Sault Ste. Marie: Destination Northern Ontario (formerly known as Tourism Northern Ontario) is developing two new tourism products.
A contribution of $160,000 will be used to develop a world-class snowmobile region along Highway 11 North between Hearst and Temiskaming Shores, including the City of Timmins. Another $70,000 will support the development of a series of interactive itineraries for smart phone and tablet users that highlight the region’s francophone culture and experiential tourism opportunities.
This investment is being made through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), which supports Canadian businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences. FedNor is delivering CEF in Northern Ontario.
“These investments will enable communities and businesses in all regions of the country to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourists year-round. This will help communities big and small reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle-class families while showcasing Canada’s brand, centred on shared values of diversity and equality,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie.
“I am grateful to the Government of Canada for this support, through FedNor, that will help us develop and grow the region’s francophone tourism offerings with the goal of attracting culture-seeking visitors, French-speaking tourists and immigrants to the North. And by developing a premier snowmobile region, we aim to make Northeastern Ontario the ultimate snowmobile destination that builds on our strengths: long, cold winters with an abundance of snow,” David MacLachlan, Executive Director of Destination Northern Ontario.
Quick Facts
Tourism represents more than 2% of Canada’s gross domestic product and supports more than 1.8 million jobs in Canada.
FedNor, which is one of Canada’s six regional development agencies supporting economic development in every region of Canada.
Regional development agencies are one of Canada’s four flagship platforms supporting innovation, along with the Industrial Research Assistance Program, Strategic Innovation Fund and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.