HMATA highlights promotional activities for Huntsville

The organization focuses on destination marketing bring tourists to events throughout the year with a focus on the shoulder season

Huntsville's General Committee received the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association's (HMATA) annual update highlighting tourism marketing initiatives, business development efforts and community investments over the past year, in the June 24, 2026, meeting.

The organization’s Chair, Jeff Suddaby, said, “I think we’re at a point where we can say our little Town is becoming a big little Town within the world of hospitality.”

The presentation outlined HMATA's 2026-2028 strategic plan, which focuses on destination management, development, marketing and governance.

Representatives said the organization continues to promote Huntsville as a year-round destination through digital marketing, business tourism, local partnerships and visitor experiences.

Among the highlights they reported its digital marketing campaigns generated more than 50.5 million impressions and approximately 850,000 clicks through advertising across Meta, Google and influencer networks.

The presentation highlighted several destination initiatives, including the return of the Forest of Light attraction, which sold 24,751 tickets, attracted 60 per cent of visitors from outside Muskoka and generated 14.7 million marketing impressions.

They also pointed to the Downtown Light Canopies installation at River Mill Park, King Street and Kent Park as another attraction that has drawn both residents and overnight visitors.

Business tourism remains a priority, with HMATA supporting major conferences, including the Summer Meeting of Canada's Premiers, while developing promotional materials and hosting familiarization tours for meeting planners.

The organization also outlined support provided to numerous community organizations, festivals and sporting events, including the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Huntsville BIA, YMCA Employment Services, Huntsville Mountain Bike Association, Muskoka Pride, Rotary Club of Huntsville and several sporting events and local festivals.

HMATA also reported donating $30,000 to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and $5,000 to Mind-Aid Muskoka.

Looking ahead, HMATA said its priorities include implementing its 2026-2027 business and marketing plan, expanding regional marketing partnerships, continuing to invest in shoulder and winter season tourism, launching the $90,000 Sport Tourism Legacy Fund and building on initiatives and niche eco-tourism experiences.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, praised the organization’s efforts and the progress over the recent years as “to the direction of what people wanted to go, and now we’re there.”