Explorers’ Edge unveils Regenerative Travel Agency to showcase Ontario’s rural regions

Explorers’ Edge (RTO12) has launched its Regenerative Travel Agency, which aimed to develop rural tourism in Ontario.

The initiative transitions the organization from promoting regional awareness to facilitating bookable travel experiences that generate direct economic impact for local communities and businesses.

Explorers’ Edge is funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, and the Regenerative Travel Agency is a division that introduces two small-group, day-long packages designed to connect visitors more deeply with the people, places, and stories that make Muskoka unique

The first experiences include:

• Culture, Cranberries & Culinary Excellence - A full-day experience featuring a guided visit to Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, an exclusive lunch at Muskoka Bay Resort, and entry to the Bala Cranberry Festival, complemented by artisan chocolate from Cacao Boys Muskoka. 
• Heroes, History, Heritage & A True Taste of Muskoka - A fully guided day showcasing Muskoka’s rich history through visits to the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre and Bethune Memorial House, concluding with a culinary experience at The Oar and Sawdust City Brewing Company.

Each package is limited to 10 guests per day, ensuring a close connection to the destination.

“This launch represents a major evolution in how we drive tourism in Ontario’s rural regions,” said James Murphy, CEO of Explorers’ Edge, in a press release. “By moving into direct travel packaging, we’re not only generating revenue and creating measurable economic benefits for our operators, but also ensuring that those benefits are dispersed more equitably across communities. Every booking contributes to the regeneration of our destination via re-investing profits back into the community whether is be socially, culturally, and environmentally - reinvesting in the very places that makes Muskoka and the greater Explorers’ Edge region so remarkable.”

Driving economic benefits

Inbound travel packaging allows Explorers’ Edge to directly influence visitor flows, extending stays and diversifying visitation beyond traditional hotspots.

The model reinvests in rural communities and supports small businesses, guides, and operators while promising measurable outcomes that align with both provincial and national tourism strategies.

“Regenerative tourism isn’t just about minimizing impact, it’s about creating net-positive outcomes,” stated Murphy. “Through partnerships, community engagement, and innovative packaging, we’re helping rural tourism thrive in a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive way.”

Explorers’ Edge, previously known as Regional Tourism Organization 12, is the provincial tourism organization for the regions of Muskoka, Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, and South Algonquin.

The organization leads regenerative tourism development through partnerships, sustainability pilots, and community-driven initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s rural visitor economy.

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