2002:  The International Year of Ecotourism.  The idea for a provincial ecotourism organization is debated at the Sir Sandford Fleming College's "Ontario Ecotourism Conference"

 

2003:  7 regional round tables are held throughout the province.  Four province-wide full day meetings (20-40 delegates at each) get the ball rolling!

 

2004:  The Ontario Ecotourism Society is introduced to the world at an ecotourism conference in Dorset, Ontario.  Invitation to interested members to serve on working groups and/or the board of directors is put forward.

 

2005:  The Ontario Ecotourism Society Board of Directors is formed and a constitution is drafted.

 

2006:  tOES launches their first website and begins a sponsorship program.  Following the Annual General Meeting, a professional/organizational membership program is launched and a web-based Eco Forum is introduced.

 

2007:  tOES attends the Toronto Green Living Show and the Canada Green Expo (Ottawa).  Our sponsorship program grows through support from Mountain Equipment Co-Op and Ontario Northland.

 

2008:  tOES receives funding from the Haliburton County Development Corporation for their first communications officer internship position.  The Ontario Ecotourism Society attends a series of events throughout the year including the 2nd Annual Niagara College Green Day, a two day information drive at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Ottawa and the International Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference in Vancouver.  The first edition of our Responsible Suppliers Guide is launched with five supporting sponsors and over 40 participating suppliers.  A new website is developed and ready to be launched in 2009.  Our membership grows to include over 20 ecotourism operators across Ontario.