Experience Development 2024/25 Application

May 9, 2023 Update

This year RTO7 has had an unprecedented volume of applications for the Partnership Program.  The intake of applications has been paused at this time as staff evaluates the levels of funding requested with the availability of funds. At this point, it is not expected that this program will re-open this year.

Two of the Implementation Programs still have opportunities for late-summer projects.  Check out and review the various Implementation Programs to find the most suitable for your social media advertising campaigns. The programs available for late summer are the Recruitment Implementation Program (RIP) and the Sustainability Inclusivity Program (SIP). In addition, the Operations Implementations Program (OIP) has opportunities for fall projects.


Please note that the leverage for social media advertising is $1:$0.75.

RTO7’s offer of the Partnership Program for 2023/24 is contingent upon the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sports' approval of RTO7’s 2023/24 Business Plan.

Note that preserving the environment and social fabric in and around our communities is a priority for RTO7 and we will integrate "Plan Ahead/Book Ahead" messaging into all program criteria as appropriate.

RTO7 reserves the right to limit the number of programs/funds that one stakeholder may receive per year.

Please read the Partnership Program Guidelines  for important background information before completing this application.   

The Guidelines refer to a Resource Guide which we have put together that contains lots of useful information that relates to Partnership Program projects (e.g. target markets, performance metrics, the importance of data, etc.) - we encourage you to check this out. 

The documents linked to within this application should open in a new window in your browser when clicked on. Note that if you chose not to log into a Google account to access this form (or you are working offline) that you will need to complete and submit the form all in one sitting or your work will be lost. As long as you are logged into a Google account, your progress is automatically saved as a draft for 30 days so you can come back to it rather than starting over when you return to the form to make edits, etc. 

If you are unfamiliar with the Partnership Program and applications, I highly recommend calling (Alex 705-441-2931 ahogan@rto7.ca) to first talk through your proposed project and/or completing the application, as the process is greatly simplified with some direct explanation prior to completion of the application.

● Managed by RTO7
● $1 receives $0.75 ($1 partner matched by $0.75 partnership funds) to a combined maximum of $52,500 per project.  Example $30,000 leverages to $52,500
● Minimum $5,000 investment from the partner (can be a single tourism entity or a tourism group/DMO/tourism organization) 
● For those undertaking business or destination sustainability certification initiatives...
        1. This must be done through a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognized organization
        2. The minimum partner contribution for this initiative is about $400 rather than the above $5,000
        3. RTO7 commits to covering a portion of the recurring annual costs associated with maintaining certification for the next 3 years
● Note for those proposing/undertaking planning/feasibility projects/exercises, sustainable tourism practices must be addressed in a meaningful manner within the plan/study
●      To ensure timely and constructive execution of the planning and actioning of the project the Individual Responsible for Day-to-Day Execution named below will act as the decision maker and liaison with RTO7 and  the selected consultant


The red asterisks below indicate required fields.
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Email *
Tourism Operation Business Name (and Legal Operating Name) *
Contact Name & Title of Senior Organization Rep*  *
*Note this is the individual with ultimate responsibility for the execution and completion of the project 
Contact Name & Title of Individual Responsible for Day-to-Day Execution of the Project*
*Note this person will be responsible for execution of the project and regular communications with RTO7 and agencies, and should have skills and experience in managing projects of a similar nature as well as available time to devote to the project). If this requirement as outlined is lacking, please contact us to discuss how we can best address this to ensure a successful project outcome.
Address *
Phone Number *
Project Name
Project Date(s) *
Partner Funding Contribution *
This should be 57% of the total project cost (including tax)
You will need to send RTO7 this amount in the form of a cheque, ETF or e-transfer
The minimum partner contribution for this program is $5,000 ($350 for sustainability certification); the maximum is $30,000 (including tax)
Total Project Budget  *
This is the total cost of the project you are applying for including tax (with 57% paid by you; 43% paid by RTO7)
RTO7 Geographic Target Markets *
These are markets and activities that BruceGreySimcoe targets in our campaigns; check off those that you would like to target in your project.
Required
RTO7 Target Activities *
Required
Nature of the Project *
Required
Project Overview *
Please describe your project and its benefits/what success will look like upon completion of the project.  

Provide baseline performance data against which the outcomes of the project will be evaluated (e.g. increase tourist spending, visitation, investment, sustainability, number of experiences in market, etc.)

If this is a workforce development project, please indicate which workforce the proposed project supports (e.g. one sector, one County, the region, etc.)

Please keep in mind that revenue generation by tourism operators and sustainability of tourism operations are of key importance and should therefore be reflected as appropriate in what you are proposing.

In addition, given the recent increase in demands on limited resources and our desire to increase the region's sustainability, RTO7 will require incorporation of Plan Ahead/Book Ahead messaging as appropriate into projects we partner on. This should help to ensure fewer visitors are disappointed upon arrival (if they have not booked and are unable to get access or be served), thereby improving the quality of their visit to the region, but will also make it easier for operators to budget and plan when they know more/less what demand will be.
Key Activities, Milestones & Responsibilities
What do you see as the key activities and critical deadlines/milestones of the project? Keep in mind that we will conduct a procurement for a third party that will conduct the work required.
Performance Metrics

Please indicate how your organization will evaluate the success of the project.

Select at least 2 metrics that are appropriate for your project and that will help determine whether it met expectations.

For an explanation of these and other useful tourism metrics, please read Why Collect This Info and Additional Reporting Metrics
 *
Required
Requirements

Please confirm that the following are in place CURRENTLY in order to qualify for funding. 
 *
Required
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