Tourism Talks
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April 1, 2025

Unlocking Hidden Help for Tourism Businesses

Our industry has a problem. Many tourism organizations work tirelessly to support travelers, but those very businesses are often so busy that they don't even realize that support is also available to them. In this conversation, Joanne Wolnik, the inspiring leader of Ontario's Southwest, shares creative ways her team is bridging this gap.

Joanne breaks down how they engage with local businesses, and highlights inspiring success stories of entrepreneurs who have tapped into these resources. She also offers practical tips to help businesses maximize the value of their Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) or other tourism group, with simple, actionable strategies to truly benefit from the available support.

This session provides a thoughtful examination of the disconnect between tourism services and the businesses they serve. More importantly, it offers genuine solutions and examples to help bridge that divide.
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Featuring Joanne Wolnik

Executive Director, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation

Overview

Learn how businesses can get more from their tourism support organizations, including:

 What you'll learn

  • The evolving role of Destination Management/Marketing Organizations
  • Easy ways that businesses can engage with their local DMO or other support organizations
  • Success stories from local businesses
  • What’s holding businesses back from taking advantage of their local resources

 Created for:

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Business Owners
  • Tourism Marketers
  • Destination Marketers
  • DMO Leaders
Meet Our guest Speaker

Joanne Wolnik

Executive Director, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
Joanne Wolnik is the Executive Director of Ontario's Southwest (OSW) Regional Tourism Organization, a position she has held since 2021.

Her time with OSW began eight years prior when she served as the Manager of Tourism Development, where she worked closely with tourism operators and other industry experts to identify the needs and opportunities for tourism growth and development across the region. Her employment background also includes municipal roles in Economic Development and Tourism, as well as continued entrepreneurial ventures as the owner and operator of an equestrian facility.

Joanne's academic credentials include a designation in Economic Development, an MBA, and an Honours degree specializing in tourism. Joanne is inspired and energized by the people who are turning their passions into experiences for guests, making Ontario’s Southwest such an amazing place to live, work, play, and visit.
Patrick Jones - Course author
Hosted by

Conner Galway

President, eLearningU; Junction Consulting

Conner founded the digital business consulting firm Junction, based out of Vancouver BC. There, he leads a team that conducts research, develops strategy, and consults with organizations that are looking to capitalize on digital opportunities.

Conner is an advisor to tourism businesses, leads training for Destination BC, and publishes The Brief, an award-winning weekly newsletter that is read by executives at many top North American brands.