We are thrilled to share some recent media coverage as a result of pitching and ongoing media conversations managed by Beattie Tartan. Working with Beattie Tartan plays an integral role in maximizing consumer awareness of South Eastern Ontario in key markets and leads to amazing storytelling and creativity!  

Here is a look at some of the media features from the Summer!

Kingston

History is alive in Kingston

Outlet: Fifty-Five Plus

About the Article: The article highlights the rich history that Kingston had to offer. The journalist visited the Kingston Pen, Haunted Walk Tour, Pumphouse Steam Museum, Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises and Fort Henry.  The journalist stayed at Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront and ate at Wharf and Feather, Black Dog Tavern, Harper’s Burger Bar, Wooden Heads and Pan Chanco Bakery.

Fun Things to Do in Kingston Ontario: Best Activities & Amazing Attractions

Outlet: Justin Plus Lauren

About the Article: This blog is as a result of Justin and Lauren’s recent FAM trip to Kingston. It provides some background on Kingston, noting it was the former capital of Canada for a short period of time. Justin and Lauren recommended to stay at the Delta hotel, as it is in walking distance of many great restaurants and activities. They also note to take the 1000 Islands Cruise at sunset for breathtaking views. Finally, they mention to relax at The Refinery Spa + Social House as well as explore Stand-Up Paddleboarding with Ahoy Rentals as they did. 

Brockville

8 Last-Minute Summer Adventures That Are Less Than 2 Hours Away From Ottawa

Outlet: Narcity

About the Article: The article is a round up and features various things to do near Ottawa. The article notes to visit places such as Walk Through A Rainbow Tunnel in Brockville. 

Prince Edward County

 18 hip motels for your Ontario summer road trip

Outlet: Cottage Life

About the Article: The article is a roundup of motels in Ontario. The article highlights The June Motel and The Drake Motor Inn in Prince Edward County. 

There’s Something for Everyone in Prince Edward County

Outlet: Elle Canada

About the Article: The article highlights journalist Melodie Karama’s four-day itinerary in P.E.C. She highlights drinks at the Drake Devonshire, swimming at Wellington Public, Beach, dinner at the Lakeside Motel, breakfast at Beacon Bike + Brew, relaxing at Sandbanks Provincial Park, and enjoying drinks at the following places Loch Mór, Morandin, Hinterland, Trail Estate and Long Dog. These were just some of the places she stopped on her four-day trip to The County. 

Une escapade pré-automnale dans le comté de Prince Edward

Outlet: Le Devoir

About the Article: This article features the interview with Karen about stats from The County and includes the Plan your Visit messaging. The article also includes details about her experiences at Karlo Estates, Lighthall Vineyards, The Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse, Loch Mór cider house and she gives readers things to do and plan for if visiting The County.

What to expect at Wander the Resort

Outlet: Escapism

About the Article: The article is a review of the new Wanderlust Resort. The author notes it is a new lakeside, luxury cabin retreat with a private beach. She also discusses that the design is a mix of the best of modern Nordic architecture with the warm nostalgia of the rustic Ontario cottage experience.

1000 Islands Gananoque

Waterfront Festival brings in the crowds

Outlet: Toronto Star

About the Article: The article is about the first-ever 1000 Islands Waterfront Festival, that took place in Gananoque this past weekend. The journalist notes the event was a success, a was great for the whole family. The event stretched from 1000 Islands Boat Museum to the 1000 Islands History Museum and down to Joel Stone Park, the event featured Voyageur canoe tours and exhibits at the museums. The journalist also notes that Free concerts played at various times, some at the History Museum verandah and some at the Joel Stone Heritage Park Concert Stage as part of the 2021 free waterfront concert series.

1000 Islands Rideau Waterways

The Five Best Trails in Ontario, According to an Expert

Outlet: Yahoo! Canada News

About the Article: The article highlights Ontario’s best trails, which includes The Rideau Trail along The Rideau Canal.

Frontenac County

 30 Corn Mazes in Ontario For a Fun Fall Day Trip

Outlet: To Do Canada

About the Article: The article is a roundup and highlights a corn maze to check out on Wolfe Island near Kingston. “Visit this creatively designed maze carved out of a corn field. This year’s design features two mazes with a refreshment area in the middle.”

Multiple Destinations

 TO Bucket List: Best destinations under three-hour drive from Toronto

Outlet: Daily Hive 

About the Article: The article is a round up and features various places to visit near Toronto. The article notes the 1000 Islands and Gananoque to be explored by cruise or helicopter, and highlights Sandbanks Provincial Park and Drake Motor Inn while visiting P.E.C. 

 A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival With 7,000 Pumpkins Is Happening Near Montreal This Fall

Outlet: Mtl Blog

About the Article: The article notes that Pumkinferno at Upper Canada Village is back for another year and at Fort Henry. Visitors will make their way through mesmerizing displays consisting of 7,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns arranged in monumental forms and themed exhibits. There will be Enchanted Forest, Mesozoic Monsters and Clown Town exhibits.

9 Incredible Things To Do In Ontario With Your Besties This Fall & Pumpkinferno Is Coming To 2 Cities In Ontario This Fall With Thousands Of Glowing Pumpkins

Outlet: Narcity

About the Article: The article notes that this fall, both Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry will have thousands of illuminating pumpkins. Upper Canada Village is happening from September 24 to October 31, whereas Fort Henry will occur from October 1 to 31. Fort Henry’s themes will include  Dragon’s Lantern Lair, Night At The Gallery, and Steampunk Station. Upper Canada Village will have a roaring 20s theme.  

 Pumpkinferno Is Coming To 2 Cities In Ontario This Fall With Thousands Of Glowing Pumpkins

Outlet: Daily Advent

About the Article: The article notes that this fall, both Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry will have thousands of illuminating pumpkins.  Upper Canada Village is happening from September 24 to October 31, whereas Fort Henry will occur from October 1 to 31. Fort Henry’s themes will include  Dragon’s Lantern Lair, Night At The Gallery, and Steampunk Station. Upper Canada Village will have a roaring 20s theme.  

20 Best Long Weekend Destinations From Toronto

Outlet: Slice.ca

About the Article: The article rounds up some great destinations to spend Labour Day weekend. The article includes 1000 Islands and Prince Edward County on their must-see list.

Cycling the St. Lawrence In Ontario: Finding My Pedals With Ontario By Bike

Outlet: Wondering Wagars

About the Article: The article is about cycling through various parts of Ontario and notes cycling through 1000 Islands, Brockville and Cornwall. 

Following the historic St. Lawrence River in a 2021 Dodge Durango R/T

Outlet: Driving.ca 

About the Article: This article is a review of the 2021Dodge Durango as it is driven along the St. Lawrence River. The author reached out to work with BT on the Kingston portion of her trip. The journalist stops in Kingston and notes key points of interest such as Kingston Penitentiary, Queen’s University, Fort Henry and the Royal Military College. The article also highlights Bellevue House based just west of downtown Kingston. The article also highlights stops at 1000 Islands, Cornwall and Brockville. The piece notes the Brockville Railway Tunnel as a must-see, as well as the Brockville’s Aquatarium is a great excursion for families.

Seeing The Sites of the St. Lawrence By Bike

Outlet: Ontario By Bike

About the Article: This article highlights Influencer Kevin Wagar, three day itinerary exploring Brockville, SDG Counties, and the 1000 Islands by bike.

An adventurer’s Guide to Exploring Ontario

Outlet: CBC Toronto

About the Article: The clip is a roundup of day and weekend trips across Ontario. The author mentions hidden gems, as well as popular beaches like Sandbanks. For adventure travel, the clip notes hot air ballooning and helicopter rides in the 1000 Islands. 

 Where to travel for a taste of movie magic, pg 25

Outlet: North York Post

About the Article: The article is a roundup of Ontario film locations. The article pinpoints Kingston as a major hub, listing several films shot at the Kingston Pen. It also mentions that Rideau Canal creates an emblematic landscape for many productions. The article also notes the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a huge tourist attraction all year round, creating the ideal backdrop for boating and running in the warmer months.

 Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River offer travelers 1,001 delights

Outlet: Miami Herald 

About the Article: The article is written by Carol Ann Davidson who recently went on a FAM trip in July. She starts off the piece by noting her experiences in the Brockville Aquatarium. Carol Ann highlights There are actually 1,864 islands in the archipelago flowing between Ontario and New York state. She mentions that the “Brockville Tunnel is kaleidoscope of changing colors infuses the vaulted tunnel with dazzling light and highlights the feat of engineering magic.” When highlighting Gananoque, she notes the city of 5,000 has an indigenous name meaning “a gathering place” and provides a rave review of Sexy Laundry and some restaurant recommendations including Riva and The Ivy Restaurant. For Kingston, Carol Ann goes into detail about her exceptional accommodations, the Kingston Pen, the city’s astounding history and her experience at Agnes Etherington Art Centre and Trolley Tours.

Stay tuned! We will be sharing our Q2 (July – September) Marketing Highlights which will include a report on the total Impressions our Earned Media received during that time.

RTO 9 provides regional leadership and coordination for tourism in South Eastern Ontario. We are fiercely working on your behalf to grow all aspects of tourism and attract more visitors, increase revenues, and generate economic activity such as investment and job creation. Connect with a team member who can assist you in your tourism initiatives.

We are excited to share the collective accomplishments we have made for Q1 (April 1st-June 30th 2021).

Earned Media 

Total Stories: 204
Print: 18
TV Segments: 8
Online: 174
Newsletter: 1
Radio: 4

Total Cumulative Impressions for Q1: 170,697,958

Here’s a look at just some of the media our operators and destinations in South Eastern Ontario gained in Q1.

Traveling Taste Buds: Moroccan Spiced Rack of Lamb
Along for the Ride: Family-Friendly Cycling Trails in Ontario
Kingston Community GLOWS Together
From Farms to Forks, Entrepreneurs Ready to Reignite Eastern Ontario Tourism Industry

Owned & Paid Media For South Eastern Ontario

Total Reach: 462,265 (-80%)
Engagement: 55,104 (+44% YoY)
User Visits: 94,599 (+61% YoY)
Page Views: 37,702 (-6% YoY)
Events: 40,336 – direct links to tourism operators’ websites.

Top Website Content
Bucket List: 25 Restaurants You Need To Try In Prince Edward County (9,259)
20 Small Towns You Have To Visit (8,178)
17 Luxurious Cottaging and Glamping Ideas (7,434)
11 Things You Can Do This Summer In The 1000 Island Gananoque (7,009)
12 Paranormal Locations (6,194)

Future Initiatives

RTO 9 will host a number of FAM Tours that will include: Post Media, Le Devoir, Elle Quebec, La Tribune, @FitFatale, @MommyGearest.

We will be working with our tourism partners on paid media projects. These partners include Attractions Ontario, Resorts of Ontario, and Ontario By Bike.

Owned & Paid Media For South Eastern Ontario

In Q2 we will begin to work alongside our DMO/ Tourism Offices on Facebook Ads and Storytelling Campaigns featuring: Cornwall, Frontenac County, the Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County, SDG Counties, and Westport.
We will be launching over 15 blogs that will be promoted on our Facebook channel.
Once restrictions are lifted, we will be launching our Cruising Campaign for the summer and early fall.

RTO 9 provides regional leadership and coordination for tourism in South Eastern Ontario. We are fiercely working on your behalf to grow all aspects of tourism and attract more visitors, increase revenues, and generate economic activity such as investment and job creation. Connect with a team member who can assist you in your tourism initiatives.

South Eastern Ontario’s RTO 9 awards $215k to local tourism businesses in the region in three categories: Digitizing Your Business, Itinerary Development and New or Enhanced Product Development

Kingston, ON – (July 15, 2021) – The Regional Tourism Organization for South Eastern Ontario (RTO 9) is pleased to announce they have awarded over $215k from the Partnership Fund to support projects across the region during the 2021/2022 fiscal year. Partnership Funds allow RTO 9 to partner with tourism operators across the region to grow tourism receipts for South Eastern Ontario.

The following is the list of successful recipients in the Digitizing Your Business category:

• Nanook Expeditions
• GreeneAcre Golf Club
• Family Earth Inc.
• 3 Little Birds Farmhouse
• Jolly Tours Ltd.
• No.9 Contemporary Art & Environment
• River Cabin Co
• The Military Communications & Electronics Foundation
• Wolfe Island Commons

The following is the list of successful recipients in the Itinerary Development category (including a brief project description):

• Double Concept Productions –Brockville Christmas Market
• Landsby.ca – SEO Stay and Experience Initiative – Online promotion of SEO itineraries including wellness, culinary, soft adventure and the arts with overnight getaways. Landsby is a new Canadian Stays & Experience travel company launched in May 2021.
• Signal Brewing Co. – Signal Experiential Golf Tourism Packages – Partnered with Trillium Wood GC & Black Bear Ridge GC, Signal is offering full day packages including dinner.

The following is the list of successful recipients in the New or Enhanced Product Development category (including a brief project description):

• Springfield Farms –  Field & Feast Event – An evening of food, friendship and culture. Indigenous Chef Joseph Shawana, Akwasasne Artists, Music 

• Family Earth Inc. – Family Earth –  Agritourism: Family friendly outdoor experiences 

• Furnace Falls Farm – Taste of Nature at Furnace Falls Farm – Programs include: Daytrippers Hike, Nature Hikes, Foraging & Campfire Meal; Social Circle Overnight Guided Kayaking & Hiking Adventure with Overnight Stay.

• 3 Little Birds Farmhouse – Curated Experiences – Addition of curated on the farm experiences and packages incorporating local farmers, wellness experts, activities & workshops.

• Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises – Island Queen Live Hosted Entertainment – Introduction of an onboard live host (not pretaped) and live musical entertainment on every 3-hr cruise.

• Kingston Canadian Film Festival – 2022 Kingston Canadian Film Festival: Feb. 2022 – Winter season event that is the largest Canadian Film Festival in existence.

• Kingston Theatre Alliance – Kick & Push Festival 2021 – Extended from 3 to 6 weeks, which will double the number of performances including 3 Indigenous plays, virtual reality programming, venues across the city, not just downtown.

• Spitfire Café Inc – Brockville Holiday Market – Socially distanced with a larger site.
• Signal Brewing Co. – Corbyville Supper Market – Wednesday night events offering a variety of outdoor friendly foods, artisan wine, craft beer, live music, conversation circles, outdoor Yoga, vendors and farmers market.

• The Military Communications & Electronic Foundation -Improbable Escape At The Museum – Creation of a new curated Improbable Escapes Game at the Museum.

• Thousand Islands Boat Museum – River Exploration Adventure – Outdoor experiential exhibit featuring live historical interpretation, multi-sensory impact, interaction and hands-on learning opportunities. On site building of authentic birch-bark canoe by Indigenous artist Chuck Commanda.

• Thousand Islands Fdn. for the Performing Arts – Socially Distanced Outdoor Lobby – Rental of tent, heaters, seating to introduce an outdoor lobby, which addresses social distancing guidelines and allows for theatre seating by designated rows. 

• Topsy Farm – Headlands Experiences – “Book Your Bubble” experiences at the farm including Children’s Scavenger Hunts, Kayaking Afternoons with Kristin, Forest Therapy Workshops and Wild Wellness Multi-day Experiences including stay in Mongolian Yurt. 

• Transit Capital Corp – Brockville Experience Incubator – Feasibility Study to explore a multi-use family/sports/entertainment concept for the Brockville Plaza property including pop-up drive in movies, rooftop garden, shared commercial kitchen for curated cultural events, sports and recreation centre.

• Visible Talent Inc./Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals – Cornwall Day & Multi-day Bike Tours – Upper Canada Village – Cornwall 1-2 day guided and self-guided biking trip. Participants will be transported from Ottawa to UPV where the trip begins.

• Wolfe Island Commons – The Wolfe Island Experience – Creation of a community space for farmer’s market, boat docking, social gathering, cultural event, farm to table community meals, local arts and musician events, Indigenous garden and winter fireplace socializing.

For the past 8 years, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries has provided RTO 9 with Partnership Funding that is used to leverage a variety of projects that support the growth of tourism within the region. Projects vary in scope from events to marketing initiatives to product development and training. 

“We’re thankful for the opportunity to partner with our tourism operators to see these great projects succeed,” said Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, RTO 9.

About RTO 9

RTO 9 is a regional tourism organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. RTO 9 actively promotes tourism for the South Eastern Ontario region and works to support and grow the tourism industry through marketing, product development, investment attraction, and workforce development initiatives. The regions of South Eastern Ontario are 1000 Islands Gananoque, Bay of Quinte, Brockville, Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Counties, Frontenac County, Kingston, Lennox and Addington, Prince Edward County and the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterways.

South Eastern Ontario’s small ship tour boat operators launch their summer/fall season on Ontario’s waterways

1000 ISLANDS GANANOQUE, ON – July 20, 2021 – With Ontario’s recent transition to Stage 3, small ship sightseeing tours operating in South Eastern Ontario are thrilled to announce they are ready to welcome visitors again for summer and fall tours, with safety protocols and socially distant measures in place. Each sightseeing tour offers passengers an exhilarating experience along the water of Ontario’s most scenic routes including the iconic 1000 Islands.

With vaccination rollouts expanding, small ship cruises are perfect for family and friends wishing to reunite in a distanced and controlled environment, without the crowds. In another carefully curated season, all ships operate with strict COVID-19 Health and Safety programs in place including protocols for reduced passenger capacity, mask usage and physical distancing onboard. Passengers are able to cruise through Ontario’s myriad of rivers and waterways in comfort, providing residents and tourists with the opportunity to explore the 1000 Islands and travel the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario on both day trips and overnight stays. South Eastern Ontario operators are ready to sail Ontario waters and are now accepting bookings:

2021 Day Trip Cruising Experiences

• 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises
• City Cruises Gananoque (formerly Gananoque Boat Line)
• Rockport Boat Cruises
• Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

2021 Overnight Cruising Experiences

• Le Boat
• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
• Ontario Waterway Cruises – Kawartha Voyageur

“We’re thrilled that small ship operators in the area are permitted to open again this year and continue allowing guests the opportunity to explore some of Ontario’s most well-known attractions,” said Bonnie Ruddock, executive director of Region 9 (South Eastern Ontario) Regional Tourism Organization. “Small ship tours are the perfect activity for those looking to get outdoors and see what makes this region naturally beautiful.”

Planning a tour? Book ahead!

Now ready to welcome passengers, the South Eastern Ontario boat operators and cruising vessels operating on the Rideau Canal, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are recommending that anyone wishing to enjoy a tour book ahead to ensure that they secure a ticket. As weekends are the most popular time to experience the waterways, consider a mid-week excursion to ensure availability. Per provincial and community health authorities, all boats are operating at reduced capacity to ensure physical distancing is possible, so same-day and walk-on tickets are not guaranteed.

Special events

City Cruises (formerly Gananoque Boat Line) and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines are both celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. Marking 70 years in business in 2021, City Cruises Gananoque offers dinner cruises, sightseeing tours and a glimpse into the lost ships of the 1000 Islands. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines is also celebrating a milestone with its 40th anniversary this year, offering guests a chance to commemorate the occasion with a unique itinerary of rare tours and attractions, all while exploring the scenic and historic river.

What to expect

All regions in South Eastern Ontario and their business operators are taking the health and safety of their residents and visitors very seriously. Updated COVID-19 guidelines for operators are in accordance with Canadian federal and regional health and safety guidelines to ensure customers’ safety and can be found on their websites.

“Customers’ health and safety is a priority to each and every operator and just as they did last year, updated practices have been implemented to ensure passengers feel safe, secure and comfortable on each tour,” said Ruddock. “We know guests want to get out and enjoy the summer and we are taking every precaution to ensure they can do so safely.”

What to see

Small ship tours through beautiful South Eastern Ontario’s St. Lawrence Seaway, Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario make for the perfect getaway to get lost in the beauty of the region and experience relaxation and tranquility. Throughout the region, the lush landscape is dotted with luxurious cottages and vast estates. Pass in the shadows of ships plying the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway, take in the Royal Military College, famed Boldt Castle, Fort Henry, Kingston harbour and Rideau Canal World Heritage Site. The intimate setting, quiet waters and unique perspective make seeing the region by water an unforgettable experience.

Whether looking for dinner or day cruises, staycations, short getaways or long holidays, the waterways of South Eastern Ontario are ready to welcome visitors for a safe and self-contained trip this summer.

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About RTO 9

RTO 9 is a regional tourism organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. RTO 9 actively promotes tourism for the South Eastern Ontario region and works to support and grow the tourism industry through marketing, product development, investment attraction and workforce development initiatives. The regions of South Eastern Ontario are 1000 Islands Gananoque, Bay of Quinte, Brockville, Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Counties, Frontenac County, Kingston, Lennox and Addington, Prince Edward County and the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.

Media Contact
To arrange an interview with Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director of Region 9 (South Eastern Ontario) Regional Tourism Organization, or arrange high-res images please contact:

Erin O’Driscoll
Beattie Tartan
erin.driscoll@beattiegroup.com
Direct: 416.319.8296

New program joins existing digital program in helping members with marketing initiatives

Drive for Excellence Program

Kingston, ON — (June 28, 2021) — RTO 9 is pleased to introduce a new funding program developed to help start, build or grow organizations’ marketing programs.

The Drive for Excellence Program has been designed for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and Destination Marketing Program (DMPs) partners to support everything from strategy development to marketing campaign support, to operator training and many other options.

“We’re excited about this new program and believe this will have a real impact on helping destination marketing programs for our members,” said Bonnie Ruddock, executive director of Region 9 Tourism Organization

RTO 9 and their agency of record, Alphabet Creative, collaborated with each destination to provide direct access to professional services and knowledgeable marketing support. Below are the support programs that have been initiated for each destination for the 2021/2022 season.

Destinations were asked to map out how the destination and operators wanted to develop over time; business, market, and trade ready as well as allow destinations and operators to self-identify their current readiness and understand what kind of support was required.

RTO 9 and Alphabet Creative collaborated with each destination to provide direct access to professional services and knowledgeable marketing support. The following support programs have been initiated for the 2021-2022 season.

Destination Drive for Excellence Program Support

Prince Edward County – Governance Strategy, Plan Your Visit Paid Search Strategy
Bay of Quinte – Content Creation, Digital Asset Development
Kingston – Meeting & Conventions Landing Page and Asset Development, Influencer/FAM Trips
Cornwall – Influencer/FAM Trips, Product Development Proposal
SDG Counties – SDG Jail Strategy, Video Development
1000 Islands Gananoque – FAM/Influencer Trips, Digital Marketing Campaign, Content Creation
Lennox and Addington – Digital Media Campaign
Frontenac County – Tourism Strategy with RTO11, Open Farms Media Plan
Brockville – Content Creation and FAM/Influencer Trips
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways – 1000 Islands/Leeds and Grenville RFP Rideau Canal Strategy

Digital Marketing Support Program

The Drive for Excellence Program joins the Digital Marketing Support Program, which provides members of the RTO 9 Digital Marketing Committee with the opportunity to partner on digital marketing tactics for their destination.

The RTO 9 Digital Marketing Committee includes tourism partners from throughout South Eastern Ontario and is aimed at providing assistance to RTO 9 in their upcoming content marketing initiatives for their consumer brand, South Eastern Ontario. This year, RTO 9 will be partnering with these members on a Digital Marketing Support Program that includes Facebook advertising and storytelling content.

“Digital marketing is a key component to the successful marketing of a destination and our digital marketing support program really helps destinations to get the word out about their initiatives,” said Ruddock.

The committee will capitalize on the following initiatives for the 2021-2022 season:
Facebook Advertising Program
Committee members will be able to promote an experience or event of their destination’s choice on the South Eastern Ontario Facebook page with a Facebook Ad. Management of the Facebook Ad will be administered by RTO 9.

Storytelling Program
This program includes social media advertising, using RTO 9’s remarketing lists, new photos, as well as the creation of engaging storytelling blog content to give each destination and operator more visibility. The program also includes all expenses for content, giveaway prizes and promotion, and the content will be promoted through South Eastern Ontario’s social media channels and website.

The Digital Marketing Committee members consist of:

• 1000 Islands Accommodation Partners
• Brockville Tourism
• County of Prince Edward
• Frontenac County
• Ontario Festival of Small Halls
• SDG Counties
• Town of Prescott
• What’s On Westport
• Bay of Quinte
• Cornwall Tourism
• Lennox & Addington
• Kingston
• Merrickville

About RTO 9

RTO 9 is a regional tourism organization established in 2010 that is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries. RTO 9 actively promotes tourism for the South Eastern Ontario region and works to support and grow the tourism industry through marketing, product development, investment attraction and workforce development initiatives. The regions of South Eastern Ontario are 1000 Islands Gananoque, Bay of Quinte, Brockville, Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Counties, Frontenac County, Kingston, Lennox and Addington, Prince Edward County and the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.
Media Contact
To arrange an interview with Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director of Region 9 (South Eastern Ontario) Regional Tourism Organization, or arrange high-res images please contact:

Erin O’Driscoll
Beattie Tartan
erin.driscoll@beattiegroup.com
Direct: 416.319.8296