Grey County is thrilled to receive a significant provincial award after its “Gather in Grey” initiative was recognized as the best campaign at the 2026 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence held in Ottawa.
This award, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, highlights exceptional destination marketing within the over fifty-thousand-dollar category for efforts that encourage travel and support local economies.
The campaign stood out against strong competition, including regional submissions from Waterloo and Hamilton, by showcasing genuine local stories. Renowned chef Roger Mooking joined the project as the county’s first Creative Director and Culinary Ambassador, traveling throughout the area to highlight local farmers, restaurateurs, artisans, and makers.
Since its official launch, the campaign has generated almost two million digital impressions and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region’s online trip-planning resources. Its success has led local leaders to adopt it as the county’s permanent tourism brand, completely replacing the earlier “Visit Grey” identity.
Director of Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture Savanna Myers mentioned that this recognition is a reflection of the community members who drive the region’s culture.
“This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of tourism operators, businesses, artists, farmers, makers, community partners, and residents whose stories continue to shape Grey County’s tourism experience and reputation as a destination where people come together,” Myers said.
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