Published on
August 11, 2025 |
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the beloved Capitol Theatre in Port Hope will host the inaugural Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Tourism Summit. This focused, single-day gathering will unite tourism operators and businesses from across the region to explore collaborative pathways for growth, guided by the rallying theme, “Stronger Together, Shaping the Future of Rural Tourism”.
Conference leadership comes from Regional Tourism Organisation 8 (RTO8), working hand in hand with Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough County, and the City of Peterborough. Together, these municipalities pursue a common vision: a vibrant, sustainable tourism economy that strengthens rural identities while delivering lasting advantages to businesses and the communities they serve.
Event Objectives and Target Audience
The summit targets a wide range of businesses within the tourism sector, including accommodation providers, food and beverage establishments, retail shops, tourist attractions, event organisers, and those involved in agritourism and guiding. This diverse representation of industries ensures that the event covers the full spectrum of rural tourism, offering insights and collaborative opportunities for every aspect of the tourism economy.
The primary objective of the summit is to facilitate networking and exchange of ideas between tourism operators, community leaders, and industry experts. By focusing on areas such as Indigenous collaboration, agritourism, event sustainability, and content marketing, the event seeks to provide practical tools and strategies that will support the long-term growth and success of the tourism sector in the region.
Keynote Speaker and Panel Discussions
The summit will feature a keynote address from Andrew Siegwart, the President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). As a leader in the tourism sector, Siegwart’s presentation will focus on the importance of collaboration within the industry and the need for innovation to ensure that tourism in Ontario remains competitive and sustainable.
Following the keynote, panel discussions will cover a variety of important topics related to rural tourism. One of the key discussions will revolve around Indigenous collaboration, exploring how tourism operators can work more closely with Indigenous communities to create authentic and meaningful experiences for visitors. Agritourism, a rapidly growing sector in the region, will also be a focal point, with experts offering insights on how to integrate agricultural experiences into the tourism offerings of rural Ontario.
Event sustainability will be another critical topic, with panellists discussing how to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility. Content marketing, an essential tool for attracting visitors, will also be explored, providing attendees with strategies to effectively promote their businesses in a digital age.
Local Culture and Community Engagement
A significant aspect of the summit will be the celebration of local culture and natural beauty. Northumberland County is known for its vibrant arts scene, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase these attributes, allowing tourism operators to better understand how to integrate local culture into their offerings and enhance the visitor experience.
In addition to the educational aspects of the summit, attendees will have the chance to participate in the Tasters Market, a curated showcase of local food and beverage producers. This market will feature a selection of regional delicacies and products, highlighting the diverse culinary offerings of Kawarthas Northumberland. Locally catered meals will be served throughout the day, along with a special treat from the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, a regional delicacy that has become a favourite among visitors.
The Future of Rural Tourism in Ontario
The Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Tourism Summit is more than just an event; it is a symbol of the region’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient tourism economy. As Brenda Wood, the Executive Director of RTO8, highlights, tourism plays a central role in the identity and economy of the region. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the sector, the summit aims to develop practical solutions that will ensure the continued success of rural tourism in the years to come.
For Northumberland County, hosting the summit is an opportunity to demonstrate the area’s potential as a tourism destination. Diane Murenbeeld, Manager of Northumberland Tourism, emphasised the importance of showcasing the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and thriving arts scene, Northumberland County is an ideal location for a summit focused on rural tourism.
A Step Towards a Stronger Tourism Future
The Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Tourism Summit is set to redefine the future of tourism in our area. By fostering collaboration and creative thinking, the summit gives us the tools to guide rural tourism in Ontario over the next decade. With a spotlight on sustainable development, Indigenous partnerships, and the spotlighting of home-grown enterprises, it becomes a cornerstone for ensuring our rural tourism ecosystem flourishes for generations to come.
In the weeks leading up to the event, every business in the region is welcome—and encouraged—to join the conversation. Engaging with experts and fellow operators is an investment in tomorrow. The ideas and alliances created here will lay a foundation for a tourism economy that is both thriving and mindful of the land and communities that sustain it.
Image Credit: Kawarthas Northumberland Official Website
