News & Media

Welcome to the Stratford Tourism Alliance Media Centre. We look forward to assisting you with itinerary development along various themes. News releases will be posted regularly. Story ideas, a photo gallery and complete media kit will be added soon. We look forward to working with you.

Sparkling Stratford A chance to cook with instructors at the Stratford Chefs School is one of a number culinary experiences coming up in December for the holidays... Stratford Beacon Herald November 27, 2008

A day of food and fun in Stratford Lynn Ogryzlo, Niagara this Week October 24, 2008

Savour Stratford Explore Ontario Fall 2008 Events & Attractions

Soiled in Stratford Malcolm Jolley, Gremolata September 2008

That pig will do, sir, that pig will do Margaret Webb, Globe and Mail August 23, 2008

A Place Where Beauty Matters Olga Bonfiglio, CommonDreams.org August 19, 2008

Bard takes the stage in Stratford, Ontario Chicago Tribune July 12, 2008

Artisan's cheeses crafted with care Toronto Star June 25, 2008

A Taste of Stratford Globe & Mail June 11, 2008

CBC's Rick Mercer Report Visits the Stratford Chef School - Episode 9 aired December 1, 2007 (clip 4 of 9)

Click Here to Read What Travel Writers Have To Say About Stratford

WILKINSON RECOGNIZES LOCAL Ontario Tourism Award WINNERS

STRATFORD – John Wilkinson, MPP, Perth-Wellington was joined today by the Hon. Monique Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, as they congratulated two local recipients of provincial tourism awards. The Stratford Tourism Alliance was honoured for having Ontario’s Best Marketing Initiative under $25,000. As well, Stratford Summer Music was named provincial runner up in the Event of the Year in Ontario Tourism category. The Ontario Tourism Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the multi-billion dollar tourism industry, which is a key contributor to Ontario’s economic prosperity.

“The provincial recognition of both the Stratford Tourism Alliance and Stratford Summer Music confirms Stratford as a preferred tourist destination for visitors,” stated Wilkinson. “World famous theatre, music and hospitality are now being marketed around the world.”

“Congratulations to the Stratford Tourism Alliance for creating an innovative campaign to draw a niche audience and promote ‘Sparkling Stratford’ as a fun, year-round destination,” said Tourism Minister Monique Smith. “The province of Ontario is proud of our continuing investment in Stratford Summer Music.”

“The recognition of the Stratford Tourism Alliance by the Ontario Tourism Marketing Board for their “Best Marketing Initiative” acknowledges their creative ability, business skills and determination at marketing Stratford as a tourism destination,” stated Dan Mathieson, Mayor of the City of Stratford. “While meeting today’s fiscal challenges - the quality of the product they market is what best defines Stratford.”

The Alliance used the theme ‘Sparkling Stratford’ to promote the town as a well-preserved, traditional 19th century Ontario town decorated at Christmas time. The use of travel packages, postcards, advertising and consumer show presence helped drive visitors to the campaign website.

“We are pleased to be nominated and recognized for the quality of our 2007 marketing efforts by our tourism peers,” said Eugene Zakreski, Executive Director of the Stratford Tourism Alliance, “particularly as it was for our Christmas campaign. We also congratulate our colleagues at Stratford Summer Music who have been named one of Ontario’s premium tourism events. The provincial awards for Stratford recognize our community’s claim as one of Ontario’s premium tourism destinations.”

“This creative holiday campaign successfully raised the profile of Stratford as a unique place to visit, shop and spend time with friends,” said Robin Garrett, President and CEO of the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation. “The resourcefulness of the Stratford Tourism Alliance paid off with an impressive number of visits to the ‘Sparkling Stratford’ website.”

“Working together, we make things better,” stated Wilkinson.

For additional information, contact:

Cathy Winhold

Special Assistant

519-272-0660

POSTED ON 2008-10-13

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