Miscellaneous NOTO Membership Benefits
Industry Advocacy
Your membership allows NOTO to continue its advocacy tradition to lobby on behalf of the Nature & Outdoor Tourism Industry in Ontario.
Over the past year alone, NOTO was able to:
- Help many guests with minor criminal records, such as DUIs enter Canada. Did you know that guests can call NOTO directly for advice and assistance in clearing up admissibility problems? Immigration consultants charge hundreds of dollars for this advice – NOTO provides it to your guests free!
- Provide information and support to the industry on a wide range of other issues
- Provide every qualified operator a free listing in the NOTO Ontario Outdoor Adventure Guide
- Distribute the guide to 35,000 US and Canadian consumers at sports shows, in Bass Pro Shops, Cabellas, by mail and through tourism information centres as well as through 1-800-ONTARIO.
- Negotiate a market value for land use permits that will see existing lease rates decrease
- Negotiate an interim agreement on outpost camp transfers that eliminated cuts to bed capacity when an outpost is sold
Other recent NOTO accomplishments include:
- Working with the Ministry of Health for a sensible approach to drinking water safety administered by local health units
- Encouraging operators to reduce their energy expenses by adopting renewable energy sources and provide information on financial assistance that can pay up to 50% of the cost
- The government’s new Regional Tourism Organization initiative will bring $4.2 million in new tourism support spending to northern Ontario. NOTO continues to be a key player in the development of this initiative to make sure these new funds truly benefit the industry.
We Need to do More
There are many more issues facing the nature and outdoor tourism industry...
We need...
- A comprehensive resource-based tourism licensing would add value and increase business investment, and NOTO continues to strongly advocate for a real and meaningful tourism license.
- Allocation systems for moose, bear and other licenses that provide for stable business planning and enhance the value of tourism
- A simplified border check system to allow large parties to be “pre-cleared” and developing simpler methods for guests to check on potential problems in advance. NOTO is in talks right now to move this issue forward!
- Changes in land use can devastate tourism values as forestry, mining, renewable energy and other developments are undertaken. NOTO continues to advocate for improved land use planning to protect the natural values that make northern Ontario a world class outdoor destination.
- Technical and financial assistance to meet new requirements in a variety of areas including renewable energy, water and wastewater treatment, the new fire codes and many others
- Access to qualified help like foresters, biologists and others who can help us manage our resources better and enhance the value of our businesses
- Programs that increase access to capital so that we can invest in and improve our businesses
- Tourism marketing programs that are accountable to the industry and meet the needs of our sector
Being a member of NOTO helps send a message to government that we are speaking on behalf of a strong, united industry. Your membership dollars also pay for the services you need, from lobbying government to providing you with advice and information on issues from water regulations to moose tags.
Industry Knowledge
The Outfitter
The Outfitter newsletter will keep you up-to-date on important advocacy issues and important information. Between issues, members will be notified of any time sensitive matters by email, fax or post.
Annual NOTO Convention
The annual NOTO Convention is an opportunity for operators to gain valuable insight on tourism-based business matters. Workshops, industry speakers, Government Ministers, Allied Tradeshow, and evening entertainment make the conference both fun & educational. For more information on our upcoming event contact our office.
