Rural Tourism

Rural Tourism development is an economic development strategy considered by many rural and small town communities as a key means of improving the local economy. Rural Ontario's geographical and cultural diversity provides a wide range of tourism products and experiences. Many rural communities have identified tourism as an economic growth sector to replace traditional industries.

Current travel trends and predications for the future point to a strong global tourism industry well into the next millennium. Ontario's tourism industry must keep pace with the general growth in the industry. A recent Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) study indicates that Ontario occupies a unique position in the tourist's "perceptual map". Rural Ontario possesses the natural amenities, history & culture, lifestyle experience, and the types of attractions and events that appear to be increasingly in demand by tourists.

A wide range of factors needs to be considered when choosing to pursue rural tourism as an economic development strategy. The following represent a select number of rural tourism resources.

• Travel Activities and Motivations Study
  The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food were partners in the Travel Activities and Motivations Survey (TAMS) study. The TAMS study examines the interest by both U.S. and Canadian markets in a number of tourism sectors including agri- tourism. The study is aimed at assisting tourism stakeholders to identify key markets. View the full report.

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