We want to keep you in the loop on what's happening in the industry! This week's industry newsletter includes: |
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As we look to the year ahead, we are pleased to share our 2026 Destination Playbook, a strategic roadmap designed to align our collective efforts, strengthen our messaging, and position Windsor Essex Pelee Island for continued growth. This year represents a pivotal moment for our region. With transformative infrastructure developments, expanded tourism initiatives, and a refined focus on high-value visitor segments, our approach is both intentional and opportunity-driven. The Playbook outlines the priorities guiding our marketing, partnerships and destination development efforts in the year ahead, including: -
target markets, trip motivators and travel segments in 2026
- campaigns focusing on the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
- launch of the Explorer Pass profiling local attractions
- WE Are All Welcome certification program
- growth in our Content Creator program
Each of these focus areas reflects our commitment to growing visitation, increasing overnight stays, strengthening inclusivity, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. All while ensuring our stakeholders are equipped with the insights and tools needed to align with regional efforts.
Tourism success is strongest when we move forward together. We encourage you to review the 2026 Destination Playbook and consider how your organization can leverage these priorities within your own planning and outreach. Should you have questions or wish to explore collaboration opportunities, our team is ready to connect.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to elevate and grow our destination in 2026 and beyond. |
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| Gordon Orr Chief Executive Officer | Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Chief Executive Office | Invest WindsorEssex |
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In case you missed it, our 2025 Year In Review has been released – a highlight of the region’s growth in 2025.
The Year In Review centres on our significant accomplishments for the region, partnership relations, destination development programs, marketing and communications tactics and some key performance indicators. It is of utmost importance that the good work of our organization and that of our industry is captured and shared with our stakeholders in a compelling and attractive format. Some highlights from 2025 include: - 2.3 million page views to visitwindsoressex.com and our microsites
- 484k+ social media engagements @twepi
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Our new District Drops campaign profiled 160+ partners and saw over 167k impressions through content creators
Check out our 2025 Year In Review highlighting the good work of our industry by clicking here.
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Apply Now To Be Part of The Staycation Expo! |
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Showcase your experiences and attractions at the STAYCATION EXPO in partnership with Devonshire Mall.
Taking place Friday April 24th & Saturday April 25th at Devonshire Mall, this expo is the opportunity to showcase all of the great things to see and do in the region to locals & visitors alike.
Register early to receive your space. Space is limited and first-come first-served.
Applications are open today and are complimentary for those advertising (either through a paid listing or purchased advertisement) in the 2026/2027 Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Official Visitor Guide or are a stakeholder of a Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island program. Additional fees apply for non-engaged stakeholders and W.E. Made It Market members. The event will include: |
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The Finalists for the 11th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards have been announced! Now is the time to VOTE! Now in it's 11th year - the Best of Windsor Essex Awards are a social media campaign organized by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island to promote where locals want to dine, shop, play, explore and stay. We recognize that where locals like to go, so will visitors. This year's awards saw a BIG increase in engagement during the nomination period - and we adjusted each award category to feature SEVEN finalists. You can view the full press release by clicking here. Key Facts:
Want to see the full list? Click here to see a finalist sorted by award, by municipality and by name.
The winners will be announced on Tuesday April 14th in a live celebration at the Capitol Theatre. |
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New photos have been added to our Photo Library. You can view the new photos along with thousands of archived images. Click here to access the Photo Library. Newly added photo locations include: |
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- Art Windsor Essex
- Big Time Entertainment
- Café Amor
- Chimczuk Museum
- Ciao Caffe
- City Hall Square
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Colasanti's Tropical Gardens
- Colchester Beach
- Cookie Bar
- Devonshire Mall
- Erie Street Gastro Pub
- Francois Baby House
- Frost Ice Cream Co.
- The Grand Cantina
- Harbour House Waterfront Eatery
- Hyatt Place
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LaSalle Landing, LaSalle Loop
- Loose Goose
- MacKenzie Hall Gazebo
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| - Maiden Lane
- Malden Park Observation
- Mavericks Donuts
- Monuments: Rosalie Trombley, Monument of Freedom, Spirit of Windsor, Canada Flag, Waterfront
- Ojibway Park
- Rosalie Trombley Commemorative Sculpture
- Sawyers Craft BBQ
- Sculpture Park
- Twisted Apron
- Walkerville Mercantile
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Walkerville Streets/Craigs Cookies
- West Belle River Beach
- Willistead Manor
- Willistead Park
- Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets
- Windsor Premier Cruises
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| Submit Your Upcoming Events - Free Marketing Support!
Take advantage of our FREE marketing opportunities to promote your upcoming promotions, events and specials for upcoming holidays in our Event Guides. Our event guide for Black History Month is live now!
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The opportunity to be featured is FREE and each guide will be extensively marketed in the weeks leading up to the special events. These guides are supported through organic social media, our marketing email blasts and paid META advertisements: Upcoming Guides - March Break Guide - to be published February 23rd
- St. Patrick's Day Guide - to be published March 2nd
- Easter Guide - to be published March 23rd
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Check out the articles below featuring Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and our partners: |
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visitwindsoressex.com 98 Chatham Street East, Windsor, ON, N9A 2W1 519-255-6530 - 1-800-265-3633 info@tourismwindsoressex.com
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