Muskoka Tourism board top heavy with resorts

GRAVENHURST — Another summer comes with a fresh start for one of Muskoka’s top tourism business associations and will be led again by major resort representatives.

Tis the season for Muskoka – the playground of the rich and poor.

At their May annual general meeting, Muskoka Tourism introduced its new board of directors for 2018/2019.

They have elected a new executive team to help guide the organization, which is funded by member dues and heavily by the District of Muskoka, which owns the welcome centre in Gravenhurst on Hwy. 11 NB.

Chair – Luke Nixon-Janssen, Deerhurst Resort
Vice Chair – Scott Doughty, Hidden Valley Resort
Vice Chair – Ken Schulz, Rocky Crest
Secretary/Treasurer – Brian Hough, Baysville Marina and North Granite Ridge Golf
Past chair – Leah Leslie, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa
Appointed district representatives – Don Smith, Bracebridge and Peter Cooper, Georgian Bay Township

The executive’s board members are:
Kelly Haywood, Huntsville Lake of Bays, Chamber of Commerce
Debbie Eccles, Sunset Cruises
Kit Redding, Clear Lake Brewing Co.
Sandy Lockhart, Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce
Randy Mitson, Algonquin Outfitters
Jonathon Massey, Residence Inn Gravenhurst
Jean-Ann Baranik, Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh/Muskoka Lakes Winery
Negin Company, Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa and SE Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce
Andrew Rusynyk, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area
Cameron Therrien, Santa’s Village
Christine Kropp, Whimsical Bakery
Krista Storey, Gravenhurst Opera House
Non Voting Resource Members:
Samantha Hastings, commissioner of planning and economic development, District of Muskoka
Scot Weeres, District of Muskoka

According to a release statement from new chair Nixon-Janssen: “The tourism marketplace is extremely competitive. To maintain the Muskoka brand and grow market share we need to be focused on all of our efforts working with industry and other key stakeholders in the Muskoka Region. The vision/mission statements are key starting points and I look forward to working with the Muskoka Tourism board and staff.

About Muskoka Tourism:
The Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency (MTMA) is a not-for-profit association representing some 300 members and stakeholders in Muskoka’s tourism industry. Originally established in 1935 as the Muskoka Tourist Association to promote Muskoka as a vacation destination, in 1985 it evolved to become the Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency (MTMA).

It’s vision is: To be the driving force behind Muskoka’s tourism industry, as Ontario’s most progressive Destination Marketing Organization.

It’s mission: To create marketing excitement that inspires visitors to choose Muskoka first and often as Ontario’s “must-experience” destination.