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With the busy summer season upon us, now is the time to make sure your business is ready to welcome visitors. Durham Tourism is here to help with Tourism Readiness resources designed to enhance visitor experiences, strengthen operations and tap into new markets. 

Start with the Tourism Readiness Self-Assessment. This helpful checklist determines how prepared your business is to welcome visitors and identify opportunities for growth. You’ll also find resources for staff training, guidelines and best practices and information on grants and funding. Be sure to connect with local tourism partners online to expand your network. 

Tourism plays a key role in supporting local businesses and driving economic growth. Take advantage of the support and position your business for a strong season ahead.

Show your business' support for Pride Month this June by creating a welcoming space for all visitors.

Rainbow Registered is an accreditation program for businesses that demonstrate inclusive practices and create a safe space for 2SLGBTQI+ people to visit, work and dine.

Rainbow Registered businesses must meet a stringent set of standards. Accredited businesses in Durham Region include the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and Safari Zoo Camp at Jungle World. 

A new initiative is helping spotlight and support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in the food and hospitality sector.  

Butchie’s has teamed up with Dish/Play to launch the Pride Entrepreneur Grant. One recipient will be chosen for a $10,000 business development package which is designed to support growth through mentorship, coaching, access to a commercial kitchen and event facility and marketing guidance. It also includes opportunities for professional food photography, content creation and community exposure. 

Applications close June 26.

Ajax FIFA World Cup™ Campaign

With the FIFA World Cup™ underway, the Town of Ajax is launching a tourism campaign inviting residents and businesses to join in the excitement through a range of community activations. 

Highlights include the Ajax Fan Zone watch parties at Pat Bayly Square on June 18 and June 24, presented by Medallion Corporation. The campaign also features initiatives like the Made in Ajax Passport Program, storefront transformations and opportunities to submit events to the community calendar. 

Durham Region farmers interested in exploring new ways to diversify their farm are invited to attend a workshop on June 23, hosted by the Durham Region Federation of Agriculture and Invest Durham.

The session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Forsythe Family Farms in Greenbank and will explain new On-Farm Diversified Uses policies, including what’s permitted and how to navigate the process. The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) will provide business planning advice, and a panel of farmers will share their experiences with farm diversification. Tickets are $10 and include lunch.

The Region’s annual Business Count is underway. Data collected through the Business Count will be used for municipal planning and analysis, programming to grow our local industries, and to help plan business services to build a stronger local economy.

All businesses, including home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and farms, are encouraged to participate.

Congratulations to Town Brewery for being chosen as the private operator of a summer pop-up at the Ajax waterfront. Set to open July 1 near Paradise Park, Town Brewery will be serving food and drinks all season long. The space is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to all with non-alcoholic beverages available. Town Brewery was chosen following a Town-led selection process. Discover what’s coming. 

The deadline to apply for the next instalment of the Host in Whitby Grant Program is July 1. The program offers up to $5,000 in funding to support events that help attract and retain visitors in Whitby. Eligible applicants include owner/operators, private event organizers and not-for-profit organizations hosting events that benefit both their venue and the broader Whitby community. Applications are reviewed quarterly. Learn more about the program.

Well known for its ice cream and long-time community appeal, the Enniskillen General Store is now expanding through franchising. The opportunity involves operating a location under the Enniskillen General Store brand and business model. The concept includes multiple revenue streams, from ice cream to retail and convenience offerings designed to serve local and visiting customers. Explore the opportunity.

Current News & Trends

In this DurhamRegion.com column from Chair John Henry, discover how Durham Tourism’s Open Skies adventure planner positions Durham Region as a destination full of nearby adventures and experiences.

Last call has been extended at licensed restaurants and bars during the FIFA World Cup™ tournament. Learn more about the temporarily extended alcohol service hours.

Pinterest reports that sports-themed gatherings, food spreads and fashion are trending this summer. Discover Pinterest’s Summer 2026 Trend Report to see how they could inspire your summer offerings.

The City of Pickering has received nearly $17 million in non-tax gaming revenue from OLG over the past year through the Pickering Casino Resort. Explore how this partnership supports local programs, services and infrastructure.

Ajax’s Sum 41 is the latest inductee into the DREAMS! Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame. Read all about the honour. Nominations for this year's DREAMS! Music Awards closed June 15. The winners will be announced on September 18 at the Biltmore Theatre.

Whitby has received $200,000 in federal funding to support revitalization efforts along its waterfront. Discover how the investment will enhance public spaces.

Pickering has endorsed the final design concept for a new park that will replace a downtown parking lot. Explore the plans for City Centre Park.

There’s been strong interest in Whitby’s hotel attraction program, prompting council to consider expanding its scope. Find out more about the response to the program.

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.