{"id":209115,"date":"2025-10-10T08:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T12:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/?p=209115"},"modified":"2025-10-10T14:44:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T18:44:31","slug":"explorers-edge-announces-2025-regional-tourism-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/explorers-edge-announces-2025-regional-tourism-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"Explorers\u2019 Edge announces 2025 Regional Tourism Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Explorers\u2019 Edge is proud to host the\u00a02025 Regional Tourism Summit<\/em>\u00a0on\u00a0Thursday, October 16, 2025<\/strong>, at KOA Parry Sound. <\/p>\n\n\n

<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With the theme\u00a0\u201cRooted in the Outdoors: Growing Rural Tourism Together,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0this year\u2019s event puts the power of nature, community, and hands-on programming at the centre of rural tourism growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets are $50 (inclusive)<\/strong> and capacity is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosted in the forest at KOA Parry Sound, the Summit brings campground operators, rural businesses, municipalities, and community partners together for a day of learning and connection\u2014covering everything from AI and digital storytelling to the \u201ccampground advantage,\u201d dark-sky experiences, and tech in outdoor hospitality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the on-site experience, attendees will enjoy local flavour from Buns on the Bay<\/strong> (coffee break treats) and a picnic-style lunch by Bubba Shady\u2019s BBQ<\/strong>, underscoring the Summit\u2019s commitment to working with local restaurateurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A Shared Vision for Rural Outdoors Tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRural Ontario\u2019s greatest tourism asset is its outdoors,\u201d said James Murphy, CEO of Explorers\u2019 Edge<\/strong>. \u201cThis summit brings operators, communities, and innovators together to design experiences rooted in nature. When we lead with what makes us unique, authentic landscapes and the people who care for them, we grow an economy that benefits visitors and residents alike.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Parry Sound KOA, nature sets the stage, the focus on guest experience brings it to life. Tristan Berry, Co-Owner of Parry Sound KOA<\/strong> & Board Director with Explorers\u2019 Edge<\/strong>, shared: \u201cIt\u2019s not just camping\u2014it\u2019s what happens around the fire and throughout the campground, surrounded by towering pines and star-filled skies. We engage guests with daily activities, & camp focused events; bringing families together with easy, joyful traditions grounded in the outdoors.  That\u2019s the KOA rhythm: show up, breathe in the fresh air, join in, and make a forever memory. Hosting the Summit here is our chance to share how consistent, low-barrier programming\u2014woven into nature and repeated night after night\u2014can turn a simple stay into a memory worthy of remembrance. From the forested trails to the firepit, we combine moments in nature with a level of service & amenity. Turning stays into stories & guests into ambassadors.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campgrounds deliver more than places to sleep, they deliver moments that stick. \u201cThey sit at the intersection of nature and hospitality,\u201d added Sarah North-Harris, Vice Chair of Explorers\u2019 Edge & Director of Education with Camping In Ontario<\/strong>. \u201cWith storytelling, thoughtful programming, and smart use of technology, we can amplify outdoor experiences and drive growth across rural Ontario.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Summit Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n