The information meetings are over and now it’s time to consider participation on a permanent board of directors for Region 7, Regional Tourism Organization. (RTO7)
Since November 10th, transitional board members have been talking with stakeholders in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe counties about the future of the RTO7.
The last meeting was held in Owen Sound last Friday.
The Co-chair of the Transitional board Bryan Plumstead says they’re now looking for nominees to make up the board, which will consist of 3 each from Bruce, Grey and Simcoe counties plus an additional 6 at large.
Plumstead has been telling the public meetings that despite the vibrant tourist industry in the three counties, the province as a whole was losing international tourism dollars.
The government felt tourism regions would help solve that problem.
At the nine meetings held, some delegates questioned the wisdom behind implementing the Regional Tourism Levy, which is essence is a 1 to 3 per cent surcharge on overnight accommodations.
Plumstead says the province has been very quiet on this issue however there is an indication that the local region will have some control over the levy.
Nominations for the permanent board of directors are being accepted until December 10th.
Plumstead says they hope the board will be in place by the end of January with their first working session scheduled for February.
