Last Fall, over 550 tourism professionals gathered in Hamilton for the Ontario Tourism Summit, surpassing its initial goal of 450 people and creating space for meaningful conversations about the future of the industry.
Split between the Hamilton Convention Centre and Tim Hortons Field, the two-day program was structured around real-time challenges: climate change, infrastructure strain, labour shortages, safety concerns, and the rapid evolution of technology.
Day one focused on workforce and infrastructure; what’s needed, where the gaps are, and how communities are responding. Day two tackled data and marketing, emphasizing the need for current insights and coordinated strategies to attract and serve Ontario’s evolving visitor base.
Sustainability and accessibility were built into every layer of the planning process. Delegates reused hand-beaded lanyards made by Indigenous artisans, with biodegradable options available for first-time attendees. Single-use plastics were eliminated in favour of water stations. All food and beverages were sourced from Ontario producers, including VQA wines, craft brewers, distillers, and non-alcoholic options. An adjustable podium ensured speakers of all abilities could participate without a workaround.
The summit was developed through collaboration with industry partners, including Indigenous Tourism Ontario, the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Destination Toronto, OTEC, and others, ensuring that the content reflected diverse perspectives and the realities of operating tourism businesses across the province.
The Ontario Tourism Summit was recognized with Best Event by an Association Board or Committee at the 2025 Canadian Event Awards; a reflection of its impact, not its intention. The work behind the scenes and the discussions it sparked are what moved the industry forward.
To learn more about the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, visit their website and social media pages:
