The executive director of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton (TSL) says the organization is very excited to host the 2024 Southern Ontario Tourism Conference.
Hundreds of industry stakeholders will make their way to the area, March 4 to 6, 2024.
Mark Perrin said it's TSL's first time hosting the conference.
He's looking forward to showcasing all that Sarnia-Lambton has to offer, including a rich variety of entertainment, adventures, pristine lake and river views, as well as natural beauty and discoveries.
"We've been having some really great success with some of our programs throughout the pandemic, and as we go through recovery here," said Perrin. "Our gift card program is really a provincial leader, and an exercise that's created a lot of economic revenue for our tourism businesses -- that's something that comes to mind right away. We've talked to a lot of different organizations that are looking to replicate that program in their regions. When they come here, people will recognize the beauty of our area. What we have to offer is sometimes kind of a lost gem in Ontario."
Perrin is also confident that TSL can learn something from other municipalities and incorporate new ideas here.
"It's all about collaboration and partnerships," he said. "With some of the decision makers on funding, it's always important to kind of put everything together, that's what this conference does. It's kind of a best practices, with key factors, and collaborations on how we can move the industry forward, especially in our own backyard. We want to know what we can do to keep improving, and really drive that economic impact for years to come in Sarnia-Lambton."
Perrin expects the conference to have a great economic benefit locally as well, similar to the way Silver Stick generates money for the region.
He said visitors will be staying in hotels, eating at local restaurants and will possibly be taking part in other attractions.
More information can be found at www.sotourismconference.com.