Nearly a million dollars allotted to market region to Americans

News Release
Ont. and Fed. Govts.

KENORA, January 9, 2008 — The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, and the Honourable Peter Fonseca, Ontario Minister of Tourism, today announced more than $923,000 in joint federal-provincial funding in support of an aggressive marketing campaign in the Chicago, Illinois area.
Ontario’s Sunset Country Travel Association, one of six Northern Ontario regional tourism associations, will use the contribution to promote outdoor products, primarily in Northwestern Ontario through participation in U.S. market consumer shows, and the development of a media campaign. In addition, the creation of a new website will connect consumers to Northern Ontario’s outdoor tourism product via an interactive map.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the challenges that the tourism industry in the North is facing, from the strong Canadian dollar to global security concerns,” said Minister Clement.
“This joint investment of more than $923,000 is another example of how we are standing up for Canada’s tourism industry.”
Of the total, FedNor will provide $350,000; and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism will invest $573,750.
“The McGuinty government recognizes the importance of the U.S. market to Northern Ontario operators, especially in the northwest region which is linked geographically and via transportation routes to major urban centres in the U.S.,” said Minister Fonseca. “Chicago is one of the centres that has a vibrant market and strong interest in outdoor experiences, which the North with its 145 provincial parks and pristine lakes is uniquely positioned to deliver.”
“Tourism operators in this region rely heavily on American tourists for their survival. In fact, more than 40 per cent of our business comes from the U.S. so we welcome the governments’ assistance to help us regain this very important market share,” said Gerry Cariou, Executive Director, Ontario’s Sunset Country Travel Association.
This project is supported under the fourth year of the Strategic Tourism Development and Marketing Partnership for Northern Ontario, an innovative partnership involving FedNor, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism through Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.