Experience Development
Develop New Experiences With Us
Today's travellers seek more than just sightseeing, they desire meaningful connections with local people, cultures, and environments. They're eager to immerse themselves in unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that engage the senses and offer genuine cultural insights.
Why Offer Experiential Travel?
Meet Traveller Expectations: Align with the growing demand for authentic, immersive experiences.
Stand Out: Differentiate your offerings by emphasizing value and uniqueness over price.
Expand Opportunities: Attract new markets, encourage repeat visits, and foster partnerships.
Maximize Resources: Use existing infrastructure creatively to offer new experiences.
Boost Off-Season Business: Maintain engagement and revenue year-round.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can enhance or develop new experiences you’re in the right spot!
Signature Experience Program
Experience Development Training
Guidebooks
Programming is generally centered around one or more of the following four things:
Providing access to a special place
Sharing a skill that’s been crafted by the host
Putting purpose behind passion (e.g., eating local food, crafting with a local artisan, cultural immersion, exploring nature)
Has a focus on being transformational, engaging and immersive - inviting guests to not only be a part of it but become active and engaged
The host brings an element to an experience that cannot be replicated
The experience must be bookable and have a clear outline of value proposition
What is an experience?
Ready to get started?
Ontario’s Southwest offers support for you to develop or enhance your experiences!
We offer training through our signature Unlocked & Inspired program, or you can partner with us to work through the logistics including defining your ideal guests, itinerary development, costing & pricing, and market development.
Click the options below for each stage in the experience development journey!
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Self-Guided Experience Development Training
Learn from 4 different video case studies of businesses in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba that have created experiences, shifted their business strategy, and are willing to share what they have learned!
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‘Unlocked & Inspired’ Experience Development Training
Ontario’s Southwest offers in-person experience development training through the Unlocked & Inspired course which is offered every year in the fall. Click here to find out more!
If you haven’t already watched our case studies, we highly recommend doing so before participating in Unlocked & Inspired to get the most out of this training. Click here to watch the case studies.
Certified Experience Development Coaches
If you’re looking for help to create meaningful experiences that can add new revenue to your business, contact one of our certified Experience Development Coaches. Click here to meet the coaches!
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‘Unlocked & Inspired’ Experience Development Training
Ontario’s Southwest offers in-person experience development training through the Unlocked & Inspired course which is offered every year in the fall. Click here to find out more!
If you haven’t already watched our case studies, we highly recommend doing so before participating in Unlocked & Inspired to get the most out of this training. Click here to watch the case studies.
Access to Research
Click here for detailed reports, statistics, and publications for tourism businesses. Email Ana Baxter for custom market segmentation research to help you reach ideal customers.
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The Ontario’s Southwest (OSW) Signature Experience program
The OSW Signature Experience program features unique experiences within the region. We aren’t accepting applications at this time but encourage all who are interested in the program to click here to learn more.
Travel Trade Opportunities
Email Ana Baxter if you are trade-ready and she can connect you with a wholesaler to package products.
Marketing Opportunities
Click here to learn how you can work with Team OSW to market your experience.
Here are a few success stories!
Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life
Ottercreek Woodworks
Jireh Hills Family Homestead
Learn from these video case studies with businesses in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba that have created experiences, shifted their business strategy, and are willing to share what they have learned!
Experience Development Case Studies
