Investment Table: Tourism Edition Event
(Formerly known as Tourism Investment Dragons Event)
An annual partnership building event hosted in collaboration with the Economic Development Council of Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
About the Event
This partnership exchange brings together tourism investors and municipalities with market-ready sites via a speed-networking format in downtown Toronto.
- Enables targeted one‑on‑one meetings with investors, operators, and influencers
What Makes It Different
- Helps make connections early
- Curated, deal‑focused conversations
- Designed to reduce time, risk, and uncertainty for investors
- Simple concept, appreciated by all
What makes this event a unique opportunity for municipalities across Ontario?
- A province-wide event
- Only forum of-its-kind in the province
- Keeps tourism investment top-of-mind
- Strong collaboration between the province & EDCO
- Program welcomes a wide range of investment-ready tourism sites.
- Examples:
- Waterfront and urban infill
- Vacant or under‑used buildings
- Heritage and adaptive‑reuse assets
Community Impact
- Over 50 different investors and municipalities have taken part since 2019.
- Past events have resulted in tangible investments (e.g., Towns of Greater Napanee and Gananoque and the Town of Wasaga Beach)
- Municipalities are leaning into tourism as a driver of:
- Job creation
- Year‑round visitation
- Municipal tax base growth
Transition from traditional industries to experience‑based economies
How to Participate
Application Period is now closed. Applications will be evaluated based on the strength and clarity of their tourism opportunity and its potential impact to the local and regional economies. Selected municipalities will be contacted in September to confirm participation.
Cost to participate: There is no cost to apply however, selected municipalities will be charged a small fee to cover lunch and administrative cost associated with the event. Travel expenses will be the responsibility of participating municipalities.
This year's event will be held on November 10th, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
Questions about the process or how to apply? Reach out to Laura DeMille at laura.demille@edco.on.ca
Interested in becoming an investor? Reach out to Emily Rivas at Emily.Rivas@ontario.ca
Tourism Investment Dragons is an exceptional investment attraction initiative that delivers real outcomes. Through EDCO and MTCG's event, Wasaga Beach connected with the Sunray Group, leading to a planned $60M Marriott hotel at Beach Area 1 that will enhance the visitor experience, extend stays, support year-round tourism, and play a central role in our beachfront redevelopment.
Past Event Photos
