RTO7’s 2026/27 programs are now open, offering co-managed support to help tourism stakeholders strengthen marketing, build capacity, and advance sustainable growth across BruceGreySimcoe.
Continuing with an intake approach allows RTO7 to review applications collectively and invest in initiatives that strengthen tourism and encourage collaboration.
Whether you’re refining how you show up in market or planning a larger regional initiative, these programs are designed to align effort, stretch resources, and advance sustainable growth across BruceGreySimcoe.
RTO7’s offer of Programs is contingent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s approval of RTO7’s 2026/27 Business Plan.
Key Details:
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Application Intake Period: February 2 – February 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST.
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Program Period: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
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Program Details & Guidelines: Now available on the program websites (links below).
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Who Can Apply: Tourism business operators, DMOs, tourism event organizers, municipalities, counties, tourism related not-for-profits, and other tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe.
Partnership Program
The 2026/27 RTO7 Partnership Program supports tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe by offering matched funding for projects that align with RTO7’s strategic plan. This is not a grant but a co-managed initiative designed to maximize regional resources and impact.
Program Streams include:
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Video/Image Development: Create compelling visual content for marketing.
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Storytelling: Using engaging narratives to tell your unique story through qualified writers or influencers.
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Social Media & Digital Advertising: Agency supported digital and/or social media advertising campaigns on Google and/or Meta platforms (depending on ad spend).
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Tourism Wayfinding Signage: Plan and install signage to improve large-scale, i.e., County or municipality level navigation with RTO7 signage standards.
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Experience Development: Funds large-scale tourism projects, including product/experience development, research, and workforce initiatives to enhance regional tourism offerings.
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French Translation Services: Translate marketing materials of interest to French-speaking audiences.
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Trade Show Support: Partial reimbursement of booth costs to showcase at relevant trade shows.
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*NEW* Technology Review & Implementation (Tech Compass): A guided review of your current technology, with tailored software recommendations and a clear action plan.
The Program Guidelines and links to all applications can be found on RTO7.ca.
Please schedule a call with Alex Hogan before submitting an application to confirm eligibility and alignment. Doing so helps prevent unnecessary work on applications that may not be suited to your objectives.
Operations Implementation Program (OIP)
The Operations Implementation Program (OIP) is designed to support tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe by matching their operational and/or capital expenses with a $1,000, agency-supported social media advertising campaign. Eligible expenses such as property taxes, mortgage payments, renovations, and inventory costs, are leveraged to enhance marketing efforts through targeted social media ads designed to increase visibility and attract visitors.
The program is fully funded by RTO7, ensuring that there are no out-of-pocket costs for participants, making it a valuable resource for local tourism operators looking to grow in a competitive market.
*NEW* To be eligible for OIP funding, tourism stakeholders must be seeking marketing support for a new or revitalized initiative, or for the enhancement of an existing product or experience. If you can not meet this criteria, please consider investing in a campaign through the
Partnership Program - Digital & Social Media Advertising.
The Program details and application link can be found on RTO7.ca.
Before starting the application, please book at time with Robyn Hewitt or Kim Clarke (click on the link) to ensure eligibility and alignment.
Additional Resources
Virtual Info Session
To support stakeholders in understanding the programs, application process, and regional priorities, we hosted two virtual info sessions. Both dates have passed but you can watch a recording of the session here.
FAQ
Review the FAQ for answers and general program information
here.
Team Consultations
We welcome all tourism stakeholders in the region to reach out and introduce themselves to our team. If you are currently investing in digital and social media advertising, influencer marketing, or tourism strategies, you may be leaving money on the table. Reach out to our team to get more information and talk through your initiatives and ideas. We're here to help!
Click on the link below to book:
Kim Clarke (Partnership Programs or OIP),
Robyn Hewitt (OIP),
Alex Hogan (Partnership Programs)
Before submitting your application
Please schedule a meeting with a team member to review your proposed application to ensure eligibility and alignment.
Doing so helps prevent unnecessary work on applications that may not be suited to your objectives.
Thank you for your interest in collaborating with RTO7. Together, we can continue building a welcoming, resilient, and sustainable tourism economy for our region!