Group assessing tourism potential this summer

Greg Rodgers – Chair, Rural Frontenac Tourism Group | Apr 22, 2020

While ‘we don’t know anything’ about the timing or the nature of the lifting of isolation restrictions, we do know that now is time to assert new possibilities for Rural Frontenac Tourism.

There are three major tourism groups that unlikely to be in the picture this season: American cottage owners and renters, the recently increased traffic of Europeans seeking adventure throughout the Highlands region, and the millennials who have been regularly occupying much of the Air-BnB rental properties but who are now hit by income loss.

But two other groups are still in the picture are: the financially secure extended family and friends of local cottage owners; and middle-aged outdoor recreationalists who are drawn to our trails and waters.

Representing the following five sectors, these business leaders are offering their insights and influence to incubate new tourism strategies and develop new markets. Experiential Tourism – Zack Fiddis, Frontenac Outfitters in Sydenham; Artists – Sharon Mathews, Water’s Edge Pottery in Parham; Food – Mike McKenzie, Seed to Sausage in Tichborne; Services – Andrew Douglas – Story Farm Digital Marketing Company in Mountain Grove; and Accommodations – Greg Rodgers, RockHill B&B in Sharbot Lake.

If restrictions are lifted for domestic travellers, the Rural Frontenac Tourism Group could be ready to offer the following: a bicycle tour from Plevna to Frontenac Park with visits to food and artists along the way; promoting quality take-out for cottagers using the resources of local restaurants and local food producers; tourism accommodators collectively offering the above recreation and food options.

How might you like to participate?

Greg Rodgers – Chair, Rural Frontenac Tourism Group