Frontenac County Destination Development Plan

In 2022, Frontenac County adopted a five-year Destination Development Plan to serve as a clear, professional roadmap for tourism development and investment. The Plan was built on extensive consultation with residents, businesses, community leaders, and organizations across all four Townships. Its purpose is to provide a coordinated approach to tourism that supports local priorities, strengthens small businesses, and enhances the overall visitor experience.

The Plan is guided by three central directives:

  • Increase year-round revenue for businesses involved in tourism.

  • Provide high-level strategies for County and Township collaboration on destination development.

  • Ensure tourism growth is environmentally sustainable and inclusive of diverse community perspectives.

Six guiding principles further shape how tourism is developed in Frontenac: aligning efforts across the Townships; ensuring every initiative benefits both residents and visitors; building on existing infrastructure like trails, events, and local networks; weaving Indigenous stories into visitor experiences; protecting the natural environment and rural character of the County; and defining a consistent brand identity.

From this framework, four primary goals were established:

  1. Create a dedicated tourism resource to coordinate initiatives and promote local businesses.

  2. Expand and promote trail-based outdoor recreation, making it easier for visitors and residents to explore the County.

  3. Support arts, culture, and heritage organizations to highlight the County’s diverse identity.

  4. Develop a County-wide culinary strategy that connects local producers to tourism experiences.

Together, these elements make the Destination Development Plan a blueprint for sustainable, community-driven tourism. If a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is implemented in Frontenac County, the Plan provides the foundation for how those revenues would be invested—ensuring funds are directed toward projects and initiatives that reflect community priorities and deliver long-term benefits

For more background on how the Destination Development Plan was created, visit: https://engagefrontenac.ca/destinationplan