A great place to stay and play: advancing sport tourism at the 2019 Sport Durham Convergence
Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region’s sport tourism industry and local stakeholders came together today to collaborate, learn and celebrate the strength and success of the local sport tourism industry at the 2019 Sport Durham Convergence, held at Durham College’s Esports Gaming Arena.
“Sport tourism generates significant economic impact within Durham Region, and is a sector we are focused on strengthening and growing within the region,” said Brandon Pickard, Manager, Tourism. “Sport tourism is more than just travelling to the region for a game; it’s about the full experience and impact of staying and playing in Durham Region.”
The Sport Durham Convergence provides our local stakeholders, tourism employees and experts the opportunity to share and discuss local trends, grow partnerships, explore opportunities and collaborate, ultimately advancing sport tourism in Durham Region. This year’s event follows the region’s successful hosting duties for the Durham Region 2019 Ontario Parasport Games. Speakers at this year’s Sport Durham Convergence included:
- Lori Talling, on the Durham Region 2019 Ontario Parasport Games Results and Legacy Initiatives, and Sport Durham Update.
- Sarah Wagg, Manager Esports Arena, Durham College on Esports and Sport Tourism. Esports is a $905 million-dollar sport industry and Durham College is taking a lead with their new 46-seat esports arena and competitive varsity team.
- An interactive Panel Discussion on “Untraditional and Emerging Sport Event Opportunities” with panelists representing chess, cricket, esports, pickleball and sitting volleyball, and moderated by Don Terry, Sport Durham Advisory Committee Chair.
- Presentations by Durham College Business of Sport students on “Emerging Sports in Durham Region”– valuable research for public and private facility operators.
- Eric Novak of EnviroDad.com on “Sustainable Event Ideas and a New Way of Thinking” and how to get sustainable wins when planning your next event.
Durham Region is a sport tourism destination, and home to some of the Greater Toronto Area’s best and busiest sporting complexes and venues. A sport-minded, active community, the region has become a first choice for many high-profile sporting events in recent years, welcoming several events for the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am games; the annual Ontario Lacrosse Festival; the 2018 Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships and the 2019 Ontario Parasport Games.
Sport Durham is a program of the Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division, providing a full range of sport tourism services, including bid development, assistance with accommodations, transportation, venue bookings, event promotion, event hosting assistance, visitor information, welcome letters, and letters of support for the various sport industry initiatives throughout the region.
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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.
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