Registered designation logo is an easy way for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to identify where they are safe and welcomed.  

“OHTO’s new Rainbow Registered accreditation is one more step on our responsible tourism journey,” said Nicole Whiting, Executive Director for OHTO. “It also demonstrates our commitment to turning our words into action and building a truly inclusive tourism community.”  

OHTO’s Responsible Tourism Approach (Wander Sustainably) is guided by three core values of Inclusivity, Community Alignment and Sustainability.  The Rainbow Registered accreditation was an obvious process OHTO could undertake to incorporate principles of inclusivity into the organization’s operations.  

In the CGLCC’s decision to award OHTO with Rainbow Registered accreditation, they state they are “….confident they [OHTO] deserve the Rainbow Registered accreditation, that their efforts to be inclusive are systematic and sustainable and that they will be a valuable addition to the Rainbow Registered family.” 

As a next step, OHTO will continue to work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and regional partners to encourage and support more businesses and organizations within the region to become Rainbow Registered.  

“Our hope is through collective efforts such as becoming Rainbow Registered, our region will become known as a destination that treats all individuals with respect, regardless of their background, beliefs, abilities, or identities,” said Whiting.  “Perhaps we will even see the day where special logos are no longer required because anyone who visits Ontario’s Highlands feels welcomed and safe.” 

The process to become accredited is an easy to follow, step-by-step progression to demonstrate readiness to welcome members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  OHTO offers support to obtain Rainbow Registered accreditation at no cost to small- or medium-sized businesses and organizations on a first-come, first served basis until the spaces are filled.  

The funding for this support is provided through the Destination Northern Ontario LGBT+ Partnership and the joint application to the Tourism Relief Fund. 

“Destination Northern Ontario’s 2SLGBTQI+ tourism partnership with OHTO and several other Ontario Regional Tourism organizations has been highly beneficial both for our respective organizations as well as for our province’s tourism operators. We look forward to continued collaboration moving forward,” said Pat Forrest, Tourism Specialist for Destination Northern Ontario. 

Businesses or organizations interested in becoming Rainbow Registered can contact Kasey Rogerson, Director of Industry Development, at kasey.rogerson@ohto.ca.  

About OHTO 
Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is a not-for-profit organization mandated and funded by the Province of Ontario to support tourism within the counties of Haliburton, Lanark, and Renfrew and portions of Frontenac, Hastings, and Lennox and Addington. Find out more at www.ohto.ca.   

Media Contact: 
Luisa Sorrentino 
Marketing Director 
613-629-6486 x202 
luisa.sorrentino@ohto.ca 
 

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