As part of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s
Tourism Investment Strategy , three studies are currently being undertaken to support the investment strategy objectives.
Ontario Attractions Study
Posting: On September 18, 2014, the Ministry posted a Request for Bids (RFB) on the Ontario Tenders Portal,
BravoSolution for the development of an Ontario Attractions Study. The Ministry is anticipating a wide range of local and international consulting, design and development firms to submit proposals for this RFB.
Description: Ontario is a vibrant and diverse market that caters to over 140 million tourists each year. Recent and forecast growth in the number of international tourists, the close proximity to a large US consumer base and a growing domestic market make Ontario a highly attractive location for the development of world-leading tourism products and experiences.
The preferred proponent for the Ontario Attractions Study will review the current state of Ontario's large scale attractions, identify gaps and viable market opportunities, propose Ontario relevant attraction concepts, develop in further detail a selected short list of concepts and advise the Ministry on a suitable implementation plan for realizing the proposed attractions.
The project outcomes would be used to support the Ministry's investment attraction efforts and in the development of a strategic approach to building Ontario's tourism attractions industry.
Timeline:
RFB issue date: September 18, 2014
Bidder’s deadline for questions: October 2, 2014
RFB closing date: October 30, 2014
Contact: If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, details are on the Ontario Tenders Portal, BravoSolution - look for opportunity OSS_00473999 or Project Code tender_1851.
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport contact is Robert Bult: 416-326-9765
Ontario Canals Technical Analysis
Posting: An open procurement process was undertaken to hire management consulting firm, The Canals Group - experts in the operation, management, protection and presentation of historic canals, waterways, parks and trails with international experience in developing world heritage waterways and destinations.
Description: The Canals Group will be conducting an operational and technical analysis of marine operations and regulations for the Trent Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal. Recent interest from major international self-drive canal boat and hotel barge operators regarding establishing operations to run 7 night packages in Ontario’s inland waters has prompted this study. The analysis will determine prime tourist areas of the waterways with the greatest potential for overnight self-drive and crewed hotel barges to operate. The final report will serve as a strong value proposition to market the Rideau Canal and the Trent Severn Waterway as investment destinations for international boat operators.
Timeline: Draft report completed: January 2015
Contact: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport contact is Noreen Cartwright: 416-325-8866
Great Lakes Market Demand Analysis Study
Posting: An Invitation to Quote procurement process was undertaken to hire European-based consulting firm, SeaConsult, to undertake a market demand study on Great Lakes cruising.
Description: Great Lakes cruising in Ontario has been identified as an opportunity for new investment and product development. SeaConsult will be surveying international owners and operators of Seawaymax compliant vessels to quantify the demand for the Great Lakes as a destination for overnight passenger cruise ship operations. SeaConsult will identify opportunities and impediments to the development of Great Lakes cruising and will prepare a report on research findings. Findings will be used to develop a value proposition to attract international cruise lines, and to address regulatory impediments.
Timeline: Draft report completed: December 2014
Contact: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport contact is Noreen Cartwright: 416-325-8866