Fostering inclusive tourism experiences

Dec. 2, 2022 2:00 p.m.
​The City’s Better Your Business program offers support to make businesses more accessible


Do you want to make your tourism business more inclusive and accessible but aren’t sure where to start? The City of Vaughan’s new Better Your Business program is here to help! 

Through this initiative, Tourism Vaughan is providing up to 24 tourism-related businesses with an opportunity to plan and develop more inclusive and diverse tourism products, services and experiences. 

Led by KLB Consulting, this program offers one-on-one consultations with established industry leaders to promote tourism to the 2SLGBTQ+ community; Black, Indigenous and racialized communities; individuals with accessibility requirements; and French-speaking visitors. Selected businesses have the opportunity to work with the project team and develop a strategic diversity, equity and inclusion plan to guide their tourism operations. For more details on the experienced consultants who will be matched with participants of the program, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/BetterYourBusiness. 

Whether you are a festival or event organizer that is working to make your website and experience more accessible or a business that attracts visitors to the city and wants to appeal to broader audiences, submit an application to diversify your offerings while making a positive social impact on the community. 

Visit vaughanbusiness.ca/BetterYourBusiness to apply now. Spots are limited, apply early! Consultations will continue to be scheduled on an immediate and ongoing basis until Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, or until all spots are filled. 

Eligible program applicants must be based in Vaughan and part of Vaughan’s tourism industry, including:

  • Incorporated businesses, primarily small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Not-for-profit incorporated organizations
  • Co-operatives (for-profit and not-for-profit)
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Indigenous, First Nations and Métis-owned businesses or not-for-profits

As well, all tourism-related businesses in Vaughan can access a series of inclusive tourism workshops and webinars beginning in 2023. Workshop and webinar information and sign-up details will be made available on vaughanbusiness.ca.

Earlier this fall, the City’s Economic Development department launched its first round of the Better Your Business program that helps businesses incorporate the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals into their corporate practices. Working together with entrepreneurs, the Better Your Business program will guide businesses on their journey to implement and maintain these practices to create a more sustainable city. This aligns with the mandate of the Council-approved Vaughan Destination Master Plan.

The Tourism Vaughan Corporation is the official destination development organization for the city of Vaughan with the mission to enhance Vaughan as a destination for tourists and business travellers. This aligns with the City’s commitment to support the tourism and accommodation industry.

Stay informed on the City’s latest tourism and business resources and initiatives by signing up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughbusiness.ca/eNewsletters.

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