Just in time for the tourism season, tourism business owners and operators in Kawarthas Northumberland can “Acceler8” their chances for a stellar summer by applying for support from a mentor.
Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) has opened a new intake for Acceler8, a personalized business mentorship program designed to support tourism operators across Kawarthas Northumberland, which includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County.
Refreshed for 2025, Acceler8 is tailored to help tourism businesses navigate today’s evolving market and economic conditions. Through one-on-one coaching with experienced tourism professionals, participants will receive strategic support to overcome specific business challenges, streamline operations, and identify new opportunities for growth, a press release noted.
Acceler8 program manager Joe Rees shared his thoughts about the new intake stream, and what businesses can expect from the program, with kawarthaNOW.
“Acceler8 offers one-on-one coaching for small business with experienced professionals, but as part of our refresh, the process has been restructured so that participating businesses will receive immediate strategic support to overcome a specific business challenge or need,” Rees said.
“This could include creating new experiences, bringing a product to market, streamlining operations or identifying new opportunities for growth. As we rapidly head into a season where Canadians are expected to travel closer to home, it is critical to be ready to host visitors with the best product possible, and that is what the Acceler8 program is geared to do.”
VIDEO: RTO8 Acceler8 – Blades of Glory Testimonial
Acceler8 is open to tourism-related businesses in accommodations, retail, attractions, experiences, and food and beverage sectors. Participants will be matched with seasoned professionals who bring not only deep industry knowledge but also regional understanding, accounting for differences in municipal by-laws, visitor expectations, and available resources.
“Tourism is a major economic driver in our region, and we’ve got an incredible range of experiences and operators,” Rees said. “Acceler8 connects those on the ground with mentors who understand the landscape and can help navigate it strategically.”
Operated in partnership with local economic development offices and destination marketing/management organizations across the region, Acceler8 provides a unique regional perspective that “goes beyond cookie-cutter solutions,” he added.
“Our hope is that in this very challenging business environment, RTO8 can provide critical support to tourism businesses,” Rees said. “By actively engaging with them and providing professional guidance, Acceler8 hopes to create even more reasons for people to visit Kawarthas Northumberland.”
“With another busy travel season on the horizon and growing interest in Canadian getaways, now is the perfect time for tourism businesses to tap into expert guidance. Acceler8 is all about helping tourism businesses thrive, not just survive.”
For more information and to apply, visit rto8.com/acceler8/.
