Port Hope Council Approves New Tourism Strategy and Action Plan

For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - Port Hope, ON

At their meeting on September 15, Port Hope Council approved a new Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, establishing a clear roadmap to strengthen the municipality's visitor economy over the next five years and support sustainable tourism growth across the community.

The strategy is rooted in extensive community engagement conducted between November 2023 and May 2024, and again in February 2026. The process gathered valuable feedback from tourism operators, local businesses, residents, community organizations, cultural institutions, and those working within Port Hope's front-line visitor economy.

"Tourism plays a key role in our local economy," said Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. "This strategy provides a thoughtful, community-informed framework to help Port Hope build on its strengths, support local businesses and create meaningful experiences that benefit residents and visitors alike."

The Tourism Strategy focuses on five strategic priorities:

1. Strengthening destination readiness through improved wayfinding, visitor information, and service delivery.
2. Growing four-season economic benefits and reputation building as a destination.
3. Delivering tourism initiatives through coordinated partnerships and clearly defined roles.
4. Embedding stewardship and accessibility across tourism experiences, events, and communications.
5. Managing tourism through evidence-based decision making, performance measures, and transparent reporting.

To mark the adoption of the strategy and begin implementation efforts, the Municipality is inviting members of the tourism community to attend From Strategy to Action: Tourism Strategy Launch. The event will take place on December 1 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the new strategy and explore ways to participate in implementation. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.

The Tourism Strategy and Action Plan reflects a shared commitment to growing tourism in a way that supports local businesses, protects community assets, celebrates Port Hope's unique character and enhances quality of life for residents.