It can be overwhelming at times for tourism businesses and event organizers to know what resources are available to help promote their business and events to a wider market. A tourism business includes many businesses such as hotels and resorts (accommodations), restaurants (food and beverage), art galleries and cinemas (entertainment), boutique shops and more. It is essentially any business that a visitor would access during a short-term or long-term stay. Below is a list of valuable resources you can take advantage of to increase your business or event exposure.
Georgina Chamber of Commerce
The Georgina Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in promoting tourism in Georgina. Connect with them about being listed on their website or in the tourism information centre. You can also become a member and take advantage of the many free programs and services the Chamber provides. Come together with businesses to share thoughts, ideas, information, feedback, contacts and resources and learn more about Shop Local initiatives.
The Town's Economic Development and Tourism Office
Tourism businesses and event organizers can connect with the Town to explore marketing opportunities, such as being listed in the annual tourism guide, which is distributed across the province. For event organizers, the Town provides support and funding through the Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant Program for events that serve to promote the Town to markets outside Georgina, generate economic opportunities for the local business community and provide for the betterment of the community. These Town supported events benefit from additional promotion through Economic Development and Tourism's communication channels.
Local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
If you are located in one of the three designated Business Improvement Areas in Georgina (Uptown Keswick, Jackson’s Point, Downtown Sutton), following their social media pages and getting involved with the board is a great way to help promote your business and brainstorm ideas that draw people to the area.
Central Counties Tourism
Central Counties Tourism (Regional Tourism Organization 6) is responsible for promoting businesses and events happening in York, Durham and Headwaters. The Business to Business (B2B) website offers great resources and tools for tourism marketing and product development. Tourism operators can create a free profile to gain access to e-learning courses, update their listing in the tourism directory and add special events to the calendar.
Destination Ontario
Just as the name implies, Destination Ontario is a tourism resource used to promote businesses and events happening in Ontario. A frequently used resource for tourists to the province, promoting your business/event through Destination Ontario is sure to reach a large audience. Visit their corporate website to access various resources local stock photography and submit your listing to their website.
Ontario By Bike (OBB)
Cycling in Georgina draws a big crowd of people from other areas. The scenic views of Lake Drive are like none other in the region. With over 117 km of trails, being listed with Ontario By Bike will surely draw people to your location. Learn how to add your business to their interactive map, view the criteria required to be designated as an OBB listing and then submit your listing application.
Festival and Events Ontario
To make it easy for consumers to find what is happening in Ontario, Festival and Events Ontario combines them all in one place. With a great search optimization tool for people to search for events in a specific location, this is a great and free place to promote your event. Different marketing offerings are available to members and non-members.
Canadian TODS Limited
Did you know that you may be able to advertise your tourism business through the TODS Program on HWY 48? Since 1997, Canadian TODS Limited has expertly managed Ontario’s Provincial Tourism-Oriented Directional Signing Program. Their “turn-key” approach covers all marketing, administration, and operational needs, supported by their full-time staff.
York Region and York Farm Fresh Tourism Signage Programs
Eligible tourism businesses can apply for regional road signs through York Region's sign program. Knowing that attractions and visitor services play an important role in the Region's economy, these directional signs increase the visibility of these attractions to all travelers. If you operate a business that sells locally grown farm fresh produce and related farm products, you may also be eligible to apply for the York Farm Fresh program.
For more information on how to leverage and promote your tourism business through these different channels, connect with the Economic Development and Tourism Office. You can also stay up to date by signing up for our e-newsletter and following our social channels on Facebook and Instagram.