Nicole Whiting, Executive Director of OHTO (left), and Holly Blefgen, Travel Trade Specialist with the Ontario's Highlands Travel Trade Partnership, received the awards at the Ontario Tourism Summit on Oct. 23, 2024 in Hamilton, ON.
The concept of “Wander Sustainability” has proven to be a winner for the team looking after tourism near and far.
The Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization, a not-for-profit group that supports tourism in five neighbouring regions, including Renfrew County, was recognized at the recent Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence gala.
The OHTO won the Sustainable Tourism Award for their work with industry partners to develop a responsible approach that ensures its communities can benefit from a healthy tourism scene that also preserves the quality of life and character that makes the region so special.
“Wander sustainably is a strategic direction we have mapped out in partnership with our industry to ensure visitors and residents can continue to benefit from the activities of the tourism sector now and into the future,” said OHTO Executive Director, Nicole Whiting. “We share this award with them and recognize and appreciate their commitment to taking action towards becoming better environmental allies, strengthening relationships with Indigenous People, creating more inclusive spaces in the experiences we offer, and ensuring alignment with the needs of our communities.
The tourism organization also picked up this year’s Tourism Marketing Partnership award for their Travel Trade Partnership and their continuing work attracting international visitors to the area through the global travel trade network.
“The travel trade network is an opportunity to have our tourism experiences promoted and sold by travel agents all over the world,” says Nicole. “We are extremely fortunate to have Holly Blefgen at the helm as our travel trade specialist and all the operators and county organizations that have dedicated their time, money, and energy over the past ten years to this amazing partnership. Tapping into the international markets through travel trade is not easy, but we know we have incredible experiences to offer, and the world is noticing.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
