Dear Partner in Tourism,

We hope you’re off to a fantastic start to 2025! We have an exciting lineup of updates and opportunities to share—from funding announcements and networking events to some exciting nominations. Read on for all the latest from Tourism London and our partners:

CAPITAL GRANTS ARE OPEN NOW

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is now accepting applications for its Capital Grants from February 5 to March 5, 2025. This funding opportunity is designed to help grantees enhance and deliver a wide range of community services, supports and programs.

Grant objectives include:

• Maintaining or increasing access to a program or service.
• Extending the life of a facility or space.
• Improving a facility or space to make it more accessible.

Grants can be used for equipment purchases, renovations, retrofits or repairs. If you’re planning to improve accessibility or expand your organization’s impact, this is your chance to secure valuable funding.

CONNECT AND LEARN AT THE SOUTHERN ONTARIO TOURISM CONFERENCE

The Southern Ontario Tourism Conference is quickly approaching, offering tourism professionals a valuable opportunity to expand their network, learn from industry experts and stay ahead of the latest trends. Taking place in Brantford from March 3-5, 2025, this event will feature key speakers on essential topics like digital marketing, AI, global economics and more. Attendees will benefit from hands-on learning sessions and the chance to celebrate innovation in the tourism sector.

Here are the top reasons to attend the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference:

1. Expand your network with tourism professionals.
2. Learn from esteemed industry experts.
3. Participate in hands-on learning sessions.
4. Stay informed about the latest trends.
5. Celebrate and be inspired by tourism innovation.

Ontario’s Southwest INNOVATION AWARD FINALISTS

Congratulations to all the finalists for the 2025 OSW Innovation Awards! A special shout-out goes to the Sustainability Trailblazer of the Year finalists from London, Ontario:

• Heeman’s
• Tourism London (that's us!)

The winners will be announced at the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference. We’re proud to be among the leaders pushing sustainability across the region!

Exclusive Contest for Meeting Planners!

We’re excited to offer an exclusive opportunity for meeting planners to experience London, Ontario’s Rock the Park 2025! Whether you’re a music lover or simply looking to enjoy a night out, this contest offers a chance to enjoy the best of what London has to offer while considering the city for your next corporate gathering.

Prize Package Includes:

• Two tickets to one night of your choice at Rock the Park (July 9–12, 2025)
• A one-night stay at the Delta by Marriott London Armouries Hotel
• Breakfast for two to start your day
• Total prize value: $500

Giveaway Entry Period: February 1–28, 2025
Winner Notification: The lucky winner will be contacted on March 3, 2025 and can coordinate dates with Tourism London.

ONTARIO’S SOUTHWEST TOURISM COLLECTIVE

Want to dive into the latest tourism trends? Join Ontario’s Southwest for the next Tourism Collective event on March 28, 2025 at Museum London. With a keynote address from Steven Hellmann of Little Birdie Media, this free networking event is a fantastic opportunity for tourism partners to collaborate, get inspired and learn something new.

SPORT TOURISM CANADA – PRESTIGE AWARDS FINALIST

A huge congratulations to Tourism London’s own Jeremy Hick for being named a finalist for the Sport Tourism Rising Star of the Year Award by Sport Tourism Canada! Jeremy’s significant contributions in hosting major events—such as the OFSAA Track & Field Championships, the London 2024 Ontario Summer Games and the Canadian Cross Country Championships have not gone unnoticed.

Winners for this award, along with all other PRESTIGE Awards, will be announced on March 20, 2025 in Calgary at the Sport Events Congress.

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

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