Tourism plans benefit entire region

Warden Tony Guergis The official launch of Tourism Simcoe County this month showcased the trails, shorelines, golf courses, farmland and ski hills which provide unique experiences for tourists and residents across the region.

Tourism has a major impact on the economy of the county’s municipalities. The region attracts more than seven million visitors each year — about six per cent of Ontario's total tourism visits. The majority of visitors are from Ontario, and about 43 per cent stay overnight.

According to the Lake Simcoe Tourism Assessment completed in 2007, the average day tripper spends about $41 here, and overnight visitors spent an average of $196 in the county.

The new Tourism Simcoe County brand, formerly called the Huronia Tourism Association, is the collective result of county council identifying the importance of the economic impact of tourism to the region. It is an economic driver and an important foundation for facilitating businesses and attracting people to the area.

We know that a healthy tourism industry creates jobs and opportunities for residents and businesses. In the county, it is estimated that tourism creates over 7,000 full and part time permanent jobs. Another 3,000 people work in the industry on a seasonal basis.

We also know that all of our municipalities prosper by maintaining a regional perspective in mind for tourism and economic development. It’s important that tourism is identified and marketed on a regional basis in the county, so that all communities and attractions can be showcased to the world.

Visitors enjoy ski hills, beaches, forests, destinations and other natural amenities. They shop in Cookstown, play at Georgian Downs and relax at local parks. In fact, throughout the county and beyond our own boundaries, we can now market tourism in this region as seven defined experiences; Fabulous Golf, Cultural Spaces and Places, Agricultural and Fine Dining, a Winter Playground, Trails and Trekking, Shoreline Adventures and Spas and Romantic Getaways.

The county has the longest freshwater beach in the world at Wasaga Beach and miles of shoreline along Lake Simcoe. Cookstown is one of many quaint small communities that offer unique experiences for daytrippers and tourists visiting the county for an extended stay. Along with county council support, community partners are key to the success and growth of the tourism industry.

The National Trails Coalition and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders have generously provided $231,000 in order to improve various trails in the county. The total value of all projects, including matching funding from the county, is $472,000.

This regional tourism coordination shows how strong partnerships are working for the residents of the county.

Trails keep people moving, in pursuit of exploring the great outdoors. They reenergize tourists and bring them close to nature, their inner self, and planet earth. Visitors will find them in municipal parks, conservation areas, provincial parks, on abandoned rail lines, and through subdivisions.

Students celebrating the 50 anniversary of Cookstown Public School officially opened a gate that links the school to the Cookstown-Thornton leg of the Trans Canada Trail. What a terrific way to inspire active lifestyles for youth.

The county has about 242 kilometres of trails, with nearly 140 kilometres designated as Trans Canada Trail. For more information about trails, visit www.simcoecountytrails. net or www.discover.simcoe.ca.