Tourism groups call for Sunset Country to remain intact

News Release
NWOTA/KDCA Working Group

In February 2009, the Government of Ontario released The Sorbara Report, Discovering Ontario: A report on the future of tourism, with four broad strategic proposals and 20 specific recommendations. These recommendations, with investments in both the South and North, will benefit tourism.
While the report was received positively from virtually all tourism businesses in Ontario there are some sectors that harbour some reservations. KDCA President, Harald Lohn, remarked “... given the customer base here in NW Ontario draws mainly from the United States, the definition and geographical boundaries of the eleven regions will have to be studied closely with an eye towards creating one additional region.” This concept of regions will also play a significant role in the creation of the Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO).
NWOTA President, Jerry Fisher, maintains that “... destination marketing fees in Sunset Country Travel Area could generate in excess of $2.7 million per year1. We must do all within our power to insure that destination marketing funds remain in Sunset Country Travel Area; to send the destination fees east would not be acceptable.”
The Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association (NWOTA) and Kenora District Camp Owners Association (KDCA) represent over 200 tourist operations and some 100 allied businesses throughout Northwestern Ontario. As active lobby groups, they continue to address critical issues facing the tourism industry and the economy of Northwestern Ontario.
Fast facts
•43% of ALL tourism income in Northern Ontario is generated in NW Ontario with 65% of
that generated primarily in the Sunset Country Travel Region (SSCTA)
•Close to 60% of the customer base in NW Ontario comes from the United States
•Over 80% of tourism expenditures in SSCTA is contributed by visitors from the United
States
•The SSCTA generates $451 million in economic activity, supports, directly and
indirectly, 12,235 full-year jobs, pays out wages and salaries in excess of $393 million
and contributes $185 million in federal, provincial and municipal taxes
•SSCTA is comprised of 443 fixed-roof accommodations with the average size being 15
units (versus the provincial average size of 33 units)
•SSCTA will be able to generate approximately $2.7 million in destination marketing fees
when fully operational and maximum participation
•SSCTA is truly a unique travel destination.
•Wild and uncultivated region of forest and lakes inhabited only by wild life and a
sprinkling of small towns and outposts.
•Different from the rest of Ontario and Canada as a large majority of our tourism
dollars are derives from U.S. visitors.
•Because of this tourism can offer very unique travel experience compared to the
rest of Canada.