Current Tourism Projects

A Strategic Tourism Plan for the City of Kawartha Lakes

 In 2008, "A Strategic Tourism Plan for City of Kawartha Lakes" was completed as a result of the Premier-ranked Tourist Destinations Framework. This strategic plan identifies key findings from the PrTD analysis, including input from industry meetings held in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls. Over 500 tourism businesses participated in the PrTD project in either the survey process, as community champions and/or the public sessions.

It was identified that to execute the recommendations found in this Plan, City of Kawartha Lakes will require:

• Close determination of the priorities
• Focus on the immediate, short-term and long term objectives
• Consider the realistic opportunities by flushing out more specific detail
• Buy-in from the Tourism Advisory Board and Council
• Presentation to the tourism partners
• Development of strong partnerships and ownership of the process

Consultant provided priorities and implementation recommendations in chronological order, showing a focus on realistic objectives, within the knowledge gain relative to the tourism environment in which these will be executed.

It was clearly identified at the offset that tourism industry involvement in the execution of recommendations would be crucial. It was also stressed that partners and contributors, the tourism industry should be empowered to get involved, in the spirit of team effort, financial creativity and resourcefulness. Partnership building with a focus on product development and the establishment of a Special Event Taskforce would assist in revitalizing existing product and provide it with a broader platform to grow and expand. Local and provincial support to embark on identified Tourism priorities would result in expediency.

Based on key priorities identified now in their third year of implementation, efforts continue to address the 28 strategic recommendations.

Click to download the Tourism Strategic Priorities Update 1010

Regional Tourism Organization #8

City and County of Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County have recently formed a provincially recognized tourism partnership known as Regional Tourism Organization - Region 8 (RTO8).  Its primary purpose is to build a competitive and sustainable tourism region that maximizes the collective regions' potential to successfully attract new visitors, increase overnight stays and grow tourism spending.

Vision

To establish an industry led Regional Tourism Organization for Region 8 that will build a competitive and sustainable tourism region that maximizes the region's potential to successfully attract new visitors and grow tourism spending

Mission

Under the umbrella of RTO 8 successfully initiate, develop and implement Destination Development Strategies (Product Development & Marketing) that positively impact the economic prosperity of Region 8 through increased visitation, tourism revenues and jobs

More information, including reports and updates on the new regional tourism partnership can be found on http://www.rto8.com/