Local sport tourism industry leaders connect and collaborate at the Sport Durham Convergence

Whitby, Ontario –

Durham Region’s growing sport tourism industry was celebrated among local sector stakeholders today at the Sport Durham Convergence, held at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa.

In an effort to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to share experiences, learn about industry best practices, receive important updates, and network with one another, Sport Durham – part of The Regional Municipality of Durham, Economic Development and Tourism Division – hosted an industry speaker and interactive networking event, focused on growing and strengthening the sport tourism industry in Durham Region.

“The Sport Durham Convergence provides our valued stakeholders with an opportunity to connect and explore effective ways to leverage Durham’s assets to attract visitors to the region,” said Kathy Weiss, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Sport tourism is considered one of fastest-growing sectors in the global travel industry right now, and this event is all about finding innovative ways for local businesses to work together for the advancement of sport tourism in Durham Region.”

The event featured an inspiring keynote address presented by Durham’s Perdita Felicien, World Champion, Olympian, and sports broadcaster, who spoke about her experience as an athlete growing up in Durham Region, and how the Durham community can effectively collaborate to provide visiting athletes with the best possible experiences. Other speakers included:

• Kathy Weiss, Director, Economic Development and Tourism, The Regional Municipality of Durham

• Lori Talling, Sport Durham Co-ordinator, Economic Development and Tourism, The Regional Municipality of Durham

• Don Terry, Sport Durham Advisory Committee Chair

• Cheryl Finn, Director of Sport Tourism for Tourism London, and Chair of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA)

• Blair McIntosh, Vice-President Sport, Special Olympics Canada

The presenters updated participants on innovative sport tourism initiatives; encouraged collaboration as part of individual business strategies; and provided practical advice to help further success as integral members of the growing sport tourism industry.

Sport Durham is part of The Regional Municipality of Durham, Economic Development and Tourism Division. The program was approved by Regional Council in February 2016, and provides a full range of sport tourism services. Services include: bid development, assistance with accommodations, transportation, venue bookings, event promotion, event hosting assistance, visitor information, welcome letters, and letters of support for the various sport industry initiatives throughout the region.

For more information about Sport Durham, visit www.durhamtourism.ca/sporttourism/ or call 1-800-413-0017.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.