OHTO » News Feed

OHTO Call for Nominations

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:45:43 GMT

The OHTO is seeking nominations to fill upcoming Board vacancies and serve for a three year term beginning October 2013.

Get Noticed! – Submit Your Photos

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:32:58 GMT

Were seeking new and updated images to use in various marketing and communications initiatives such as social media posts, working with travel media, consumer marketing campaigns and updating our consumer website.

Partnership Funding: June 2013 Board Chair Address

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:05 GMT

June 30th is the next deadline to submit your application for the OHTO's Tourism Development Partnership Program. Read our Board Chair address to learn more about the program.

Media Advisory: Motorcycle Tourism Experts Roll into the Highlands

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:09 GMT

BC Hughes Tourism Consultants will visit over 120 operators and attractions in nine days as part of their work to develop new motorcycle routes for the OHTO.

Packaging your Product: May 2013 Board Chair Address

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:17 GMT

This month, our Board Chair inspires businesses to consider packaging their experiences and working with the OHTO to market their packages.

Strategies for Rural Tourism: April 2013 Board Chair Address

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:22 GMT

Read what our Board of Directors Chair has to say about strategies and resources available for rural tourism organizations and communities.

Recreational Geology Product Development Resources

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:28 GMT

Ontarios Highlands encompasses one of the most unusual and diverse geological settings in the entire country.

Get your Creative Juices Flowing! March 2013 OHTO Board Chair Address

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:33 GMT

The OHTO's Board of Directors Chair Laurel Smith, Artistic Producer for the Classic Theatre Festival, greets members once again in our new Board Chair Address Blog feature. This month, Laurel highlights the economic impact of arts and culture tourism, and encourages members to get their creative juices flowing by partnering with the arts and culture attractions in their region.

Tourism Development and Investment Conference Wrap-up

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:39 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) held their first Tourism Development and Investment Conference at the Calabogie Peaks Resort and Conference Centre in Calabogie on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

Advertising Opportunity with Attractions Ontario

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:44 GMT

Are you planning on advertising in this year's Attractions Ontario (AO) Passport Magazine & Coupon Book?

Greetings from the OHTO Board Chair

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:50 GMT

The OHTO reveals their 2013/2014 Strategic Priorities in this new feature blog post from our Board Chair.

The OHTO Invests in Motorcycle Tourism and Offers Free Workshops

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:33:54 GMT

With some of Ontarios most picturesque scenery, well paved winding roads, and road side eateries and attractions, Ontarios Highlands has great potential to become a true motorcycle tourism destination.

OHTO's Tourism Development Partnership Program

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:34:00 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization is pleased to announce the release of the 2013-2014 Tourism Development Partnership Program.

Read the January Issue of the Highlands Highlight

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:34:04 GMT

OHTOs Tourism Workshop Training Program

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:24:34 GMT

Learn about upcoming workshop opportunities.

Webinars with TripAdvisor

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:29:00 GMT

Make the most of TripAdvisor with free webinars.

New Website Widget for OHTO Members

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:06 GMT

Count-down to Christmas Customer Service is Crucial!

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:19 GMT

Are you doing everything you can to ensure visitors receive great customer service over the holidays?

OHTO Collects Member News with Inaugural What's New Information Request Form

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:26 GMT

Tourism Conference Wrap-up

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:20:31 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) held their second annual Tourism Conference at the Rivers Edge Golf and Country Club in Bancroft on Monday, October 29, 2012. <a href="http://ohto.ca/2012/11/tourism-conference-wrap-up/" class="readmore">Read More »</a>

Congratulations to our first OHvation Designations!

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:54:48 GMT

Tourism businesses celebrated for customer service excellence through the OHvation Customer Service Designation Program

Free TripAdvisor Webinar

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:13:41 GMT

Free EQ Boot Camp Workshop

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:13:46 GMT

Regional Tourism Business Recognized with Ontario Tourism Award

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:13:53 GMT

Travel Media Relations: What is a FAM Tour?

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:16 GMT

Consumer Insights Market Research Project

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:22 GMT

New Recreational Geology Tourism Attraction Launches in Perth

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:27 GMT

Stakeholder Survey Results

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:33 GMT

The results of the Stakeholder Survey are in. Read on for a summary of the findings.

Tourism Product Development in Ontarios Highlands – A Workbook

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:37 GMT

The OHTO has developed a workbook to determine which products and activities have the greatest potential to attract new visitors and grow tourism spending in the region. The workbook is also designed to assist partners wishing to pursue tourism product development in local communities.

OFSC District 6 Approved for Tourism Development Funding Projects

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:14:42 GMT

Tourism Workshop Partnership Program

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:43:01 GMT

The OHTO is pleased to introduce our new Tourism Workshop Partnership Program! <a href="http://ohto.ca/2012/09/tourism-workshop-partnership-program/" class="readmore">Read More »</a>

2nd Annual Tourism Conference & AGM

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:15:43 GMT

The Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is hosting its 2nd Annual Tourism Conference & AGM at the Rivers Edge Golf and Country Club in Bancroft on Monday, October 29, 2012. <a href="http://ohto.ca/?p=2579" class="readmore">Read More »</a>

OHTO E-Newsletter: Highlands HIGHLIGHT, September 2012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:48:00 GMT

Proposed Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:48:09 GMT

Understand your obligations as a tourism business and provide your input about important accessibility regulations.

OHTO E-Newsletter: Highlands HIGHLIGHT, August 2012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:48:15 GMT

Local Artist helps to Celebrate Geoheritage in Perth

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:48:25 GMT

OHvation Customer Service Designation Program

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:42:28 GMT

Receive your FREE mystery shop today!

Have Your Say and Win!

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:14:01 GMT

Complete our survey and you may be eligible to win FREE admission to this year's Ontario Tourism Summit in London, Ontario! <a href="http://ohto.ca/2012/07/have-your-say-and-win-3/" style="float:right;font-style:italic;color:#333;font-size:14px;font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Read More »</a>

OHTO featured on www.YourOttawaRegion.com

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:48:44 GMT

The OHTO is “Coming to Know” Lanark County!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:00 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) will visit Lanark County region on May 30 to June 1 to become better acquainted with Lanarks tourism industry and learn more about the area as a tourist destination. <a href="http://ohto.ca/2012/05/the-ohto-is-coming-to-know-lanark-county/" style="float:right;font-style:italic;color:#333;font-size:14px;font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Read More »</a>

Launch into Summer with our FREE Customer Service Season Opener workshops!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:05 GMT

The OHTO is offering FREE customer service workshops for OHTO members. This event is a must-attend for anyone wishing to brush up on their customer service skills before the busy season ahead. <a href="http://ohto.ca/2012/05/launch-into-summer-with-our-free-customer-service-season-opener-workshops/" style="float:right;font-style:italic;color:#333;font-size:14px;font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Read More »</a>

Attention Accommodators: The OHTO wants to hear from you!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:09 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is one of 13 Regional Tourism Organizations created by the Ontario government to carry out initiatives that increase tourism to Ontario. Research plays a critical role in identifying those initiatives and this spring, the OHTO will undertake a research project in an effort to better understand the accommodation sector in the region.

Tourism Summit Questionnaire

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:15 GMT

The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) have been partnering for the last five years to present the Ontario Tourism Summit.

Get found on Google today!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:20 GMT

By being an OHTO member, you have the opportunity to get your business found on Google through 1 or more of Search Engine Peoples internet marketing services at a discounted rate. <a href="http://searchenginepeople.com/ohto/" style="float:right;font-style:italic;color:#333;font-size:14px;font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">Read More »</a>

Accommodation Sector Research Study

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:35 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization has undertaken a research project in an effort to better understand the needs of its accommodation sector stakeholders.

The OHTO uncovers hidden treasure in Ontarios Highlands

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:46 GMT

Ontarios Highlands, a newly established tourism region encompassing the Counties of Haliburton, Lanark, and Renfrew, and parts of Frontenac, Hastings, and Lennox & Addington, is quickly becoming a renown travel destination for geology enthusiasts.

The OHTO is Coming to Know the Haliburton Highlands

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:51 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism organization is putting their marketing slogan Come to Know Us into practice with a three day orientation tour of the Haliburton Highlands from Jan 25th to 27th.

Collaboration and Innovation Key Messages at 1st annual Tourism Conference

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:49:59 GMT

The tourism industry in the Ontarios Highlands region gathered at the Rivers Edge Golf and Country Club in Bancroft on October 26 for the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organizations (OHTO) first annual Tourism Conference. This landmark, sold-out event marked the first anniversary of the OHTO.

Tourism Businesses Reminded of Accessibility Obligations

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:07 GMT

Tourism businesses in Ontario are reminded of the new requirements for accessible customer service they must meet by January 1, 2012. The customer service standard is the first standard to be implemented under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Go digital with the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization at their 1st annual Tourism Conference

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:12 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is holding their first annual Tourism Conference at the Rivers Edge Golf and Country Club in Bancroft on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. This landmark event marks the first anniversary of the OHTO, and will focus on using digital assets to increase tourism.

Geologys hidden secrets revealed

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:23 GMT

Have you heard of the Dr. Wilson Collection? Did you know that its a key part of the rock and mineral holdings of the Perth Museum in Perth, ON? The answer to those questions is very likely no, because this Collection has been lost and forgotten for many years in a dusty basement storage room, in desperate need of restoration.

Recreational Geology in Ontario's Highlands Here's what we've been up to

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:28 GMT

One of the earliest identified underdeveloped tourist attractions with an enormous potential for growth in the Ontarios Highlands region is recreational geology. As a result, the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) decided to develop and enhance hobby mineral-collecting and recreational geology assets in the region as one of their first projects after incorporation in October 2010.

Grow with the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:32 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is looking to expand their team of tourism-industry specialists by hiring a Tourism Development and Industry Relations Coordinator.

Ontarios Highlands wants you!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:35 GMT

Do you actively enjoy some of the many attractions that the Ontarios Highlands region has to offer? Are you a local resident, small business owner or frequent visitor to the region that enjoys telling your latest exploits to others?Do you long for a following of adoring fans? Are you looking to give back to the community you love by sharing it to the world? Is writing more than just a hobby for you is it your passion? If you have answered a resounding yes to these questions, then the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) wants you!

Ontarios Highlands mobile app now available for free download

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:41 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is pleased to announce that their regional tourism-themed mobile application (app) is now available for Apple mobile devices, including the popular iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization announces iPad 2 winner

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:46 GMT

The Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) has announced the winner of the iPad 2 in their Tourism Starts with You contest, part of their grassroots effort to increase tourism to this region.

Premier-ranked Tourist Destination Framework (PrTDF)

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:46:38 GMT

The PrTDF is a process created by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture and is designed to assist destinations in determining their competitive position in the tourism marketplace.

Recreational Geology Update: May 2011

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:50:55 GMT

Through our industry survey, personal communications, and cascading referrals, the Ontarios Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is continuing to explore our community to find out what Recreational Geology in Ontario's Highlands means to you.

Summer travel to be enhanced with regional mobile app

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:51:00 GMT

Local residents become tourism experts

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:51:06 GMT

Sold-out Disney Institute seminars a success

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:51:09 GMT

Pembroke, ON (March 18, 2011) - After identifying a need for stronger customer service in the region as a way to attract and retain visitors, the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) partnered with Disney Institute to bring its world-class customer service training to tourism stakeholders in the area. The customer service training was presented as one-day seminars that were held in Hastings, Madoc, Perth, and Renfrew on March 7 to 10 to sold-out audiences.

Recreational Geology in Ontario's Highlands

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:51:14 GMT

What is "Recreational Geology"? It is a collection of activities which explore the themes of prehistory and buried treasure in Ontario's Highlands. * Geological interpretation. * Mineral / Fossil collecting. * Geology's influence on our heritage and culture, from indigenous peoples, to outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreational Geology Project

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:46:49 GMT

One of the earliest identified underdeveloped area attractors with an enormous potential for growth is recreational geology.

Developing Online Assets

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:46:57 GMT

The online audience is an essential element of today's tourism marketplace. Whether looking up last minute information on the go or researching potential destinations for a trip before it happens, it is essential to have online information available for the traveller.

Reaching the Francophone Market

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:47:04 GMT

The OHTO partnered with Direction Ontario, the leader in Francophone tourism marketing, to increase regional visibility with the French-language tourist market.

Digital Media Project

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:47:53 GMT

Recognizing the importance of digital media assets in the tourism marketplace, the OHTO has hired a photographer and a digital video provider.

‘Tourism Starts with You' Campaign

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:47:20 GMT

The 'Tourism Starts with You' campaign is designed to bring the local community together to identify why Ontario's Highlands is one of the premiere travel destinations in the province.

Upcoming Projects

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 08:47:32 GMT

Preliminary findings from the Premier-ranked Tourism Destination Framework, and strategic discussions with regional partners, have revealed three areas that have great potential for further development as attractors to the region: Trails & Waterways, Heritage Project & Algonquin Experience.

Want to visit Ontario's Highlands? There's an app for that!

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:02:58 GMT

The Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) will be creating a mobile application (app) to feature destinations and activities throughout the area. The primary theme is to welcome visitors to the region in a unique, fun, and interactive way, while giving them a portable resource that will allow them to have access to local destination information, wherever their travels may take them .

Creating regional awareness through digital media

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:02:58 GMT

In an ongoing effort to promote the Ontario's Highlands region as a tourist destination, an area which includes the counties of Frontenac, Haliburton, Hastings, Lanark, Lennox and Addington, and Renfrew, the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) will be creating a digital media catalogue with assets to be used regionally to internationally in various marketing initiatives.

Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization holds its first AGM

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:02:58 GMT

The recently formed Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) will be holding its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Calabogie Peaks Resort in Calabogie, Ontario on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The AGM will run from 10 am to noon, and will include the introduction of new board members and a progress report of OHTO activities to date. The afternoon session from 1 to 4 pm will consist of a board meeting and the first opportunity for the Marketing and Product Development standing committees to meet.

Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization brings Disney Institute professional development to area

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:02:31 GMT

Disney Institute is bringing its renowned professional development program, "Disney's Approach to Quality Service," to Haliburton, Madoc, Perth, and Renfrew from March 7 - 10, 2011. Sponsored locally by the Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization, each full-day event will demonstrate how anticipating and reacting to customers' needs, wants, and emotions is an integral aspect of delivering quality service and achieving business results.

New tourism project to develop recreational geology assets

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:51:52 GMT

New tourism organization helps local business reach Francophone market

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:52:02 GMT