It was a difficult spring for everyone but especially for smallbusiness owners in the Haliburton Highlands who rely on touristvisitation. Forced to close their doors entirely or quickly adapt their business model to safely adhere to COVID-19 restrictions a fruitfulsummer season initially looked bleak for many local tourism businessoperators.
With summer in full swing visitors now more than everare looking for safe close-to-home travel options where they can feelconfident that they can get outside and continue doing what they love to do all while knowing their health and safety is paramount. As theprovince eases COVID-19 restrictions Ontario’s Highlands and theHaliburton Highlands are in a prime position to welcome visitors withample outdoor activities fresh air and stunning scenery.
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization in partnership with the HaliburtonHighlands’ tourism department with funding from the Ministry ofHeritage Sport Tourism and Culture Industries have just launched ahyper-local marketing campaign aptly called “To My Home With Love.”This campaign encourages residents to travel locally and rediscovertheir community this summer by exploring the great outdoor experiencesshops and patios close to home.
Nicole Whiting executive director of OHTO explains “This campaign is a celebration of the great placespeople and spaces in the Haliburton Highlands that have helped us andwill continue to help us cope with the impact COVID-19 has had on ourdaily lives. Local pride is stronger than ever and we are excited tohighlight all of the reasons we appreciate living working and playingin this area we call home.”
Locals are invited to visit www.ToMyHomeWithLove.ca where stories and videos are posted about the iconic places and hiddengems that make Haliburton Highlands so special. The site also featuresan Instagram contest encouraging locals to share what they love aboutthe region for a chance to win a GoPro HERO8 and other local prize packs featuring gift cards to neighbourhood restaurants galleries shopsartisan treats and branded swag to represent their home.
The Love Letter campaign and contest will run through mid-October.
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization is a not-for-profit organizationmandated and funded by the Province of Ontario to increase tourismwithin the counties of Haliburton Lanark and Renfrew and portions ofFrontenac Hastings and Lennox and Addington. Find out more at www.comewander.ca/industry .
Submitted by OHTO
