Here’s the main details from the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association

One of the biggest economic drivers in Huntsville, and Muskoka as a whole, are large events that draw people to the area from far and wide.

These events include a stellar open air celebration like Nuit Blanche North from the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, sports tournaments from any of the local clubs, marathons, food and beverage crawls, and more.

While many recognize that the spring, summer and fall are the main seasons to attract people, the winter months have had their fair share of fun, big events over the years.

Winter festivals that included skiing and sledding in the downtown core to winter comedy fests, Ontario Winter Games, and cross country skiing provincials at Arrowhead Provincial Park are just the tip of the iceberg.

On that note, the The Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) have opened their application process for winter 2024 community tourism sponsorships for both non-profits and private businesses that are planning a tourism event in Huntsville in January of February of 2025.

According to HMATA, “organizations from outside of Huntsville planning events that will have significant economic impact in Huntsville may also apply.”

The funding will be geared towards multi-day tourism-related events or projects that will occur between January 1, 2025, and February 28, 2025.

The funding comes from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), which is paid by visitors at local hotels, motels, resorts, and short-term rental accommodations.

The MAT is collected and put into a fund to support initiatives by local organizations which benefit the Huntsville tourism economy.

From HMATA Press Release:

To apply for this special winter intake period, your event or activity must:

• Occur in January or February 2025
• Be offered in-person over at least two consecutive days
• Be open to the general public
• Occur within Huntsville’s municipal boundaries
• Encourage visitors to travel to Huntsville and stay overnight
• Contribute to Huntsville’s profile as a tourism destination of choice

Visit huntsvillemat.com/funding-application-winter-2025 for full details and to submit an application before September 27, 2024.

For more information about HMATA, visit huntsvillemat.com