Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism

Storied Places Media

Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North at tourismexcellencenorth.ca  Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

Episodes

  1. 05/27/2025

    Recruiting the Next Generation of Tourism Workers

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Lawrence Foster, an instructor with Sault College’s Adventure Recreation and Parks program. They discuss the kinds of people registering for the program, what these in-demand graduates want from employers, and Lawrence’s advice for recruiting during a workforce shortage. Lawrence also shares why the producer of the hit show Mantracker called him up and gave him a job. 01:05 Meet Lawrence Foster: From Law Student to Mantracker to çInstructor06:26 Inside the Adventure Recreation and Parks Program09:10 Student Backgrounds15:08 Tourism Career Opportunities18:47 Advice For Owners That Are Succession Planning21:10 Opportunities Students Are Looking For23:46 What Students Want From Employers25:22 Awareness of Government and Non Profit Jobs in Tourism28:11 Recruitment Advice For Business Owners and Managers32:01 Customer Service Training35:52 Filling Education Gaps With Volunteer Experience About Sault College and the Adventure Recreation and Parks Program Sault College website - saultcollege.caAdventure Recreation and Parks Technician program - https://www.saultcollege.ca/programs/school-natural-environment/adventure-recreation-and-parks-technicianContact Lawrence: lawrence.foster@saultcollege.ca About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    39 min

  2. 05/20/2025

    How a Small Northern Community Does Tourism Development

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Heather Gropp, Community Development Officer for the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. They discuss how this small Northern Ontario community with a population of just 727 residents makes the most of its resources to keep tourism flourishing. Heather shares the municipality’s strategies, target markets, and how it’s working to overcome major challenges. The conversation also touches on how Heather helped get the interprovincial Heart of Canada Touring Route across the finish line, and why she loves working on the government side of tourism development.  01:10 Introduction to Heather Gropp and Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls06:27 The Community’s Challenges11:25 Collaborations and Partnerships15:01 Tourism Strategies and Target Markets21:41 Municipal Accommodations Tax Debate 24:44 The Long Road to Develop the Heart of Canada Touring Route29:26 Labor Market and Housing Issues33:19 Working in Tourism and Community Economic Development36:12 Final Thoughts and Next Episode Preview About the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls website - snnf.caFacebook - facebook.com/pages/Township-of-Sioux-Narrows-Nestor-Falls/256114277740141Instagram - instagram.com/townshipofsnnfPinterest - pinterest.com/townshipofSNNFX - twitter.com/townshipofsnnf About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    39 min

  3. 05/13/2025

    Is Cycle Tourism a Growing Trend?

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Dave Valente, President of the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club in Thunder Bay. He makes a case for why he thinks cycle tourism is a growing trend, what travelling cyclists are doing, and what amenities they’re looking for. Dave also shares the challenges bike clubs face and what tourism organizations and government funding agencies could do to help them attract more visitors. 00:59 Meet Dave Valente and the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club03:55 Programming and Events at Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club09:15 Membership and Fees11:23 Cycle Tourism Growth, Appeal, and Needs13:55 Challenges and Best Practices in Cycling Tourism15:08 Emergency Planning17:23 Importance of Amenities and Facilities for Cycle Tourism20:14 Challenges of Operating a Mountain Bike Club22:06 Funding and Grants25:23 Events: Opportunities and Spinoffs27:59 Final Thoughts and Volunteer Opportunities30:05 Next Episode Preview About the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club website - blacksheepmtb.comFacebook - facebook.com/BlackSheepMTBInstagram - instagram.com/officialblacksheepmtb About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    33 min

  4. 05/06/2025

    Why Sustainable Tourism is a Workforce Solution

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Carol Greenwood, VP of Operations and Partnerships at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). They start with a discussion on TIAO's advocacy role and the key issues it’s raising with the provincial and federal governments before diving into its work to advance sustainable tourism across Ontario. Carol answers the questions of why TIAO became GreenStep certified, what that means for day-to-day operations, and why Northern Ontario tourism organizations and businesses should seriously consider getting certified too.  01:25 Meet Carol Greenwood05:03 How TIAO Serves as the Voice of Ontario’s Tourism Sector08:36 Key Issues the Sector is Facing14:48 A Primer on Sustainable Tourism17:14 TIAO's Role in Advancing Sustainable Tourism22:03 Why TIAO Became GreenStep Certified and What it Means29:20 Why Organizations and Businesses Should Care About Sustainable Tourism31:50 Measuring and Improving Sustainability Performance Over Time33:11 The GreenStep Certification Process and Benefits36:17 Advice for Organizations and Businesses Interested in GreenStep Certification About the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and GreenStep TIAO website - tiaontario.caTIAO’s GreenStep webpage - tiaontario.ca/cpages/sustainabletourism2030GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge page - sustainabletourism2030.com/pledgeIMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Regional Event (May 5-6, 2025) webpage - tiaontario.ca/events/impact-sustainability-travel-tourism-ontario-a-regional-event-2Facebook - facebook.com/TIAONTARIOInstagram - instagram.com/tiaogramLinkedIn - ca.linkedin.com/company/tiaontarioX - x.com/TIAOtweets About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    40 min

  5. 04/29/2025

    Lake Superior's Growing Cruise Industry

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Paul Pepe, the Manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, to talk about Lake Superior’s growing cruise industry, which contributed $4.3 million to Thunder Bay’s economy and brought nearly 7,000 passengers and crew to the city. Paul unpacks what Thunder Bay did to become a coveted ‘turnaround’ port, what cruise passengers are looking for, and how businesses, artists, and communities can get a piece of this pie.  01:23 Paul Pepe's Journey in Tourism02:54 History of Cruise Ships in Thunder Bay07:25 Economic Impact of Cruising09:31 Promoting Thunder Bay as a Cruise Destination13:21 The Role of Cruise Media15:21 Cross-Border Partnerships17:26 The Allure of Great Lakes Cruising20:34 Connecting Local Operators with Cruise Lines26:22 Popular Attractions and Shore Excursions28:15 Opportunities For Communities34:47 Challenges of Engaging With the Cruise Industry39:45 Thunder Bay’s 2025-26 Cruise Seasons41:31 Environmental Sustainability and Community Engagement About Tourism Thunder Bay  Tourism Thunder Bay website - visitthunderbay.com/en/index.aspxCruise Port Thunder Bay webpage - visitthunderbay.com/en/plan-your-trip/cruise-port-thunder-bay.aspxFacebook - facebook.com/VisitThunderBayInstagram - instagram.com/visitthunderbayLinkedIn - ca.linkedin.com/company/tourismthunderbayPaul Pepe Contact Info - visitthunderbay.com/en/about-us/contact-us.aspx#Manager-Tourism-Thunder-Bay Other Resources Great Lakes Cruise Association website - greatlakescruiseassociation.com About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    47 min

  6. 04/22/2025

    Trends in Tourism Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Justin Lafontaine, co-founder of the Tourism Innovation Lab. This incubator for tourism businesses runs the very successful "Spark" Program, which awards grants and mentorships to early stage tourism businesses through Dragon’s Den style pitch competitions. In this conversation, Justin shares how the program works, what finalists and winners gain from participating, success stories from Northern Ontario, and the emerging trends he’s seeing among the program’s applicants. 01:29 Meet Justin Lafontaine03:57 The Birth of the Spark Program and Tourism Innovation Lab07:45 What the Tourism Innovation Lab Does08:44 Previous Spark Programs in Northern Ontario and Beyond13:52 Benefits of Seed Funding17:32 Benefits of Mentorship for Mentees and Mentors24:58 Trends Among Early Stage Tourism Entrepreneurs31:28 Spark Program Success Stories35:33 Challenges Faced By Tourism Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Mentors41:33 Future of the Tourism Innovation Lab43:07 What Justin Loves About Working in Tourism46:14 Next Episode Preview About the Tourism Innovation Lab  Tourism Innovation Lab website - tourisminnovation.caFacebook - facebook.com/TourismInnovationCanadaInstagram - instagram.com/tourisminnovationcanadaX - twitter.com/TourInnovationLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/77690429YouTube - youtube.com/@tourisminnovationlab Contact - info@tourisminnovation.ca About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    47 min

  7. 04/15/2025

    Attracting Tourism, Talent, and TV to Greater Sudbury

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Meredith Armstrong, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greater Sudbury. Meredith highlights how tourism is integral to Sudbury's economy, from attracting talent to attracting TV and film productions. The conversation covers the impact of the Municipal Accommodation Tax, the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program, and Sudbury's resilience and growth amid geopolitical challenges. 01:13 Meredith’s Background in Tourism, Economic, and Workforce Development03:51 Sudbury's Economic Outlook Amid Geopolitical Challenges06:54 Tourism Excellence North (and Other) Resources For Tourism Businesses10:02 How the Municipal Accommodation Tax Funds Tourism Infrastructure14:04 Sudbury's Diverse Tourism Economy18:57 Trends and Opportunities in Sudbury's Tourism20:54 Sudbury's Growing Film Industry23:21 COVID-19 Impact and Recovery in Sudbury24:11 Tourism Trends and Challenges25:53 Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot31:00 Francophone Community and Immigration33:15 Talent Attraction Opportunities and Challenges38:53 What Meredith Loves About Working in Tourism41:01 Meredith’s Most Memorable Visitor Experience44:51 Next Episode Preview About the City of Greater Sudbury  Invest Sudbury website - investsudbury.caDiscover Sudbury website - discoversudbury.caMove to Sudbury website - movetosudbury.caCity of Greater Sudbury municipal website - greatersudbury.caDiscover Sudbury on X - x.com/sudburytourismDiscover Sudbury on Facebook - facebook.com/SudburyTourismDiscover Sudbury on Instagram - instagram.com/sudburytourismResourceful City of LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/11432947/admin/page-posts/publishedInvest Sudbury on X - x.com/resourcefulcity About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    46 min

  8. 04/08/2025

    How to Get More Marketing Done in Less Time With AI

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with digital marketing and AI strategist Emily Bailey. They cover the basics of digital marketing and artificial intelligence before going deeper on the costs, risks, and opportunities of each. Emily offers practical advice about how Northern Ontario businesses and organizations can use AI to save time and improve customer engagement without losing sight of the importance of human interaction. If you think AI is out of reach, Emily says it's never too late to learn new skills and provides lots of resources to help you take advantage of its benefits. 01:11 Emily's Background in Digital Marketing and AI03:48 High-Level Overview of Digital Marketing07:15 Cost of Implementing Digital Marketing10:40 Understanding Data Analytics13:55 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence15:54 AI Tools and How to Use Them in Tourism20:40 Things to Watch Out For When Using AI26:07 Who’s Using AI in Tourism, and How Are They Using It?31:49 Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI39:44 Training and Resources for AI41:28 Final Thoughts and Conclusion42:41 Next Episode Preview Featured Resources and Courses Free AI usage policy template - compasscontent.ca/ai-usage-policyGoogle AI: cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/554Linkedin AI courses - linkedin.com/learning/generative-ai-for-business-leaders/generative-ai-for-business-leaders?u=56982905Georgian College Micro-credential: Artificial Intelligence Essentials -  georgiancollege.ca/academics/courses/artificial-intelligence-essentials-tech-0653Humber College Micro-credential: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Digital Marketing & Communications - mediaarts.humber.ca/future-students/explore/continuous-professional-learning/courses/artificial-intelligence-for-digital-marketing-and-communications.htmlEmily’s Custom AI Training - https://www.compasscontent.ca/ai-training About Emily Baillie  Compass Content Marketing website - compasscontent.caLinkedIn - ca.linkedin.com/in/emilybaillieInstagram - instagram.com/emilybailliesocialThreads - threads.net/@emilybailliesocialTwitter/X - x.com/emilybaillie About the podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    43 min

  9. 04/01/2025

    5 Steps To Create a Memorable Tourism Experience

    In this episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Chris Hughes, a TEN training specialist and master experience crafter with B.C. Hughes. They talk about what experiential travel is, the necessity of investing in product and experience development, and Chris's five-step process for creating unforgettable tourism experiences. They also explore recent travel trends, the importance of collaboration, and the challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector, including workforce development and pricing strategies. 01:25 Chris Hughes' Journey in Tourism05:36 Defining Product and Experiential Travel10:51 Trends in Experiential Travel Post-COVID14:25 How Communities Can Support Experiential Tourism17:05 Five Steps to Building a Successful Travel Experience20:55 Pricing and Costing For Experiences24:46 Importance of Storytelling27:11 Chris’ Most Memorable Travel Experience29:03 Common Challenges in Developing Experiences32:24 Upcoming Best Practice Mission to Collingwood39:58 Workforce Development Challenges and Strategies42:04 Next Episode Preview Join Us on the Best Practices Mission to Collingwood Best Practices Mission webpage - https://tourismexcellencenorth.ca/best-practices-mission-building-quality-destination-strategic-renovations-enhance-your  About Chris Hughes and BC Hughes BC Hughes website - bchughes.caLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/bc-hughesInstagram - instagram.com/bchughestourismFacebook - facebook.com/bchughesconsulting About the Podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    44 min

  10. 03/25/2025

    Taking Northern Ontario Tourism to the Next Level

    In the premiere episode of Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism, host Karen Peacock sits down with Destination Northern Ontario (DNO)’s Executive Director, David MacLachlan, for a wide-ranging chat about the history of DNO and Tourism Excellence North (TEN), how DNO supports Northern Ontario’s tourism sector, and the future of the sector as the region recovers from COVID and navigates the current U.S. trade war. They also discuss workforce development, programs to help businesses grow (including an upcoming Best Practices Mission to Collingwood), and what it’ll take to get Northern Ontario tourism to the next level. 00:50 About Tourism Excellence North and Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism02:48 David's Background in Tourism04:25 The Origins and Role of Destination Northern Ontario10:31 The Origins and Role of Tourism Excellence North16:19 Economic Impact of Tourism in Northern Ontario18:12 Impacts and Opportunities From COVID and the U.S. Trade War23:49 Opportunities in Francophone and Indigenous Tourism26:45 How to Get Involved and Grow Your Business28:52 Upcoming Best Practices Mission to Collingwood32:58 Workforce Development and Succession Planning36:37 Future of Northern Ontario Tourism38:28 Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration41:14 Closing Thoughts and Memorable Experiences44:26 Next Episode Preview Join Us on the Best Practices Mission to Collingwood Best Practices Mission webpage - tourismexcellencenorth.ca/best-practices-mission-building-quality-destination-strategic-renovations-enhance-your About the Podcast Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    45 min

  11. 03/17/2025

    Introducing: Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism

    Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North, which is part of Destination Northern Ontario: Website - tourismexcellencenorth.caFacebook - facebook.com/DestinationNorthernOntarioInstagram - instagram.com/destinationnorthernontarioLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/destinationnorthernontario If you like podcasts, DNO has another one called Destination: Northern Ontario. Season 1 is for people thinking about buying a tourism business, and Season 2 has helpful advice for new tourism operators.   Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

    1 min

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About

Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is a podcast for tourism operators and industry stakeholders featuring experts who understand what it means to run a tourism business or organization here in Northern Ontario. Through casual conversations, you’ll learn about cutting edge topics like AI marketing, Cruise Ship Tourism, and trends that are shaking up the industry. Plus, you can tune in  while driving or doing chores. For even more  insights that’ll help you grow your business, organization, or community, connect with Tourism Excellence North at tourismexcellencenorth.ca  Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is an initiative of Tourism Excellence North and is recorded on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and the Mushkegowuk. It is hosted by Karen Peacock and produced by Storied Places Media with support from Erica Richard, Naza Obasi, and Gillian McCullough.

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