Public consultation open for County’s new Destination Marketing Organization

The municipality is asking for public input about the new organization that will oversee tourism marketing for Prince Edward County.

In December 2021, council approved the new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that will be led by tourism industry stakeholders. The DMO will operate at arm’s length of the municipality similar to the public library or affordable housing corporation. Through the new DMO, the tourism industry will have significant input on destination marketing decisions while maintaining partnership with the municipality to align with tourism management planning.

A public information session about the new DMO is to be held Thursday, Jan. 20 from 7-8 pm. Members of the public will have the chance to learn more about the organization and timeline — including key phases of the transition toward the new DMO. Questions can be submitted in advance to Rebecca Lamb, Destination Marketing and Development Coordinator, at rlamb@pecounty.on.ca. Staff are to take input from this session into consideration when drafting a new bylaw to incorporate the DMO, to be presented for council’s consideration Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, the meeting will be held virtually over Zoom. Registration is required and can be completed using this link. 

A recording of the session is to be available for viewing after the meeting. Additional information is available on the County’s online engagement site, Have Your Say.

Following this public information session, municipal staff will be engaging tourism industry stakeholders around elements of the DMO, including board structure, board member competencies, and governance. The inaugural board of the DMO, which is expected to be in place by April 2022, will be responsible for passing the DMO’s bylaws and policies.

Tourism industry stakeholders who would like to get involved and offer feedback can contact Rebecca Lamb, Destination Marketing and Development Coordinator, at rlamb@pecounty.on.ca or 613.503.1309.