Dear Partner in Tourism,

We’ve compiled a few last reminders before the holiday break. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

On behalf of the entire team at Tourism London, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday and look forward to working with you in 2025.

In this edition, please take a moment to read about:

Temporary GST/HST Relief Details and Helpful Guide

Effective December 14, 2024 – February 15, 2025, the Government of Canada has announced a temporary GST/HST holiday from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, providing tax relief on specific goods and services. This initiative offers tourism operators a unique opportunity to enhance their offerings and attract more customers during the winter season.

To help you make the most of this initiative, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada has prepared a detailed guide.

Experience Ontario Funding Now Open

The Experience Ontario 2025 Grant provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, reconnect people with local experiences, and increase tourism spending.

Regional Advisors are available to assist with questions about the application process. The application period is now open – applications will be accepted until December 19, 2024, at 4 p.m. (EST).

2025-26 Ontario Trillium Grant Applications Announced

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has announced the deadlines for the upcoming year including grants for the Seed, Capital and Grow streams and the current application period for the Youth Opportunities Fund.

Organizations and groups looking to build stronger and more vibrant communities in Ontario should find out if an OTF grant is the right fit for their project.

Show Your Badge Program Updates

The Tourism London Conventions Team extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the incredible businesses that joined us for the first year of the Show Your Badge program (SYB). Your participation played a key role in welcoming nearly 10,000 conference delegates to London in 2024 across more than 28 conventions – what an incredible start!

The SYB program is all about connecting. Connecting your local business to conference delegates by simply showing their conference name badge, delegates can enjoy exclusive offers at participating restaurants, shops and businesses. It’s a fantastic way to inspire our visiting delegates to explore the city. Did we mention that the SYB program is geo-targeted? So, no matter where conference delegates are meeting in London, we’ve got you covered – and best of all, it’s completely FREE for businesses to join!

If you are not part of the program yet, now’s the time! Visit www.showyourbadge.ca/join to learn more and sign up today.

To the businesses already involved: thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment. We look forward to growing this program together in the coming year and continuing to support and showcase all the amazing businesses London has to offer!

The Next OSW Tourism Collective Event Announced

Save the date! The next Ontario's Southwest Tourism Collective (OSWTC) event is happening on January 31, 2025 in Sarnia/Lambton (exact time, location and keynote speakers to be announced)! This free networking event is a way for tourism partners to come together to collaborate, be inspired and learn something new. Through in-person meetings, workshops and seminars, this group aims to discuss key industry topics and bring tourism partners from across Ontario’s Southwest together.

Register for the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference

The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference (SOTC) will be hosted in Brantford from March 3 to 5, 2025 and you’re invited to attend. This collaborative conference, in partnership with Ontario’s Southwest (OSW) and Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (HHBRTA), brings tourism partners from across the regions together to network, learn and celebrate. There are keynote presentations, breakout sessions and an opportunity to pay to join a learning tour out in the community. We encourage all tourism operators, stakeholders, students and industry professionals to join in for an unforgettable experience.

Submit a Nomination for Ontario’s Southwest’s 2024 Innovation Awards

It’s time to make your nominations! Join us in recognizing outstanding contributions and innovation within Ontario’s Southwest. This year, they’re celebrating remarkable achievements with three prestigious awards: Innovator of the Year, Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year and Luminary of the Year. Know someone making waves or think your efforts deserve recognition? Don’t wait—submit a nomination for yourself or another incredible business/individual today! The nomination deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025.

Please share any updates from your business with us by emailing tourinfo@londontourism.ca or by tagging us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

FOLLOW US