IGNITE workshop sparks momentum for Infrontenac tourism operators

May 02, 2018

Last week a group of tourism-related businesses from Frontenac, Lennox & Addington and Tweed immersed themselves in a three-day workshop to learn the principles of experiential tourism.

The session was developed and hosted by Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) and called IGNITE. The workshop is intended to inspire tourism businesses to align with the motivations of their ideal customers and to collaborate more closely with others operating in their community.

Brad Mastin of Pleasantview Lodge in Plevna was one of 19 participants. "Every business can create experiences for our customers that are unique to our area,” said Mastin. “If we look at our products and services in a different way, and market to the right customers, together we can make Frontenac a special place for people to come wander," he said.

“We intend to keep the IGNITE fires burning by supporting the product development process for those operators who attended the workshop,” said Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development for the County of Frontenac. “We invite all Frontenac businesses that want to develop their own visitor experiences to connect with us. We are eager to help businesses and local partners enhance the tourism products in our region in order to attract more visitors to Frontenac,” Allen said.

OHTO is the regional tourism organization that covers the area from Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley, and encompasses the northern half of Frontenac County: Central and North Frontenac Townships. OHTO emphasizes the emotional connection with guests through a visitor-centered, experience-based approach to tourism developing and marketing.