Whitby Tourism Development Corporation

The Whitby Tourism Development Corporation is the official destination development and tourism marketing organization for the Town of Whitby. Officially operating as a municipal service corporation since October 2024, wholly owned by the Corporation of the Town of Whitby, the primary income source of the Corporation is 50 percent of the Whitby Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), pursuant to applicable By-law #8082-24 and Ontario Regulations.

The purpose of Whitby Tourism Development Corporation is:

to promote and enhance the Town of Whitby’s profile as a desirable tourist destination;
to pursue and implement the objectives set forth in the 2022 - 2025 Whitby Tourism Strategy, Community Strategic Plan, and any other strategic plans as adopted by the corporation from time to time;
to develop new and innovative tourism products, experiences, and services;
to support the development and growth of the local tourism industry;
to facilitate collaboration and engagement with key tourism stakeholders

Board of Directors: 2025 – 2028

Lara Toman, Chair
Fuwing Wong, Treasurer
Sarah Kostadinov, Secretary
Councillor Steve Lee, Director
Sarah Klein, Director
Adriana Barbary, Director

Board Meeting Minutes

Host in Whitby Grant Program

The Host in Whitby Grant Program supports tourism in Whitby by providing up to $5,000 in financial assistance to owner/operators, private event organizers, and not-for-profit organizations hosting events that attract and retain visitors to both their venue and the broader Whitby community. The program aims to strengthen Whitby’s reputation as a vibrant destination by encouraging tourism-based events that boost the local economy and showcase the Town’s appeal.

Host in Whitby Grant Program Application and Final Report

About the Host in Whitby Grant Program

The Host in Whitby Grant Program provides financial assistance of up to $5,000 to owner/operators, private events and not-for-profit organizations, hosting events in the Town of Whitby that attract and retain visitors not only to their location/event, but to the community of Whitby.

The Grant Program aims to enhance tourism across Whitby by encouraging and supporting tourism-based events that contribute to the local economy and enhance Whitby’s profile as a vibrant destination.

Aimed at supporting existing events and projects in Whitby and attracting new activations and events to the Town, the Host in Whitby Grant Program supports visitor-friendly, welcoming, inclusive, vibrant and accessible events rooted in economic, social and cultural connectivity. It also encourages inclusivity and strong partnerships between stakeholders in the Whitby tourism sector.

How to Apply

Host in Whitby Grant Application

Applications will be reviewed quarterly by the Host in Whitby Grant Subcommittee of the Whitby Tourism Development Corporation (WTDC), and must be submitted each quarter by the following deadlines:

January 1
April 1
July 1
October 1

For a complete overview of the program, eligibility criteria, and details of the kinds of events considered:

Complete Program Overview

If you have any questions about how to apply or what you need to be eligible, send us an email at wtdc@whitby.ca.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application within two months of the application deadline.

Final Report

If you are selected, you must submit a final report within 30 days after your event. In this report, please state the outcome of the initiative or event and how the grant was used. This helps the WTDC evaluate if the grant for your event made the intended impact on tourism in the Town of Whitby.

Submit a Final Report

Call for Proposals: Strategic Marketing Plan for Whitby Tourism

The Whitby Tourism Development Corporation is inviting qualified media and marketing professionals to submit proposals for developing a comprehensive strategic marketing plan. This plan will aim to:

Showcase Whitby’s vibrant tourism assets
Boost visitor numbers
Increase visitor spending

Why Get Involved?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape Whitby’s image on the global stage. By partnering with us, you will play a vital role in telling the story of our town—highlighting local culture, attractions, and unique experiences that foster community pride and inspire tourism growth. The Whitby Tourism Development Corporation requires a robust and holistic marketing plan that will highlight Whitby’s tourism assets, aid in motivating travel and encourage visitor spending.

The chosen partner will refine current brand guidelines and develop WTDC’s first marketing campaign as well as all associated collateral.