Tourism Oxford, Community Futures Oxford and Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 Tourism Innovation Grant. Following a thorough review and scoring process, four local businesses will each receive $3,000 to help develop a new tourism product in 2023.

The 2023 grant recipients include:

• Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese: To assist extending visitors stays with new interpretive displays and a new event space
• Terra Nova Nordic Spa: To create a new greenhouse treatment experience
• Berrylicious Fruit Farm: To expand picnic program offerings
• Sixthirtynine: To enhance the Chef’s Table experience

In total, the program received nine applications, which were evaluated on creativity, innovation, feasibility, economic and community impact, as well as equity and inclusion. Judges from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC) and Travel Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) assisted in selecting the final award winners.

When combined, the four award-winning projects will create more than seven local jobs, support 53 local suppliers, welcome more than 11,480 visitors in 2023, and invest more than $85,500 into the Oxford County economy.

For more information on the Oxford County Tourism Innovation Grant, and details about the award-winning projects, please visit https://cfoxford.ca/funding/tourismgrant.  

Comment

Carol Greenwood, Vice President of Operations & Partnerships, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

“Learning about innovation in Oxford County never disappoints. The purposeful choice of ensuring the priority of inclusivity, community engagement and sustainability with all applicants showed the strength in leadership within this group.”

Images

Tourism Innovation Grant Recipient: Berrylicious Fruit Farm
Tourism Innovation Grant Recipient: Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese
Tourism Innovation Grant Recipient: Sixthirtynine Restaurant   
Tourism Innovation Grant Recipient: Terra Nova Nordic Spa 

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About Tourism Oxford

Located in the heartland of Southwestern Ontario, Oxford County is known for great cycling, slow food, a diverse heritage and its commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Sample the cheese trail, see how our landscape inspires local artists, and immerse yourself in our rural lifestyle. Just slow down and unplug as you tour Oxford.

Tourism Oxford recognizes Oxford County's strengths are its natural environment, rich agricultural land, heritage and cultural opportunities. Tourism Oxford has therefore embraced Future Oxford’s sustainability commitments to preserve the tourism appeal and assets of Oxford County.

About Community Futures Oxford

Oxford Small Business Support Centre Inc., operating as Community Futures Oxford, contributes to sustainable communities supported by economic stability, growth and job creation in Oxford County, enabled through diversified and competitive local economies. Community Futures Oxford operates as an independent non-profit organization and as such, is overseen by a volunteer board of directors.

About Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation

Rural Oxford Economic Development is committed to helping people and businesses succeed by helping people navigate the ins-and-outs of the development process to enable business growth in five Townships: Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and Zorra.