RTO8 launches first-ever Regional Tourism Summit

August 5th, 2025 (Port Hope, Ontario) – Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) is proud to announce the inaugural Kawarthas Northumberland Regional Tourism Summit: Stronger Together, Shaping the Future of Rural Tourism, taking place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the historic Cameco Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Organized by Regional Tourism Organization 8 and in partnership with Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough; this one-day summit will bring together tourism operators and industry partners to explore key opportunities and challenges shaping tourism within Kawarthas Northumberland.

Visitor service providers within the accommodation, food & beverage, retail, attractions, festivals and events, guiding and agritourism sectors located within the Kawarthas Northumberland region are invited to attend the event for a day of insight, inspiration, and collaboration.

The summit promises a full day of engaging programming. Attendees will hear a keynote address from Andrew Siegwart, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), alongside a series of insightful panel discussions covering timely topics such as Indigenous Collaboration, Agritourism, Content Marketing, and Event Sustainability.

“Tourism is at the heart of our region’s identity and economy,” says Brenda Wood, Executive Director of RTO8. “This summit is an opportunity to come together, share ideas, and develop practical tools to support a thriving, resilient tourism sector across Kawarthas Northumberland.”

In addition to thought-provoking content and networking opportunities, the event will also feature the Tasters Market- a curated showcase of local food and beverage producers. Attendees will have the chance to sample, shop, and connect with the passionate Tasters behind some of the region’s most celebrated products.

“We are thrilled to host the first-ever Regional Tourism Summit in Northumberland County. We look forward to welcoming tourism partners from across the Kawarthas Northumberland region to the beautiful atmospheric Capitol Theatre in the historic downtown of Port Hope for just a taste of the vibrant history, culture and natural beauty Northumberland has to offer” says Diane Murenbeeld, Manager, Northumberland Tourism.

The summit experience also includes a locally catered breakfast, lunch, and a sweet treat from the beloved Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

Tickets are now available, with early bird pricing in effect until September 5, 2025. For more information, visit www.rto8.com/summit/