Destination: Northern Ontario

Storied Places Media
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This is a series for tourism business operators in Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting your tourism business, or you've got years of experience under your belt, Season 2 will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business here in the future, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

  1. May 13

    Why Tourism Investors Are Looking North

    Northern Ontario’s tourism sector is at a crossroads. There are big challenges to navigate, from global economic uncertainty to seasonal realities. Yet, visitor numbers and spending are up, new builds are rising across the north, and there's real momentum in the sector. In this episode, Gord Knowles, Destination Northern Ontario's Senior Coordinator of Investment Attraction and Economic Development, shares insights into what's driving investor confidence right now, why tourism businesses need to diversify beyond the US market, and the emerging trends that should be on every tourism business operator’s radar. 00:00 Introduction 02:54 The State of Northern Ontario Tourism Right Now 03:44 US Market Uncertainty 04:55 What’s Driving Increasing Investment and Tourism Receipts 08:29 What to Know If You’re Thinking of Selling Your Business 10:37 Is Now a Good Time to Invest in a Northern Ontario Tourism Business? 13:28 Available Capital 14:35 Challenges Investors Should Know About 15:55 Emerging Trends 18:31 Final Thoughts and Credits Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    20 min

  2. May 5

    How to Hire, Train, and Retain Good Tourism Workers

    If you're an employer in the North's tourism sector, you know how hard it can be to find workers. The good news is that you don't have to tackle this challenge alone. There are organizations that want to help you hire, train, and retain good employees. For this episode, we've assembled a panel of three leaders from three of those organizations to talk about the state of the tourism workforce in Northern Ontario. The panel includes Laurie Marcil of Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario, Chantal Makela of Spark Employment, and Karen Peacock of Tourism Excellence North. We cover the common challenges everyone is facing, what tourism workers are looking for, and the creative ways some employers are stepping up. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to step up your recruitment efforts too. 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Current challenges faced by Northern Ontario tourism operators 09:23 Creative approaches employers using to tackle these challenges 16:18 What are workers looking for in an employer today? 19:03 What operators can do to be more attractive to workers 23:00 Trends tourism operators should be paying attention to 24:40 Resources for training and hiring 32:19 One thing operators could do differently this year to improve their workforce situation 35:15 Wrap-up & closing remarks Learn more Tourism Excellence North (TEN) website: tourismexcellencenorth.caNature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) website: noto.caSpark Employment Services website: sudburyemployment.ca About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    36 min

  3. Jan 9

    What Visitors Need from Northern Ontario’s Transportation Network

    Northern Ontario is big—REALLY big—which can be a challenge for anyone trying to get from one city to another or to escape into our great wilderness. Roads, air, and rail networks are critical to the success of our tourism industry (and economy at large) and that’s why Destination Northern Ontario is making it a priority. Ian Wood is a director on Destination Northern Ontario's board of directors and the chair of its ad hoc committee on transportation issues. In this episode, he lays out the current state of our transportation network, what should be done to improve them for visitors, and what YOU can do to help. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Why Transportation is Key For Northern Ontario Tourism 03:19 Formation and Goal of the Transportation Issues Committee 05:32 Road Transportation in Northern Ontario 10:38 Air Transportation Post-COVID 14:40 Rail Transportation in Northern Ontario 17:36 Opportunities for Air Transportation 21:49 Opportunities for Rail Transportation 26:42 Opportunities for Road Transportation 30:10 How DNO is Advancing Improvements 31:36 Call to Action for Tourism Operators 32:35 The Top Priority 34:16 Postscript: New Air Routes! Mentioned resources Northern Ontario Transportation Challenges & Solutions destinationnorthernontario.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/MC_Transportation%20Challenges%20and%20Solutions_04-14-25_LowRes.pdf About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    35 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    Digital Marketing 101 for Tourism Businesses

    Are you resisting digital marketing for your tourism business? Maybe you think your business is doing just fine without it, or that new technology feels a little overwhelming, or that you've got a Facebook page and isn't that enough? Whatever the reason, this episode’s guest—Mike Jacobs of The New Business—might just convince you to spend more time and money promoting yourself on the worldwide web. If you’re brand new to digital marketing, we’ve got actionable strategies for where to start. If you’re a veteran, you still want to tune in for Mike’s fascinating crystal ball insights on AI and the future of marketing. 02:59 Mike’s Case for Investing in Digital Marketing08:51 The First Things You Should Invest In: Branding and a Website16:35 The Next Step: Social Media18:56 How Much Money to Spend and Where to Spend It23:31 How AI is Changing Marketing28:03 A Digital Marketing Success Story31:12 Future Trends in Digital Marketing Mentioned resources Emily Baillie’s episode of Let’s Talk Northern Ontario Tourism: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6bb28c5d-3291-48fb-836c-d6e1fbca0e4b/ Find out more about The New Business and the Tourism Technology Company The New Business website: thenew.businessTourism Technology Company/Whereabouts website: tourism.tech About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    39 min
  5. Introducing: Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism

    04/04/2025 ·  Bonus

    Introducing: Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism

    Introducing a whole new podcast from Destination Northern Ontario. Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism is 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. Find Let's Talk Northern Ontario Tourism at tourismexcellencenorth.ca/podcast or wherever you listen to podcasts. 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  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
  6. How DMOs Maximize Your Marketing Budget

    03/06/2025

    How DMOs Maximize Your Marketing Budget

    Marketing is an essential expense for every tourism business. If you’ve never heard of a destination marketing organization (DMO) or if you’ve been wondering if your local DMO’s membership fee is worth it, then this episode is for you. Dan Bevilacqua, the Executive Director of Superior Country, explains how Northern Ontario’s DMOs can help you maximize your marketing dollars and bring the right visitors through your doors. 01:35 Understanding Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs)03:30 Northern Ontario’s Target Markets06:13 Market Research Available to Tourism Businesses08:15 Membership Costs and Benefits13:57 Special Programs and Initiatives21:11 Final Thoughts and Advice Destination Management Organizations in Northern Ontario (West to East) Sunset Country visitsunsetcountry.comCity of Kenora visitkenora.caSioux Narrows - Nestor Falls www.snnf.caSuperior Country superiorcountry.caTourism Thunder Bay visitthunderbay.comAlgoma Kinniwabi Travel Association algomacountry.comCity of Sault Ste. Marie saulttourism.comNortheastern Ontario Tourism northeasternontario.comCity of Timmins tourismtimmins.comCity of Greater Sudbury discoversudbury.caCity of Temiskaming Shores temiskamingshores.ca/en/visiting/Events-And-Attractions.aspx About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    23 min
  7. Accounting 101 for Tourism Businesses

    02/05/2025

    Accounting 101 for Tourism Businesses

    Every tourism business owner should know the fundamentals of accounting. Chartered Professional Accountant Dave Covello, a Partner at MNP, explains the basics, including the difference between bookkeeping and accounting, when you should incorporate, the importance of good record-keeping, and the pros and cons of asset sales versus share sales. He also shares a tip that’ll help you save money on accounting fees. 01:23 Meet the Expert: Dave Covello03:03 Understanding Bookkeeping vs. Accounting04:53 Should I incorporate?09:55 Buying and Selling a Tourism Business16:28 Tracking and Claiming Business Expenses21:55 Why You Should File Your Taxes on Time25:22 How to Save Money on Accounting26:35 Final Thoughts and Tips About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast This is a series for tourism business operators in rugged and beautiful Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting out, or you've got years under your belt, this podcast will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business in the north, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

    29 min
  8. Need Money to Buy Your Dream Cottage Resort? A CFDC Can Help.

    10/11/2023

    Need Money to Buy Your Dream Cottage Resort? A CFDC Can Help.

    In this series, we featured southerners who bought a cottage resort in Northern Ontario and have no regrets. After listening to these episodes, maybe you're ready to make the leap, in theory, but the actual dollars and cents are holding you back. If that's the case, tune in to this episode about one of the North’s best kept secrets: Community Futures Development Corporations. CFDCs are nonprofit funding organizations that offer sizable loans with generous repayment terms, even to businesses considered too “risky” by the banks. Our guest for this episode is Ryan Raynard, the Chair of the Northwest CFDC Network and the Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation (LOWBIC). Find a CFDC office in your community: Community Futures Ontario: Northwest Region Community Futures Ontario: Northeast Region  For more information about buying a cottage resort from a retiring owner, visit successionmatching.com. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northern ontario.ca. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. About the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast If you came across a real estate listing for an affordable cottage resort deep in the boreal forest, would you be tempted to buy it? If the answer is yes, then the Destination: Northern Ontario podcast is for you. By the end of this five-part series, you’ll learn everything you should know before buying or starting a tourism business in the north, and hear stories from people who’ve walked the path before and would do it all over again. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced for Destination Northern Ontario by Storied Places Media.

    16 min
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This is a series for tourism business operators in Northern Ontario. Whether you're just starting your tourism business, or you've got years of experience under your belt, Season 2 will make sure you're well equipped for the journey. If you’re not an operator yet, but plan to buy a tourism business here in the future, then check out Season 1 for case studies and expert guidance. Learn more about tourism investment opportunities in Northern Ontario at invest.destination northernontario.ca. Follow DNO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Samson and produced by Storied Places Media.

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