The Ontario Government announced the creation of tourism regions through the release of the “Ontario Tourism Competitiveness Study” in February 2009.  The goal of these regions is to increase visitors, generate more economic activity and create more tourism jobs.  In December 2009, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism announced the formation of thirteen “Regional Tourism Organizations” (RTOs).  In January 2010, the Ministry of Tourism & Culture released a “Request for Expressions of Interest” process, inviting tourism industry applications to form the RTOs.  An expression of interest was submitted by the tourism partners in RTO #3 on March 1, 2010 and in April we received confirmation that we could move forward with our transition plan.  RTO #3 includes Brant County, City of Brantford, Halton Region (City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville), City of Hamilton, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations  (refer to map).  Tourism Hamilton is the lead organization for the Region #3 transition.

An interim board of directors has been formed to provide guidance to RTO#3 and an Executive Director has been hired.  A strategic plan was completed in 2011 and the board and staff are working on implementing recommendations from this plan.  

Related Pages

• Region 3 Tourism
• Heart of Ontario