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MANITOULIN TO RUN TOURISM PILOT PROJECT

McGuinty Government Supports Marketing Strategy for Manitoulin Island

May 23, 2008

NEWS

Ontario is helping the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation and its partners, the Manitoulin Tourism Association and the Manitoulin Chamber of Commerce, run a pilot project that will provide a tourism marketing package to local businesses.

The province is investing $56,000 in the "Experience Manitoulin" project that will offer a training course in the development of experiential tourist packaging, to approximately 25 entrepreneurs.

The group will work with local businesses and individuals to identify potential tourism opportunities and to develop tourism packages that will provide unique regional travel experiences, highlighting the local culture, cuisine and customs. This is one part of the corporation's five year plan to develop a tourism marketing strategy.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

  • Improved access to health care services
  • Revitalized communities and downtowns
  • Enhanced skills training.

QUOTES

"The McGuinty government is committed to making investments that matter. I'm pleased that this investment will help our community to develop exciting plans for future economic development," said Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin.

"Our corporation is excited to welcome the province as a partner in Experience Manitoulin," said Austin Hunt, chair of the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation board of directors. "This pilot project will not only allow us to move ahead with our five year plan, but will ultimately help us bring growth to the businesses and communities of Manitoulin Island."

QUICK FACTS

  • Since 2003, Ontario has invested $50 million in 158 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.
  • Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world and is home to the "Anishnawbek" - the Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi people.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Rural Economic Development Program.
Find out how you can Experience Manitoulin!

For more infomation contact:

Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342

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