January 31, 2017 (Peterborough ON) – Through the 2016-17 Partnership Allocation Program, Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) and Days Inn & Suites Lindsay have partnered to provide a “Love Your Trail Sponsorship” to the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail (KTCT).

The region has seen a surge in cycle tourism and is honoured to be home to this beautiful, 54-kilometre stretch of the Trans Canada Trail. The sponsorship not only provides funding to maintain and enhance the trail, but it also increases awareness of cycle-friendly businesses, like the Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, in order to promote longer stays, and increased visitors spending in the region.

Marie Lummiss, Operations Coordinator for Kawarthas Northumberland, says that she hopes to see more partnership applications like this when the next round of the Program launches in April. “This is a great partnership opportunity that delivers on both external marketing and wayfinding signage components. Not only does it support recreational tourism on the trail and provide our partner with exposure to a key visitor demographic, it also ensures that the trail is maintained so users will have exceptional experiences to speak of when they return home.”

As part of the sponsorship, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay and Kawarthas Northumberland will receive online promotion through logo and website link placement on the KTCT website. They will also be recognized on 8 gateway signs that are located on the trail throughout Kawartha Lakes. This will let potential travellers and trail visitors alike know that there is an option to stay and explore.

“Having the opportunity to work with the RTO8 in becoming a sponsor for the KTCT was an exciting one for us. As a bike friendly location with a bike pump and wash station available to anyone using the trail, this partnership was a perfect fit. The support from the RTO8 made it easy for the Days Inn & Suites Lindsay to become more involved with the KTCT,” says Candace Buckley, General Manager of Days Inn & Suites Lindsay. “We hope that this sponsorship will encourage more cyclists to use the trail and go greater distances on the trail knowing that there is a pit stop directly on the route.”

The KTCT offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the trail. From cycling and running in the spring and summer, to capturing photos of the autumn splendor from the Trestle Bridge, to taking to the snow on sled or ski, this is an outdoor adventurer’s haven. They KTCT is funded entirely by sponsorships, in-kind support and individual donations. To learn more about making a donation to the trail, please visit ktct.ca/donate.

Background:
The Kawarthas Northumberland Partnership Allocation Program was launched in April 2013 as an additional tool for Regional Tourism Organization 8 to encourage partnerships, strategic coordination and leveraging of regional resources. The Program provides up to 50% matched funding to help enhance tourism in our region through the development of new and innovative tourism experiences, marketing efforts, and enhancing the visitor experience.

The 2017-18 Program will launch in April, 2017. Program details and application forms will be posted on rto8.com/partnership/allocation/ in early March. To receive updates on the Partnership Program and other valuable industry news, sign up for the RTO8 industry newsletter here.

Contact:
Marie Lummiss
Operations Coordinator RTO8
Kawarthas Northumberland
705-874-8505 x 103
admin@rto8.com

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