Kingston Accommodation Partners

08/28/2026

This past weekend, Kingston brought together fans from miles around to mark the 10-year anniversary of The Tragically Hip’s final concert.

Springer Market Square buzzed with energy, hosting live music, merch markets, film and music video screenings and music walking tours. On Saturday, August 22nd, thousands gathered downtown throughout the day, culminating in a watch party of the CBC rebroadcast of The Hip’s final show in 2016.

Hotels throughout the city were filled with guests coming together around one shared feeling: Forever Hip.

Thank you to all of the partners involved in making this celebration a success!



Photo credits: Bernard Clark (image 2) and Garrett Elliot (image 4).

08/21/2026

At the Association of Municipalities of Ontario - AMO conference earlier this week, Krista Marie LeClair, CEO of Kingston Accommodation Partners, represented Kingston as part of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)’s delegation, taking part in the following meetings:

Meeting with Hon. Doug Downey, Attorney General and Interim Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming to highlight the need for a Tourism Product Development Fund and Tourism Capital Investment Tax Credit in order to maintain Ontario’s competitiveness and to further develop and attract businesses, festivals, and events to the province. The delegation also pushed for further modernization and adoption of the municipal accommodation tax (MAT), which already generates approximately $250 million annually in visitor-generated revenue.

Meeting with NDP MPPs from across Ontario to reinforce the power and potential of Ontario’s tourism industry. At a time of economic uncertainty, Ontario has an opportunity to accelerate tourism growth and revenue, strengthening communities across the province.

Meeting with Hardeep Singh Grewal, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation to affirm the fundamental relationship between Ontario’s tourism industry and transportation connectivity projects. Ontario has demonstrated strong leadership through recent investments that connect visitors and residents to Ontario communities, attractions, and businesses, and TIAO looks forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship.

Meeting with Natalie Pierre, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport, to underscore the vital role sport tourism plays in driving economic growth and community development across Ontario. The TIAO team advocated for essential investments and dedicated funding to support Ontario communities in bidding competitively for international sporting events, building on the momentum of hosting FIFA earlier this summer.

Meeting with Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development to address the state of Ontario’s labour market and the need to prepare, attract, and retain the skilled talent needed to support one of the province’s largest industries.

Meeting with Jess Dixon, MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, to discuss tourism’s impact on economic development and job creation across Ontario. Recent immigration policy changes, the closure or suspension of more than 60 culinary, tourism, and hospitality programs at Ontario colleges and the loss of sector-wide workforce development capacity have significantly weakened Ontario’s talent pipeline. The TIAO delegation pitched numerous recommendations to boost workforce development, skills training, and career awareness for youth.

Thank you, TIAO for organizing these productive conversations and working to advance a stronger, more resilient future for Ontario’s tourism sector.

07/30/2026

Today, July 30, marks the World Day Against Human Trafficking in Persons. Launched in 2013, this day seeks to raise global awareness and action to combat human trafficking.

As a hotel association, we are committed to supporting our members with training and awareness initiatives.

Today, we are proud to show our support to our partners at Hotels Canada for their new memorandum of understanding with American Hotel & Lodging Association. This partnership recognizes the necessity of cross-border collaboration in the prevention of human trafficking.

Learn more about the initiative: https://hotelscanada.ca/hotels-canada-and-ahla-foundation-formalize-partnership-to-strengthen-industry-action-against-human-trafficking/

Hotels Canada and the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing a strengthened partnership to advance industry efforts to prevent human trafficking. The agreement expands collaboration on training, awareness, survivor support, and future c...

06/30/2026

06/29/2026

Congratulations to the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kingston on winning the Howard Johnson Canadian Quality of the Year award! 👏

Part of the "Best of Howard Johnson" awards, this recognition is awarded annually to an elite group of hotels based on customer satisfaction and brand-leading quality.

We are so happy to see your dedication to outstanding hospitality recognized at the national level!

06/22/2026

This morning, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, announced that Alto has been directed to further assess a more southerly route option between Peterborough and Ottawa that includes a potential stop in Kingston.

Alto originally proposed two routes: a northern route, aligning with Highway 7; and a southern route, crossing through South Frontenac and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. Kingston Accommodation Partners is pleased with today’s announcement, which reinforces the need for high-speed rail to instead follow the Highway 401 corridor, with a stop in Kingston.

Today’s announcement also included the release of the government’s “What We Heard” report, which demonstrates clear demand for a high-speed rail stop in Kingston. Read the report herehttps://www.altotrain.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/public-consultation-report-june-2026.pdf

We thank the Liberal government for their consideration of a Kingston stop, and for their commitment to working with Via Rail to establish Kingston as a regional mobility hub.

We also celebrate the local engagement and support that led to this win. Thank you to our partners at Visit Kingston, Downtown Kingston, Invest Kingston, Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Kingston - Municipal Government for your continued advocacy for Kingston.

Transport Canada Mayor Paterson Mark Gerretsen

06/12/2026

The OHL Priority Selection returns in person for the first time in 25 years, right here in Kingston!

We hope you enjoy your stay, and get the chance to see what Kingston is all about! 🏒

06/02/2026

Yesterday, Kingston Accommodation Partners organized and led its second Hill Day, alongside Visit Kingston, Downtown Kingston, Invest Kingston, and the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Advocating as one unified voice, the five organizations met with the Office of the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Procurement (PSPC), Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, and the Office of the Minister of Public Safety to advance priorities related to transportation and infrastructure vitality in Kingston. Key topics included advocating for Kingston to be included as a stop in high-speed rail proposals, securing a dynamic solution for the LaSalle Causeway, and the need to establish a long-term plan for the management and preservation of Kingston Penitentiary.

As a collective voice for Kingston, our organizations are committed to continued collaboration and advocacy to ensure that Kingston remains a thriving, accessible, and competitive destination.

Tourism Industry Association of Canada Kingston Pen Tours

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

You are always welcome here.

Be sure to check out Visit Kingston, Kingston Pride, and Downtown Kingston for programming all month long!

Canadian Q***r Chamber of Commerce

05/25/2026