Having trouble viewing this email? View as a web page.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to grow your visitor market, Durham Tourism has the tools to help. Our Tourism Readiness resources are designed to help operators enhance the visitor experience, strengthen operations and identify growth opportunities. 

Starting with the Tourism Readiness Self-Assessment, this checklist determines how prepared a business is to welcome a variety of visitors and uncover areas for improvement. Businesses can also access staff training resources, industry guidelines and best practices, funding information and opportunities to connect with local tourism partners. 

Build a more visitor-ready business today and discover how small improvements can strengthen your tourism offerings.

Expand your network and explore new ideas with the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD)’s We Mean Business Breakfast on July 17.

The casual event at Stacked Pancake and Breakfast House in Whitby brings together entrepreneurs and business owners for meaningful conversations and new connections. Tickets are $10 to reserve your spot.



This event is one of the many low-cost or free events that BACD hosts throughout the year, covering topics such as marketing, sales, branding and more. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to grow an established business, BACD offers a session for every stage of the business journey—from Google My Business, to Financials and Operations, to Start Up Fundamentals.

Several Durham Region attractions are in the running for the 2026 Ontario’s Choice Awards, presented by Attractions Ontario.

The annual awards celebrate the province’s top visitor experiences across eight categories and are decided entirely by public vote. Durham Region nominees include:

• Top Small Museum/Art Gallery/Historic Site: Pickering Museum Village and Robert McLaughlin Gallery
• Top Outdoor Attraction: Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park.
• Top Family Entertainment Centre: NEB's Fun World, Putting Edge and Flying Squirrel.
• Top Indoor Attraction: iFly and Reptilia Zoo.

Votes can be cast once per day until September 6.

Oshawa Tourism has launched a new campaign designed to encourage visitors to experience more of the city's attractions.

With the Visit Oshawa pass, people can create their own customized itinerary by bundling attractions and saving on admission. There are options for both one-day passes and three-day passes, making it easier to explore everything the city has to offer.

By bringing together a range of attractions, the pass helps showcase Oshawa's diverse tourism offerings while creating added value for visitors.

Build Your Tourism Skills With CCT

Strengthen your tourism knowledge and enhance the visitor experience at your business with Central Counties Tourism (CCT)'s Learning Lab.

The user portal is designed for tourism operators and industry professionals and provides a fun and interactive learning experience. Membership to CCT is free and available course topics include tourism route development, social media marketing, grant writing and more. Participants can learn at their own pace online while gaining practical tools and industry best practices.

The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) is seeking one chef or caterer and one baker or chocolatier to take part in its Local Culinary Showcase on October 23. Participants will receive a range of benefits, including $200 to cover ingredient expenses, brand exposure across DRIFF platforms and an invitation to the DRIFF Gala Reception and Awards Ceremony. Contact Eileen Kennedy by email to learn more.

The fall market season is just around the corner. Apply before July 21 to be a vendor at Picks and Giggles’ fall market at Maple Grove Orchards in Bowmanville. Running October 3 and 4, vendors can sign up for one or both days. Apply to be a vendor.

The City of Oshawa has vendor opportunities available for the Bright and Merry Market on November 20. Held downtown, the event kicks off the holiday season in Oshawa. Vendor applications close on September 20. Submit an application.

Current News & Trends

blogTO is showcasing the region’s diverse tourism offerings with these four summer getaway ideas from Durham Tourism’s Open Skies discovery guide. Read here.

Nominations for the 2026 DREAMS! Music Awards have been announced. The official award ceremony will take place on September 18 at the Biltmore Theatre. Find out who’s in the running.

Narcity is helping to put Uxbridge on the map as an ideal summer destination just an hour from Toronto. With its trails, vibrant downtown and local food and drink experiences, this community stands out for day trippers. Read more.

A local brewery continues to grow with a new pop-up location this summer! Town Brewery's Paradise Beach Bar is open seven days a week, serving food and drinks by the waterfront trail in Ajax. Explore how Town Brewery is activating Ajax’s waterfront. 

The Whitby Visitor Centre has officially reopened at the waterfront inside Shirley Scott Park. Along with tourism information, the updated space highlights local Indigenous art, waterfront seating and new experiences such as glow-in-the-dark kayak rentals. Discover how the centre is enhancing the visitor experience.  

The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is now open in Pickering, bringing together a community centre, museum and library in one dynamic space. Learn more about this new facility.

A new boardwalk is coming to Lynde Shores Conservation Area as part of ongoing wetland restoration and visitor experience enhancements. The project is designed to benefit this popular Whitby destination and the ecosystem surrounding it. Find out how. 

Durham Region offers access to one of Canada’s most unique urban parks. Narcity considers Rouge National Urban Park a must-visit destination for hiking and outdoor adventure. Discover why. 

A design study will also explore a proposed regional trail network linking Oshawa to Rouge Park in Pickering. Learn more about the project and next steps. 

Renowned Guyanese-Canadian chef, author and television personality, Devan Rajkumar wowed guests at a recent tasting and book signing at Island Mix restaurant in Pickering. Read more about the event.

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.