The regional tourism organization that represents Waterloo, Wellington, Perth, and Huron has received a major North American award.
The 'Award for Innovation' was presented to the Ontario Regional Tourism Organization Four Inc.
The presentation was made in New Orleans at an international symposium on social media in tourism.
RTO4 is one of 13 regional tourism offices established by the Ontario Government in 2011 as part of the strategy to grow the province’s overall tourism economy.
Over the past four years, RTO4 has had numerous successes, including ongoing destination development projects in Elora/Fergus, Guelph, Stratford and Bayfield.
It's also generated over $6-million in direct-to-operator sales through a regional reservation and measurement system.
Commenting on RTO4’s model, Rob Taylor, vice president of Public and Industry Affairs for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), tweeted from the conference, “(RTO4’s)… leadership is a breath of fresh air... challenge convention, embrace disruption and empower your young innovators."