Thank You for Joining Us at the 2025 Regional Tourism Summit

KOA Parry Sound | October 16, 2025

Explorers’ Edge extends a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Regional Tourism Summit at KOA Parry Sound. It was a dynamic and inspiring day that brought together operators, partners, and community leaders from across the region to discuss the future of rural tourism in Ontario.

Your participation, energy, and adaptability as the agenda evolved throughout the day were sincerely appreciated. A special thank-you to our hosts, Tristan and Taylor Berry, for their generous hospitality, and to our entire Explorers’ Edge staff team for their outstanding work organizing this meaningful event.

The day began with a powerful smudging ceremony led by Damian and Jodi from the Parry Sound Friendship Centre, offering both a collective and personal moment of reflection. We were then warmly welcomed by Seguin Mayor Ann MacDiarmid, followed by remarks from host Tristan Berry and Explorers’ Edge Vice Chair Sarah North-Harris, setting a tone of collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.

Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a series of thought-provoking presentations:

• AI for Small Tourism Businesses in Ontario – Peter Coish, strategist, introduced low-risk, practical ways for operators to integrate artificial intelligence into their work, highlighting how AI can streamline marketing, analytics, and guest services while keeping the human touch central to hospitality.
• Evergreen vs. Fast Burn: Visual Storytelling That Lasts – Scott Adams of Birchbark Media contrasted short-term social content with enduring, story-driven visuals that build authentic brand identity, reminding us that in an AI-driven era, authenticity is the ultimate advantage.
• Technology in Outdoor Hospitality – Sarah North-Harris of Camping in Ontario shared how digital tools are reshaping the camping experience, encouraging a balance between innovation and the natural essence of outdoor travel.
• A panel discussion, The Campground Advantage: Experiences that Drive Rural Economies, explored how campgrounds serve as economic anchors in rural tourism.
• Courtney and Jack Good presented the Almaguin Highlands Dark Sky Product Development project, showcasing the creative potential of experiential tourism in our region.

We’ll be regrouping next week to outline final 2025 activities and look forward to sharing updates soon.

All presentations from the Summit can be accessed here:

We are always open to feedback – Click Here to complete our post event survey – a discount code will be provided upon completion of the survey for next years summit

Mark your calendars – 2026 Regional Tourism Summit will be hosted at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka November 5, 2026

And if you missed it, check out our latest newsletter for additional regional updates: November Newsletter