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On this month's newsletter of "Working Together":

  • Tourism Chatter: new additions, investments & celebrations
  • Register for the AI: Your Business Superpower Workshop
  • Apply for the Ontario Southwest 2023 Tourism Awards
  • Applications are open for Experience Ontario 2024
  • TaylorHR is offering a session on AODA with the Ingersoll District Chamber of Commerce
  • Register for the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference
  • Tourism Oxford Holiday Closure
  • Happy Anniversary to Jarful Local Refillery - 3 years in business! Congratulations!
  • Need a little festive drink? Golspie Dairy has made their own Egg Nog! It won't last long, go check it out!
  • Congratulations to the local theatres for their recent productions! If you have yet to check out a show, check this blog for upcoming shows and some inspiration to give the gift of theatre this holiday season.


Do you have news to share? Email Emily

An online workshop where you'll learn how AI tools can help you to do more with less and bring your creative ideas to life. In this session you'll learn:

  • How we got here, including a brief history and trends of AI
  • The most useful AI tools that are available right now
  • How to write effective prompts that get better results
  • Navigating the risks and concerns about AI and security
  • Demonstration of ways that AI can be used every day to make tasks easier
  • Opportunities to ask questions about AI and Chat GPT 
Learn More Here

Apply for the Ontario Southwest 2023 Innovation Awards

Join Ontario's Southwest in recognizing outstanding contributions and innovation within OSW! This year, they have three prestigious categories: Innovator of the Year, Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year, and Luminary of the Year. Whether you know a deserving individual or believe you fit the criteria yourself, we encourage you to submit your nominations today! 


2023 Innovator of the Year Award

The Innovator of the Year Award is presented to a business, program, event or immersive experience that leads with innovation, igniting a path of transformation within OSW's tourism landscape.


2023 Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year Award

The Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year Award recognizes a business, experience, tourism organization or individual, leading with an innovative strategy to improve the tourism experience through a sustainable tourism lens, aligning with the United Nations World Tourism Organizations (UNWTO) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).


2023 Luminary of the Year Award - NEW

The Luminary of the Year Award recognizes an extraordinary individual whose remarkable contributions have illuminated the tourism industry with an unmatched dedication, unwavering passion, and relentless commitment.


Application deadline is January 19th, 2024.

Make a Nomination

Experience Ontario 2024 is Open for Applications

The Ontario Government is launching the Experience Ontario 2024 program, allocating $19.5 million in funding for eligible in-person festivals scheduled between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.


This funding opportunity allows event organizers to apply for financial support from the provincial government.


The application period is currently open and will be closed on January 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST.


Note: Experience Ontario is a highly competitive program and applications will be measured against program criteria and there is no guarantee of funding. 

Find More Information and Apply Here

AODA Over Coffee with TaylorHR

AODA has been active in Ontario since 2005, however, people might still be wondering: what is the AODA? The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) is an Ontario law mandating that organizations must follow standards to become more accessible to people with disabilities.


Join the Ingersoll District Chamber of Commerce and Bev Taylor of TaylorHR as she discusses the AODA.


Thursday January 18, 2024


8:00am - 9:30am


Chamber Board Room - 118 Oxford St. Ingersoll

Learn More and Register Here

Register Now for the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference

You can now register for the 2024 Southern Ontario Tourism Conference in Sarnia, on March 4-6, 2024.


This is a collaborative conference in partnership with Ontario’s Southwest and The Heart Of Ontario (Regional Tourism Organizations 1 & 3) that brings together tourism partners across the regions and is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Learn through workshops, presentations, tours, and panel discussions.
  • Stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and market insights.
  • Embrace networking opportunities with industry peers, potential partners, and experts.


Dates:

  • March 4th - Learning Tours & Welcome Reception
  • March 5th - Conference Day 1, Regional Tourism Innovation Awards Gala, So-Social After Party
  • March 6th - Conference Day 2


Location: Sunbridge Hotel and Conference Centre

Sarnia/Point Edward 1498 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward ON N7T 7W6

Register Now!

Happy Holidays from the Tourism Team!

The team at Tourism Oxford will be out of the office December 25 - January 1. This is part of the Oxford County shut down of the Administrative building at 21 Reeve St Woodstock.

 

We have been preparing for this closure posting holiday information on our website and social media. Visitors and locals alike can find holiday inspiration on our website www.TourismOxford.ca/Holidays


We look forward to connecting with you in 2024. Watch your inbox for emails sharing our 2023 Annual Review, our season kick off meetings and new opportunities to collaborate with other businesses, take part in new programs and work together to embrace our rural routes.


Thank you all for your support and partnership in 2023!

In case you missed it...

Your cheerleaders in tourism,

Emily, Karlee & Meredith

Tourism Oxford | 519-539-9800 x3355 | tourism@oxfordcounty.ca |

Consumer website: www.tourismoxford.ca

Industry website: www.oxfordcounty.ca/business-in-oxford/tourism

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