James Murphy Email & Phone Number

3-1 Taylor Road, Bracebridge, On

Executive Director for one of 13 regional tourism organizations (RTO12) established by the Ont. Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport (MTCS). Reports to a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of tourism operators. Responsible for substantial reporting & auditing to ensure taxpayer-funded programs have accountability.Oversees development & execution of the Business & Operational Plan yearly, three destination development plans (most recently the 5-Year Regional Tourism Strategy 2018-2023), and the spending of over $1.5M annually. Secures significant additional funding from granting agencies to increase reach and impact of innovative programs. Manages over 80 successful Partnership Projects across the region.Lead the development of the Business Case for Commercial Air Service. Gathered significant stakeholder & market intelligence, and liaised with multiple stakeholders, including Transport Canada and CATSA.Teaches 'Tour & Package Sales' course at Georgian College in Barrie; this includes the development of an innovative work-integrated curriculum and the facilitation of "Master Classes" with regional tourism professionals.Currently overseeing the development of RTO12's long-term "Workforce Thrusters Strategy" to empower and retain workers for our industry. This includes working more closely with universities and colleges to attract and motivate hospitality students; the creation of a supplemental currency to enhance service industry wages; and the launch of "social enterprise catalyst housing" - a new model for housing that is intended to help solve our workforce shortages. Developed crisis management and communication strategies to help tourism businesses navigate the serious challenges that occurred due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Works with the Board and the Explorers' Edge team to lead the way to economic recovery for our industry. This includes everything from hyper local travel marketing to business scenario planning.

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Part time Professor - Tour 2029 Package and SalesTICO Travel Councillor Certificate ComponentMaster Class Component

Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Part time Professor - Tour 2029 Package and SalesTICO Travel Councillor Certificate ComponentMaster Class Component

Bracebridge, Muskoka, Ontario

Reported to a volunteer board of directors and was responsible for marketing, administration, membership recruitment, product development, and event planning and execution for SAVOUR Muskoka, one of Ontario's fastest-growing culinary destinations. Secured ongoing grant funding to build this organization, growing it from 30 members to 110 during this period.

Kitchener, Canada Area

Master Of Arts, Recreation And Leisure Studies, Tourism Planning And Policy

Published research in the International Journal of Hospitality Management: "Chefs and Suppliers: An exploratory look at supply chain.

Bachelor Of Applied Management In Hospitlality & Tourism, Tourism And Business

Hotel And Resort Management, Hospitality Administration/Management