Integrated Destination Strategy

Background and vision

Kingston developed the Integrated Destination Strategy (IDS) in spring 2018 based on primary research with key stakeholders, a review of background documents, and a series of workshops with a steering committee. The committee’s vision was to foster a collaborative environment to bring stakeholders together and to develop a strategy that builds a stronger sense of place for Kingston’s residents, tourists and investors, respects taxpayer dollars, and is realistic in its approach.

The vision for Kingston’s IDS initiative is to foster a collaborative environment where industry stakeholders work together and lift each other up to sustainably grow tourism as an economic driver for Kingston. A collaborative environment is achieved when all partners are working collectively toward this common goal and each individual has the confidence and support of their colleagues.

Building on four years of progress in advancing the recommendations of the IDS while taking into consideration the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector, a review of the IDS was completed in 2022 to set the direction for Kingston’s destination development for the next five years. The updated IDS was approved by the board of directors of Tourism Kingston and Kingston Accommodation Partners and Kingston City Council.

Guiding principles

1. We focus on the betterment of Kingston residents through tourism, balancing economic objectives with social and environmental priorities.
2. We collaborate across all tourism stakeholders – residents, tourism industry members, local/regional government, and key institutions and industries in Kingston to leverage tourism opportunities.
3. We align with major city government and other public and private sector initiatives that reflect the tourism potential including leveraging creative industries, environmental initiatives, and similar priorities.
4. We celebrate the diversity of our destination by striving to ensure all players in our tourism ecosystem are represented and included.
5. We root our decisions in evidence and measure results of our actions enabling us to take calculated risks while also being accountable and responsible to all stakeholders

Integrated Destination Strategy: Co-creating an integrated destination strategy for Kingston – moving beyond recovery to destination resiliency, 2022-2027

For more information, please contact:

Megan Knott
Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Kingston
megan@tourismkingston.com

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