For Immediate Release
Courtice, ON (March 19, 2026) – Central Counties Tourism (CCT) is proud to announce the organizations supported through its 2025–2026 Partnership Program, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the regional visitor economy across York, Durham, and Headwaters (YDH). This year, 62 tourism businesses, municipalities, and organizations received direct Partnership Program funding, while an additional 25 tourism partners benefitted through co-operative advertising initiatives, bringing the total number of stakeholders supported to 87. With a total investment of $379,000 the program continues to drive collaboration, destination development, and out-of-region visitation throughout YDH.
Funded by the Province of Ontario, the Partnership Program is a cornerstone investment in the region’s tourism sector and operates as a cost-sharing model, with CCT’s investment matched dollar for dollar by participating stakeholders. This approach leverages significant private- and municipal-sector investment while supporting projects and shared marketing initiatives designed to enhance visitor experiences, increase length of stay and spending, and grow visitation from 40 km or more outside local communities, while also supporting shoulder- and off-season travel.
“Through both direct project funding and co-operative advertising initiatives, the Partnership Program allows us to support a broad range of tourism operators while maximizing regional impact,” said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism. “Every dollar invested by CCT delivers amplified impact across the region, helping to strengthen local destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and grow the regional visitor economy.”
Angela Poletto, Chair of the CCT Board of Directors, added, “The 2025–2026 program reflects the diversity and ambition of our stakeholders and demonstrates the value of shared investment in building strong destinations and vibrant communities. We are proud to support projects that not only benefit individual organizations but also contribute to a vibrant and resilient regional tourism sector.”
The 2025–2026 Partnership Program supported initiatives through multiple streams, including Small Business Marketing Support, Out-of-Region Marketing, Route Development, Destination Development, and co-operative advertising programs. Together, these investments ensure a strong return on investment while supporting tourism operators of varying sizes and capacities.
The full list of supported organizations is available on the CCT website.
Looking Ahead
Central Counties Tourism has now launched the 2026–2027 Partnership Program, supporting tourism initiatives taking place between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. The updated program introduces refined funding streams and new funding limits, designed to better support projects of varying scale across York, Durham, and Headwaters.
The 2026–2027 program will feature four streams of support: CCT Partnered Projects, Destination Development Projects, High Impact Festivals & Events, and Small Business/Organization Marketing Support. Applications for Destination Development and High Impact Festivals & Events projects will be accepted through a single intake period with an April 30, 2026 deadline, while the Small Business/Organization Marketing Support stream will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.
To help stakeholders learn more about the updated program and application process, Central Counties Tourism will be hosting a virtual information session onThursday, March 26, 2026 to walk through program updates, eligibility requirements, and funding opportunities. Full program details and registration information are available on the Central Counties Tourism website.
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About Central Counties Tourism
Central Counties Tourism (CCT) was established as a regional tourism organization in 2010 under the framework developed by the then-named Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mandate is to help stakeholders build their capacity, which in turn grows visitation and vibrant communities throughout the York, Durham, and Headwaters regions. CCT is funded by the Ontario Government and managed as a not-for-profit organization by a voluntary tourism industry board. CCT’s mission is to develop, support and promote tourism within the region.
Media Contact:
Chuck Thibeault
Executive Director,
Central Counties Tourism
cthibeault@centralcounties.ca
