Indigenous Tourism Ontario: Helping to Rejuvenate Indigenous Tourism in Ontario
Aundeck Omni Kaning, ON – Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is the province’s first and only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization that focuses on uniting communities, Indigenous organizations, and industry leaders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario. ITO assists Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs with programs that build the capacity to produce high-quality products and services. ITO is recognized by the Union of Ontario Indians, Chiefs of Ontario, Assembly of First Nations, and the Governments of Ontario and Canada as the lead body responsible for the development and support for the Indigenous tourism sector in Ontario.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) has been diligently implementing it’s “four pillar/four direction” approach to its 5 year strategy. By actively listening, ITO is at the forefront of tourism Innovation & Excellence while building relationships with all partners and stakeholders in a meaningful and mutually beneficial manner to rejuvenate the sector.
ITO has identified it the Ontario contributes over $650+ M per year to the GDP. It has been identified that 1% of that economic contribution is required to adequately implement its pan-provincial strategy.
Although this is yet to be fully realized, with the resources received over the years, ITO has still managed to implement trailblazing initiatives such as FEAST – a first of its kind Indigenous Culinary Tourism strategy. ITO has also created new mechanisms for operators to generate new revenue while sharing cultural content by embracing technology to offer activities like virtual & augmented reality experiences and narrated drone shows.
Always resourceful, ITO has also been able to use sport to introduce tourism as a career to youth. Thousands of youths have participated in custom ITO training modules and workshops through collaboration with events like the Little Native Hockey League and themed games hosted by professional sports teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Football Club, and the Toronto Argonauts.
As an industry leader, ITO is now looking to harness a portion of the billion-dollar sport tourism industry to further help rejuvenate business. ITO is in the final stages of beginning to implement an Indigenous sport tourism strategy that will benefit communities and businesses alike.
To further help rejuvenate the industry, Ontario Indigenous tourism businesses have been and will continue to receive complimentary access to ITO’s Indigenous Business Advisors (IBAs) and the trailblazing ITO online training and PATHS program. Through ITO, businesses have also had/have equitable access to funding programs like the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES).
As well, with ITO establishing an Indigenous Cultural Integrity Advisory Group (IC Integrity AG), ITO is now implementing Provincial Cultural Integrity Guidelines and an Indigenous verification system to vet members so consumers can confidently support indigenous owned and controlled businesses by easily accessing the 60+ (and growing) businesses listed on the Indigenousexperienceontario.ca website.“ITO’s team of professionals are pleased to serve the Ontario Indigenous tourism operators to enhance the economic opportunities for Indigenous people. We are pleased to partner with all partners who wish to work in a mutually beneficial and respectful manner to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people. Through respectful collaboration with like-minded organizations who share common goals and values , we will all enjoy and prosper in the region known as Ontario.”
– Kevin Eshkawkogan, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Ontario
For more information about Indigenous Tourism Ontario, please visit indigenoustourismontario.ca
Contacts:Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO):
Kevin Eshkawkogan, President & CEO
info@indigenoustourismontario.ca
