For Immediate Release

July 26, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FUNDS 1000 ISLANDS MARKETING PARTNERSHIP TO INCREASE TOURISM IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS

KINGSTON – The 1000 Islands Marketing Partnership will undertake a marketing project with a $50,000 investment from the Ministry of Tourism, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Minister of Tourism Jim Bradley.

“Our government is working with tourism industry organizations across the province to create new marketing campaigns to increase tourist visits and spending in Ontario,” said Gerretsen “This new partnership with the 1000 Islands Marketing Partnership will increase tourism and generate economic activity which will boost the quality of life in Kingston.”

The1000 Islands Marketing Partnership has representation from both New York and Ontario and strives to develop and implement creative programs to partner with each other and their respective local partners. The grant announced today for will extend the partnership’s existing television campaigns into the end of August in U.S. markets. This investment will also be applied to the distribution of a 1000 Islands lure piece in community papers in the key markets of Montreal, Toronto, Syracuse and Rochester.

“We are pleased to receive these funds,” said John Lalonde, Chair of the 1000 Islands Marketing Partnership. “This funding will assist in promoting the 1000 Islands region as a tourist destination.”

These grants from the ministry’s agency, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, are designed to encourage new and joint marketing opportunities with the province to improve Ontario’s economy through increased tourism revenues. This financial assistance to Ontario tourism marketing organizations will help develop Ontario as a four-seasons destination, while increasing the number of visitors and the length of their stay.

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