Huron County's economic development director says tourism was recognized as one of the county's strongest economic sectors coming out of the county's 2016 strategic plan.
Ron Gaudet explains the goal moving forward is to add capacity and depth to the sector by adding arts and culture and launching it as the arts, culture and tourism sector.
Gaudet says any plan has to include the private sector and so they're working as quickly as possible to involve the Economic Development Board, senior management and in particular, the private industry around arts, culture and tourism so sector is industry-driven, and represents the priorities of its members.
Gaudet says they've also had discussion with RTO4, the region tourism group and they do have some common goals so they'll work together on those goals.
But Gaudet says there are also some projects that are unique to Huron County and the arts, culture and tourism group will go it alone on those projects.
Gaudet also stresses tourism is not going to fall off the radar under the new structure. Things like the visitors guide and Ontario's West Coast will continue, but they want to work with the industry to make sure they're doing things as effectively as possible or make improvements where that would result in better outcomes.
