Who We Are
Destination Ontario is the lead tourism marketing organization for Ontario, Canada. We market Ontario to travel consumers within Ontario, Canada and around the world. We inspire travellers to make Ontario a must-see destination on their travel list and to return to the beauty of Ontario again and again. Key to our success is working collaboratively with our tourism partners to benefit from shared content, joint partnerships and delivering a visitor-first approach to our marketing.
Established in 1999, Destination Ontario is an agency of the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
Mission
To generate increased visitation by Ontario, Canadian and international tourists, enhance tourism expenditures in Ontario, and contribute to provincial economic prosperity through impactful marketing and results oriented investment partnerships.
Board of Directors
Destination Ontario is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business leaders who are appointed by Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor in Council based on recommendations from the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming.
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please visit the Government of Ontario’s Public Appointments Secretariat site for more information.
Todd Halpern
Chair, Destination OntarioPresidentHalpern EnterprisesTorontoDanielle Chretien
OperatorLake on the Mountain ResortPrince Edward CountyAndrew Galloro
Director of Corporate CommunicationsFour Seasons Hotels and ResortsTorontoJesse Hamilton
Vice President, HospitalityBlue Mountain ResortThe Blue MountainsCathy Kirkpatrick
PartnerAlphabetOttawaSumeeta Kohli
Founder and Principal ConsultantGlocal MarketingMississaugaDennis Matthews
PresidentCreative Currency / Partner, Enterprise CanadaTorontoJerry Pribil
PresidentMarienbad HospitalityLondonBenjamin Purkiss
PartnerPendulum GroupGrimsbyDr. Jasveen Rattan
ConsultantJKR ConsultingMississaugaLacey Rigg
Coordinator of Meetings, Conventions and Sports TourismCity of TimminsRob Taylor
Director of Policy and Government RelationsWine Growers CanadaOttawa
Executive Leadership
Destination Ontario is guided by the executive leadership of a diverse, accomplished and driven group of individuals who collectively support the entire Destination Ontario team.
Vincenza Ronaldi
President and CEODebra Mansillo
Vice President, Industry Relations and International MarketingLauchlan Rogers
Acting Vice President and Chief Marketing OfficerSue Harrison
Vice President, Corporate Services and OperationsLydia Devereaux
Director, International MarketingTodd Eastman
Director, Northern Partnerships and MarketingGarlene Kubisheskie
Director, Ontario Travel Information ServicesJennifer Stubbs
Director, Technology and InsightsRonald Ting
Director, Finance and Corporate ServicesKate Vrancart
Director, Strategic Engagement and CommunicationsJulia Holliday
Director, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Operations
Mandate
Destination Ontario is governed by Ontario Regulation 618/98 under the Development Corporations Act. Its mandate, as provided for in the regulation, is:
- to market Ontario as a travel destination;
- to undertake joint marketing initiatives with the tourism industry;
- to support and assist the marketing efforts of the tourism industry; and
- in cooperation with the tourism industry, the Government of Ontario, other governments and other agencies of governments, to promote Ontario as a travel destination.
The following principles support the mandate:
- Destination Ontario is to lead the marketing of Ontario as a travel destination nationally and internationally;
- Destination Ontario and regional organizations are to work together to market travel within Ontario;
- Destination Ontario is to deliver marketing services that contribute to regional and economic development;
- Destination Ontario is to become a centre of excellence supporting provincial marketing; and
- Destination Ontario is to engage in partnerships to support the above objectives.
Last updated: July 8, 2024