For Immediate Release
Central Counties Tourism Hosts Ninth Annual Tourism Symposium, Showcasing Collaboration and Innovation in the Industry
Vaughan, ON (February 11, 2025) – Central Counties Tourism (CCT) hosted its ninth annual Tourism Symposium, bringing together tourism professionals, businesses, and industry leaders for a day of networking, learning, and collaboration. Held on Monday, February 10 at Hazelton Manor in Vaughan, this year’s symposium, presented in partnership with Tourism Vaughan Corporation, explored key topics in tourism marketing, partnerships, and digital storytelling under the theme Beyond the Obvious.
“The annual Tourism Symposium is an opportunity for our stakeholders to share ideas, develop strategic partnerships, and gain insights into the evolving tourism landscape,” said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director of Central Counties Tourism. “This year, we were thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers and panelists who provided valuable expertise on marketing, digital engagement, and collaboration.”
Key Highlights from the 2025 Symposium
- Putting the Altruism in Tourism: Dug Stevenson, Executive Director of the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, led an engaging session on how giving back—through knowledge sharing, financial investment, and community involvement—can foster stronger tourism ecosystems.
- The Power of Digital Storytelling: Bri Mitchell, content creator and digital marketing expert, provided strategies on leveraging content creation and partnerships to amplify tourism brands.
- Maximizing Sponsorships in Tourism: Brent Barootes, President & CEO of Partnership Group, shared key strategies for building successful sponsorships that benefit both tourism organizations and their corporate partners.
- SEO & AI in Tourism: Experts from Destination Ontario provided foundational knowledge on search engine optimization (SEO) and emerging AI-driven search experiences.
- Creative Stakeholder Collaborations:
- Industry leaders from Vaughan Mills, Canada’s Wonderland, and Easton’s Group shared insights on building compelling “Shop, Stay, and Play” packages to enhance visitor experiences.
- Panelists from Dance Together Project, Vaughan International Film Festival, and McMichael Canadian Art Collection highlighted innovative partnerships that drive new visitor engagement.
“I was pleased to attend Central Counties Tourism’s ninth annual Tourism Symposium on behalf of Tourism Vaughan” said Mayor Steven Del Duca. “Here in Vaughan, we work hard to position our great city as a destination of choice for visitors and businesses from around the world. The tourism industry is vital to our economic future. I want to thank the dedicated Tourism Vaughan team for continuing to nurture relationships with operators to provide better experiences for residents and visitors alike. I look forward to welcoming everyone to our great city.”
Central Counties Tourism extends its gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors, including Tourism Vaughan Corporation (Presenting Sponsor), Durham Tourism and Town of Whitby (Platinum Co-Sponsors), Regional Municipality of York and Destination Markham (Gold Sponsors),and all of our Silver Sponsors – Town of Ajax, Town of Brock, Eagles Nest Golf Club, Town of Erin, Town of Georgina, King Township, Town of Newmarket, and Scugog Tourism. Their support made this symposium possible and reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing tourism in the region.
We look forward to bringing the 2026 Tourism Symposium to Durham Region, with Durham Tourism and the Town of Whitby as the Presenting Co-Sponsors.
For more information about the symposium and future events, visit centralcounties.ca.
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About Tourism Vaughan Corporation
The Tourism Vaughan Corporation is the official destination development and marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Vaughan with a mission to enhance, market and promote Vaughan as a destination for tourists and business travellers. The City of Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities with a population of more than 344,412. Incorporated in 1991, Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This culturally diverse municipality is located in the heart of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.
About Central Counties Tourism
Central Counties Tourism (CCT) was established as a regional tourism organization in 2010 under the framework developed by the 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
