Future and Recent Tourism Developments

Durham Live, Pickering 

Durham Live is an upcoming entertainment and tourism district located at Church and Bayly Streets in Pickering. A unique blend of entertainment, culture, nightlife and commercial venues, Durham Live is bringing exciting services and facilities to the region, including a convention centre, film studios and an amphitheatre. The district will include: 

• Pickering Casino Resort 
• Indoor water park
• Amphitheatre
• State of the art cinemas
• The region's first purpose-built film studios
• Exciting restaurants
• Five-star boutiques and hotels
• Office tower

Thermëa Spa, Whitby

Groupe Nordik held a groundbreaking ceremony for its third location, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature in the summer of 2018 at Cullen Central Park in Whitby. The spa features a relaxation and healing centre, covering a 385,423-square-foot area and will be able to welcome up to 1,100 visitors.

Guests can expect an innovative, imaginative, and multisensory relaxation and renewal experience, inspired by the winning formula of its predecessors, Nordik Spa-Nature | Chelsea and Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature | Winnipeg. 

Playdium, Whitby

The Whitby Entertainment Centrum is now home to the Whitby Playdium. Featuring a wide variety of interactive experiences, video games, climbing walls, bowling, rope courses and two-level laser tag, Whitby Playdium is the ultimate place to play. In addition to games and entertainment, there are dining options and private event areas for social gatherings.

Growing Accommodation Sector

The accommodation sector in Durham Region is a dominant industry across many tourism portfolios. These include sport, travel trade, meetings and conventions and business and leisure travel. Exemplary accommodations are an essential component of the tourism experience. Durham Region is currently home to more than 18 established chain hotels as well as many attractive Bed & Breakfast/Inn accommodations across all eight area municipalities.

The future development of the accommodation sector in Durham Region is currently growing to meet industry and visitor demands. The following properties are planned for development:

• Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre–Town of Ajax
• Fairfield Inn and Suites–Town of Ajax
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott–City of Oshawa (Opened 2019)
• Courtyard by Marriott–City of Oshawa (Opened 2019)
• Comfort Inn and Suites–Township of Scugog

Tourism Education Programs 

 Durham College

• Hospitality–Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management (Co-op option available)
• Hospitality Skills
• School of Media, Art and Design
• Special Events Management (Co-op option available)
• Sport Administration (two year program)/Sport Management (three year program)
• Sport Business Management (Graduate certificate)

Ontario Tech University

• Communication and Digital Media Studies

Trent University Durham GTA

• Media Studies (BA)

Liason College

• Career training in the culinary arts

 Tourism Industry Links

• Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)
• Sign up for the Durham Tourism Industry Stakeholder Report (Monthly)