We are excited to announce that applications for the 2025/26 Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) programs are now open!
This year, we’re adopting an application intake period which provides RTO7 with the opportunity to review all submissions collectively, ensuring a strategic allocation of funding to support tourism planning, marketing, and development across BruceGreySimcoe.
RTO7’s offer of Programs for 2025/26 is contingent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s approval of RTO7’s 2025/26 Business Plan.
Key Details:
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Application Intake Period: January 31 – February 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST.
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Program Period: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
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Program Details & Guidelines: Now available on the program websites (links below).
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Who Can Apply: Tourism operators, DMOs, municipalities, counties, and other tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe.
Partnership Program
The 2025/26 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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Digital Advertising: Run targeted ad campaigns with expert agency management.
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Social Media Advertising: Agency supported social media campaigns on Meta platforms.
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Tourism Wayfinding Signage: Plan and install signage to improve large-scale 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.
The Program Guidelines and links to all applications can be found on RTO7.ca.
Before submitting your application, please reach out to Alex Hogan at ahogan@rto7.ca to confirm eligibility of your proposed idea. If you have any questions regarding the Partnership Program, don’t hesitate to contact Alex.
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, capital 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.
The Program Guidelines and application link can be found on RTO7.ca.
If you have questions about the Operations Implementation Program or want to discuss eligibility of your proposed idea, please contact Kim Clarke at kclarke@rto7.ca.
Additional Resources
FAQ
Review the FAQ for answers and general program information here.
Writing Winning Proposals Workshop
Thank you for your interest in 'Writing Winning Proposals: Tips to Secure the Funding You Need', on February 5, 2025 at 10:30 am. We have reached full capacity for this workshop and are no longer accepting registrations. If you are still interested, please email sfatima@rto7.ca to express your interest. We may consider hosting another session if there is enough demand.
RTO7 Sustainable Tourism Training
Tourism operators starting their sustainable journeys are invited to join us for a virtual workshop with Dr. Rachel Dodds, a leading sustainable tourism expert with 25 years of international experience. This interactive session will explain key concepts like sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and regenerative tourism, while sharing global best practices. Participants will learn practical strategies for their business, join breakout discussions, and have the chance to ask questions. Seats are limited for the online event on March 3, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Click here to secure your spot!