Grey County is celebrating a major provincial accolade after its "Gather in Grey" initiative was named the top campaign at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence in Ottawa.
Presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the award recognizes outstanding destination marketing in the over fifty-thousand-dollar category for efforts that inspire travel and build local economies.
The campaign beat out tough competition, including regional entries from Waterloo and Hamilton, by focusing on authentic local stories. Internationally recognized chef Roger Mooking joined the effort as the region's first Creative Director and Culinary Ambassador, travelling across the county to spotlight local farmers, restaurateurs, artisans, and makers.
Since its full launch, the campaign has generated nearly two million digital impressions and brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region's online trip-planning tools. The initiative proved so impactful that local leaders have since adopted it as the county’s official, permanent tourism brand, completely replacing the former "Visit Grey" identity.
Director of Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture Savanna Myers noted that the honour is a testament to the community members who power the region's culture.
"This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of tourism operators, businesses, artists, farmers, makers, community partners, and residents whose stories continue to shape Grey County's tourism experience and reputation as a destination where people come together," Myers said.
