Bonnie, Executive Director
613.329.2753
bruddock@region9tourism.ca

RTO-9 distributed $500,000 in non-repayable grants to select counties 

Kingston, ON – (May 28, 2021) – With $500,000 in financial support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the Regional Tourism Organization for South Eastern Ontario (RTO 9) distributed a one-time, non-repayable grant up to $20,000 to tourism-related businesses located within Leeds & Grenville County, Frontenac County, Lennox & Addington and Hastings County.

Through this funding, RTO 9 was able to support 65 businesses with expenses related to the purchase of PPE, e-commerce, and alterations to their business to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff.

“We are so grateful as an organization to administer this funding and distribute grants to deserving local businesses who have been hard hit by the pandemic,” said Bonnie Ruddock, executive director of Region 9 Regional Tourism Organization. “We are thrilled to support our communities and provide important relief to these tourism operators. Our community partners rely heavily on revenue from tourism to the area every year to keep their doors open and food on the table for their families; these funds will help ensure their futures and offsets any added expenses they had to account for during the pandemic.”

“Canada’s tourism industry has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “We have been there for the tourism sector since the beginning of the crisis and are proud to be supporting businesses and communities in Eastern Ontario as they prepare to safely welcome visitors when they are able to do so.”

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 Rideau Canal.

About FedDev Ontario

For more nearly 12 years, FedDev Ontario has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The investment in RTO 9 is part of $5.35-million to support similar projects to help the tourism sector across Eastern Ontario, which are anticipated to support 480 businesses in the region.  

Media Contact

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

Erin O’Driscoll
Account Specialist
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 647-232-6924

Nicole Amiel
Director – Eastern Canada
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 416-436-5185 / M: 514-983-3959

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 creative!  

CanGeoTravel

In this article, CanGeoTravel highlights various small businesses coming together amid the pandemic. It details the origins of Frontenac Trail Tours and how they decided to work together to target regional travellers. The article also references the importance of the newly restored K&P Trail to connect the tours and launch the collaboration with FireFly Adventures and Sumac Centre.

Read The Article: Small Tourism Operators Collaborate To Make It Through Pandemic Times

Zoomer Magazine

In the first article, the writer shares trails to take advantage of in the winter season, listing Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston, Guindon Park in Cornwall, Summerstown Trails in SDG Counties and Quinte Conservation Area in Bay of Quinte. In the second piece, the writer discusses great Canadian skating rinks and features Gord Brown Memorial rink in 1000 Islands Gananoque.  

Read The Article: Scenic Hiking Trails To Check Out In Ontario Before The Snow Melts and 6 Places to Ice-Skate Across Canada

Cruise Critic

In this article, Tim Johnson highlights a fall cruising experience featuring St. Lawrence Cruise Lines. In the article, he mentions important topics of conversation when it comes to travelling during COVID-19.

Read The Article: Cruising During COVID-19: Do You Tell Your Friends And Family You’re Onboard?

A New Place Called Home

A New Place Called Home is a television series filmed in Prince Edward County last summer. The six-episode series of documentary shorts is now available on Bell Fibe TV1. The series celebrates those who have chosen to start over in the County, and their resilience, courage, and strength. These bold entrepreneurs are Melissa Cannons and Paul Tobias (restaurateurs of Wellington’s Idle Wild), Aaron Armstrong (Blue Wheelbarrow Farm), Susan and Glen Wallis (AWAY in the County bed and breakfast, Wallis Awards), Alison Lawtey (The Acres at High Shore bed and breakfast), Joaquim and Amor Conde (Quinta do Conde farm), and Sleiman Al Jasem (The County Catch fresh fish). 

Watch The Teaser:  A New Place Called Home

Ottawa Business Journal

This article by The Ottawa Business Journal highlights agri-tourism in South Eastern Ontario. Kingston, Frontenac County, and Cornwall SDG Counties are a few of the destinations mentioned throughout the article for their projects and support from the RTO 9 Partnership Fund.

Read The Article: From Farms To Forks, Entrepreneurs Ready To Reignite Eastern Ontario Tourism Industry

Girls Drink Wine Too

In this article, Diana takes you on a rosé tasting journey by highlighting several different wineries from Prince Edward County – Three Dog Winery, Karlo Estates, Del-Gatto Estates, Grange Winery, Redtail Vineyards. Diana also goes into detail about each wine’s tasting notes as well as the backgrounds of the vineyards, and she links to each website as a CTA to purchase for her readers.

Read The Article: 5 Beautiful Rosé Wine From Prince Edward County

Trip Jaunt

Community is the topic of choice in this article by Trip Jaunt. Kingston’s Neon Hearts campaign is featured along with business owners’ quotes as well as a quote from Megan Knott, Tourism Kingston. It really ties in the story and proves how much the community has supported each other during these times!

Read The Article: Kingston Community GLOWS Together

Family Fun Canada

Writer, Jennifer Merrick, Family Fun Canada, features Upper Canada Village Waterfront Trail – Long Sault Parkway, Morrisburg in this roundup of cycling trails in Ontario.

Read The Article: Family Friendly Cycling Trails In Ontario

Divine

Coming from the popular QC-based lifestyle outlet, Divine.ca, is a series called “Travelling Taste Buds”, where they showcase a chef and a restaurant in different areas, first pinpointing how to get there and what makes the region unique, then featuring the recipe from a local restaurant/chef. Chef Ashley Loudon, The Secret Garden Inn, Kingston shares a yummy Moroccan lamb dish.

Read The Article: Traveling Taste Buds

Travel And Leisure

The Wander Resort in Prince Edward County was just named by Travel + Leisure as one of the best new hotels in the world! Only two hotels in Canada made the list and Wander was one of them. The nomination was contributed by Heather Greenwood Davis – a media-friendly of Beattie Tartan.

Read The Article: Our Editors’ Picks Of The Best New Hotels In The World

We would like to give a special thank you to the team at Beattie Tartan. The successful media publicity of our region is the result of their hard work, and careful planning!

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.

RTO9 awards an additional $60,000 to local tourism businesses in the region

Kingston, ON – (November 16, 2020) – The Regional Tourism Organization for South Eastern Ontario (RTO 9) is pleased to announce they have awarded over $60,000 in Partnership Funds to support projects across the region during the 2020/2021 fiscal year as a result of the second intake of applications.

The following is a list of successful recipients and project descriptions:

Cornwall Tourism and SDG Tourism 

This off-season Destination Product Marketing project will be a collaborative effort by Cornwall Tourism and SDG Tourism to market and promote unique and enriching experiences in the region focusing on promotion of outdoor winter adventures, food, drink and culture, fat-biking and cycling as well as the Heritage Parkway.

Corporation of the County of Prince Edward

This project is a collaborative itinerary between Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board highlighting assets and experiences related to foodies; wellness; outdoors/adventure; and ‘travel the world without leaving the region.’ 

TIAP (1000 Islands Accommodation Partners)

This project will focus on events in the community such as Christmas Activities with a Festival of Lights and Valentine’s Day getaways in partnership with accommodation partners and spas. An awareness campaign will run for the entire winter choosing business, attractions and events that are produced by the municipality, volunteers and service clubs to feature along with image based advertisements that speak to our attributes during the COVID pandemic. This project is a joint project with the Rideau Canal.

Tourism Kingston

The Frontenac Farm to Kingston Table project leverages existing assets, itineraries, and experiences to explore the interconnected culinary relationship between the two neighbouring regions raising awareness about the culinary offerings of the Frontenac-Kingston region, driving referrals to farm, retail, and restaurant operators as well as promoting safe travel within the region, including itineraries and stay packages.

Corporation of the City of Belleville

The Winter in Belleville campaign features three themed itineraries: 1) Choose Local First – Enchanted Downtown Getaway: Experience the magic of the Downtown District during ‘Enchanted’ this winter – a walkable itinerary that safely brings together the best of the holiday season including destination retailers, festival of lights, rickshaw rides and dine-in or curbside pickup festive feast menus. 2) Winter Escape – this itinerary is all about experiencing Belleville’s winter vibes in your social bubble. Belleville’s winter themed experiences include a brew tour, day of wellness and night of entertainment with the Belleville Senators. 3) Enjoy the Cold: Featuring curb-side pick-up options and outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the winter season that are Covid-19 friendly for your family.

Huff Estates Winery & Inn

This project – At Home in The County – is designed to offer would-be travelers staying close to home due to the pandemic, an opportunity to enjoy an interesting and enjoyable array of experiences – many with a unique Prince Edward County flavour – close to home. The project will deliver a varying array of experiences as the months and seasons roll by. There are opportunities to experience, in depth, the history and culture, as well as the culinary and artistic attractions of a community rich in hospitality, cookery classes, art show and sale, afternoon teas, Maple in The County, Sandbanks walks, painting & photography classes to name a few.

1000 Islands Playhouse

The A Wonderful Life in Gananoque project will feature an ongoing burgeoning light display, many visits from the ‘real’ Father Christmas, the ability to sit by a warm fire in a Muskoka Chair and enjoy a horse and buggy ride through the town. Carolers will fill the winter skies with merriment. There will also be tree selling on the historical footbridge and a light display in Confederation Park put on by the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber.

The Waring House Rest. & Inn/The County Museums (Wallis Inc. Escape Camp Picton)

Working together, Escape Camp Picton, the Museums and The Waring House will offer an exciting, educational, and engaging 2-day itinerary for families in the winter season (February/March). Exploring an escape room, engaging with specialty museum programming and staying/dining in an historic inn is a perfect opportunity for homeschoolers, online schoolers, and families, in general, to engage with history in a hands-on way. The partners are working on packaging these existing activities and developing new experiences to be hosted at The Waring House (i.e. family paint night of historic art, wartime cooking class). The itinerary will be promoted to overnight “staycationers”.

For the past 7 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. “I look forward to working with our tourism partners to see these great projects succeed,”  said Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, RTO 9.

For more information about RTO 9, visit tourismtalk.ca 

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 Rideau Canal.

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
Account Specialist
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 647-232-6924  

Nicole Amiel
Director – Eastern Canada
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 416-436-5185 / M: 514-983-3959

South Eastern Ontario region features dozens of restaurants on program’s road map as part of COVID-19 Tourism Rebuilding Strategy

Kingston, ON – (November 5, 2020) – With strict restrictions in place for Ontario’s dining scene due to COVID-19, it’s now more important than ever to find ways to support the industry and rebuild a culture that drives so many visitors from across the world to South Eastern Ontario’s vast array of culinary tastes. That’s why the regional tourism organization RTO 9, on behalf of its members, has partnered with Ontario’s Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) to showcase the diverse palate of South Eastern Ontario’s many restaurants and bars. The region is participating in CTA’s Great Taste of Ontario Road Trip program, as part of its COVID-19 Tourism Rebuilding Strategy.

The Great Taste Road Trip is a field guide to the best food and drink in Ontario, and works with communities to grow food tourism by leveraging the history, heritage and culture behind the food and drink that makes each destination unique. The program, aimed to showcase everything Ontario culinary has to offer, allows visitors to download virtual passports to visit participating Ontario dining establishments, check-in at local businesses, and earn rewards to redeem or donate Ontario-made prizes. Over 80 passports are available and CTA offers stories and road trip guides to help plan and inspire a safe visit. As this program grows, it’s looking for more ways to support restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients. Soon, visitors will also be able to redeem check-ins for gift certificates to Feast On Certified restaurants.

“We are so proud to be supporting this amazing initiative from the Culinary Tourism Alliance. Our industry has been one of the most affected by the pandemic and it’s vital we find new and safe ways to support Ontario culinary,” said Bonnie Ruddock, executive director of Region 9 Regional Tourism Organization. “It’s imperative to remember that when supporting these local businesses, we are not only keeping the dining establishments operating, but the entire food chain that relies on dine-in and takeout. The local flavours special to each county are grown and harvested within our communities. When you dine-in or take-out, you aren’t just supporting our restaurants, you’re supporting our farmers and growers that are paramount to the success of the industry.”

Eastern Ontario’s dining scene offers a little bit of everything for the food-focused explorer. From Kingston’s diverse dining scene to winery hopping in ‘The County’, Ontario’s “East End” has endless opportunities to indulge. There are a variety of restaurants from the region of South Eastern Ontario participating. Local gems from Cornwall, SDG, the Rideau Canal region, Lennox & Addington, Kingston, Frontenac, Belleville, and Prince Edward County are all featured. RTO 9 trusts that participation in the program will support and highlight restaurants across the region who are not only in need of extra help during these unprecedented times but are also pillars of the communities that deserve the spotlight so that people near and far know about the incredible culinary heritage of the region. The program, which is running all across Ontario, is a great way for people to get inspired and help plan out the culinary element of their next adventure.

“Because Kingston is home to a large number of amazing restaurants, our city has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Megan Knott, executive director of Tourism Kingston. “Kingston as a destination has earned the Safe Travel Stamp, awarded by the World Travel & Tourism Association and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in recognition of the city’s adoption of global standardized protocols for health and hygiene. Indoor dining is open – and safe – in Kingston. I encourage residents and visitors alike to support our restaurants, whether that’s dining in-person or bringing home some delicious takeout.”

Restaurants across the region are offering indoor, outdoor, and take-home safe dining options that can address all comfort levels. The growers and makers in this program are meeting all Safe Travels Standards and are a great option when considering where to plan a night out (or in).

The CTA and the Great Taste Road Trip participants are very conscious of the current situation that residents and businesses in the region are facing in light of COVID-19 and want to remind visitors and locals that the guides provided should be for inspiration and future planning only if public health units have imposed restrictions on travel or dining. If now isn’t the ideal time to visit in person, consider supporting Ontario businesses by ordering delivery, takeout or gift certificates for future experiences.

For more information about dining in South Eastern Ontario, visit southeasternontario.ca. 

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 Rideau Canal.

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
Account Specialist
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 647-232-6924  

Nicole Amiel
Director – Eastern Canada
Beattie Tartan
Direct: 416-436-5185 / M: 514-983-3959