The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve has secured provincial funding to support tourism advancement in the biosphere tourism sector. The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has announced $52,400 in project funding for three of Ontario’s biosphere reserves including our own here along Georgian Bay. Minister Michael Chan says, through the Tourism Development Fund, the funding will help to launch Amazing Places, a project that will promote tourism in these unique regions, help to conserve their ecosystems and contribute to their local economies. Manager of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve Dr. Rebecca Pollock says the funds will support the feasibility and pilot project which will highlight the biosphere regions’ unique environmental significance for interpretation and trail planning. Pollock goes on to say UNESCO biosphere reserves are internationally recognized landscapes that have the potential for communities to attract tourists to unique ecosystems in a way that creates a sustainable destination, supports local economies, while protecting the environment for future generations. In addition, ministry funding will support sustainable tourism best practices workshops that will present to local businesses the sustainability principles in tourism planning, with a focus on the environmental, social, cultural, and local economic values, and developing high-quality, high-value niche experiences for Ontario’s biosphere reserves.
