The City of Owen Sound is being named a finalist in two categories of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s 2021 Tourism Resiliency Awards.
A release notes the city’s winter culinary promotion, Savour Owen Sound, was picked as a finalist in the Collaboration and Innovations categories.
The well received promotion is held each year in March, which encourages residents and visitors to try out different restaurants.
During the pandemic, Owen Sound’s tourism division was able made changes to services, marketing and promotions, to still hold Savour Owen Sound while following Covid regulations. A revised curbside framework for the promotion was used to show off the local culinary industry in a safe manner.
Using the hashtag #SupportLocal, Savour Owen Sound 2021 encouraged residents to place online orders, do curbside pickup, and order deliveries to limit the spread of the virus.
During the month-long campaign, over 780 ballots were submitted at 18 participating restaurants, showing over 1,250 Savour Owen Sound Meals were enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy says, “we are proud to see Savour Owen Sound announced as finalists in both the Collaborative and Innovation categories for the Tourism Resiliency Awards. City Staff have worked hard to support our small business community, prior to and throughout the pandemic.”
The winners of the awards will be announced at the 2021 Ontario Tourism Summit this week in Ottawa, on Oct. 26 and 27.
