For Immediate Release
Central Counties Tourism Celebrates 12 Years of Supporting the Regional Visitor Economy with the 2025-2026 Partnership Program
Courtice, ON (February 24, 2025) – Central Counties Tourism (CCT) proudly launches the 2025-2026 Partnership Program, marking its twelfth year of supporting regional stakeholders in strengthening the visitor economy. This highly successful initiative provides financial support to tourism businesses, municipalities, and organizations, throughout the regions of York, Durham and Headwaters, fostering collaboration and enhancing destination development across the region.
Since its inception, CCT’s Partnership Program, funded by the Province of Ontario, has supported well over 500 stakeholder projects. The program has invested close to $5 million, throughout the years, leveraging more than $13.5 million in stakeholder investments to grow the visitor economy. The 2025-2026 Partnership Program builds on this success with a refined approach that ensures greater return on investment and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
New this year, the Small Business Marketing Support stream offers matching funds of up to $2,000, helping local operators amplify their marketing efforts. The program also continues to prioritize Out-of-Region Marketing Support, Route Development, and Destination Development,ensuring that larger-scale projects contribute to increased visitor stays and spending.
“The CCT Partnership Program is a highly competitive funding opportunity that continues to evolve each year to meet the needs of our stakeholders”, said Chuck Thibeault, Executive Director. “As we enter our twelfth year, we remain committed to fostering collaboration and investing in projects that drive long-term economic benefits for our communities.”
Applications for all eligible funding streams are now open, with four intake periods throughout the fiscal year, to better support the planning needs of local tourism businesses, municipalities and organizations for tourism-focused projects taking place between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The first intake deadline is March 14, 2025. Full program details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines 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 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
