Tourism Region Defended

Ontario's Tourism Minister is defending the creation of 13 new tourism marketing regions, including one covering all of northwestern Ontario.

Monique Smith says while there have been some nay-sayers, she believes the new marketing regions will help build the tourist industry.

"We've heard from Sunset Country and a few other very strong tourism marketing organizations about their concerns," says Smith. "We recognize that. We hope that Sunset Country can work within the parameters of the northwest region."

Smith says they will also be providing another $25-million to the tourism regions over the next two years to help with the transition.