The Port Hope Tourism Strategy and Action Plan was prepared by the Port Hope Economic Development Division, based on the engagement insights gathered during the tourism strategy consultations conducted between November 2023 - May 2024 and February 2026. It includes feedback from tourism operators, local businesses, residents, community organizations, cultural institutions, and people working within Port Hope’s front line visitor economy.
From Strategy to Action: Tourism Strategy Launch
Join us to explore the new tourism strategy, hear about Year 1 priorities and find out how you can participate in implementation.
We welcome all members of the tourism community including, but not limited to:
- owners/operators/employees of businesses such as restaurants, attractions, retailers
- leaders/members of cultural organizations/community groups
- event producers, tour operators, market managers
- residents
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: Community room at the Jack Burger Sports Complex, 60 Highland Drive, Port Hope
Vision
Port Hope will be Ontario’s leading heritage and waterfront destination for four-season discovery, where culture, countryside charm, local taste, and river-to-shoreline beauty come together, delivered with pride and stewardship.
Mission
To strengthen a resilient, four-season visitor economy by elevating Port Hope's heritage, cultural, rural, and waterfront experiences, supporting the success of local businesses and community partners, and ensuring tourism growth is managed responsibly for lasting community benefit.
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Strategic Priorities |
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Over the next five years, Port Hope Tourism aims to boost year-round visitation and spending while enhancing community identity and vitality. The Tourism Strategy focuses on five Strategic Priorities that guide annual planning and partnerships. Key actions will be prioritized to improve readiness, experience quality, and support four-season growth. |
| Strengthen destination readiness |
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by improving the visitor journey from countryside to downtown to shoreline through clear wayfinding, reliable visitor information, and peak-period servicing fundamentals |
| Grow four-season economic benefit and reputation building |
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by packaging signature experiences that extend dwell time, increase spending at local businesses and cultural anchors, and encourage repeat visitation. |
| Deliver through a coordinated municipal and partner system |
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with clear roles, disciplined annual work planning, and shared accountability for results. |
| Embed stewardship and accessibility |
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across experiences, events, and communications to protect sensitive assets and sustain resident confidence in tourism growth. |
| Manage tourism with evidence |
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using practical performance measures, readiness gates, and transparent reporting so promotion and investment remain aligned with capacity. |
This Tourism Strategy is aligned with the municipality’s broader corporate direction and will be implemented in coordination with existing plans, including the Strategic Plan 2025–2028, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Strategy (2026), Port Hope’s Sustainable Future - Community Climate Action Plan (2025), Leisure Services Master Plan (2021), Culture Plan (2012), and the Waterfront and Riverwalk Master Plan (2023). As implementation proceeds, the municipality will consult and integrate relevant actions and standards from these corporate plans to ensure tourism initiatives reinforce approved community priorities and capital planning.
For a copy of the Tourism Strategy please contact us by phone at 905-885-8760 or email.