Oshawa Tourism’s Hometown Tourism Challenge is back for a third year in a row. This year, it’s packed with fresh ways to explore the city and support local businesses, and we’ve worked up some fun strategic improvements to drive even more participation. Running from May 3 to June 30, 2025, this interactive, app-based adventure is designed to help residents and visitors discover the best of Oshawa—from hidden gems to well-loved landmarks. With the all-new Great City Sprint kickoff event on May 3, the challenge promises to generate excitement, community engagement, and—most importantly—business opportunities for local operators.
If you run a business in Oshawa, this is your chance to tap into a city-wide movement that encourages people to explore, experience, and support local. The more you engage with the campaign, the greater your potential to turn new visitors into loyal customers. Here at the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, we thought it would be helpful to share some simple yet effective ways you can take full advantage of the Hometown Tourism Challenge.
1. Be a Destination: Make Your Business Part of the Experience
With challenge participants seeking out new spots to visit, this is the perfect time to make your business a must-stop location. Here’s how:
- First Step, check to see if our team has already got your business listed as a featured stop:
- Sign Up as a Featured Stop: If your business isn’t already part of the challenge, reach out to Oshawa Tourism to see how you can participate. Many businesses fit naturally into the challenge, from cafés and retail stores to activity-based venues and cultural sites.
- Create an Exclusive Challenge Perk: Offer a limited-time deal or exclusive experience for participants. For example, a café could introduce a “Tourist Challenge Special,” or a boutique could offer a discount for challenge players who check in on social media.
- Make It Interactive: The challenge is gamified, so lean into the fun! Create a mini-game, a scavenger hunt within your store, or a selfie station that earns extra points.
2. Be a Community Ambassador: Share the Story and Build Excitement
The challenge isn’t just about places—it’s about connecting people. As a business owner, you have the opportunity to champion Oshawa as a tourism destination by spreading the word and rallying your community.
- Leverage Social Media: Share challenge updates on your Facebook and Instagram accounts. Post photos of participants at your location, highlight special promotions, and use hashtags like #HometownTouristOshawa.
- Encourage User-Generated Content: Ask customers to tag your business and @OshawaTourism in their posts. Feature the best photos and experiences on your own channels to keep the momentum going.
- Engage Your Staff: Train your employees to be part of the excitement. If a customer asks about the challenge, they should be able to explain how it works and encourage participation.
3. Be a Connector: Collaborate with Other Businesses
Tourism isn’t just about single destinations—it’s about crafting memorable journeys. Build cross-promotional opportunities with other local businesses to enhance the participant experience and strengthen community ties.
- Create Business Partnerships: If you run a bakery, team up with a nearby coffee shop to offer a “Tourist Challenge Combo.” A fitness studio could collaborate with a smoothie bar to offer a “Sprint & Sip” deal for participants.
- Host Challenge-Themed Events: Organize mini pop-up events that align with the challenge. A bookstore could host a local author reading, while a brewery might offer a behind-the-scenes tour for challenge players.
- Feature Local Artisans: If you have a retail space, invite local makers to do a showcase or pop-up shop, creating an additional draw for challenge-goers.
4. Be Part of the Great City Sprint: Capture the Early Excitement
The Great City Sprint on May 3, 2025, is a high-energy kickoff event that will set the tone for the entire challenge. Businesses that get involved early can position themselves as key players in the movement.
- Sponsor or Participate in the Sprint: The Sprint will have teams racing through the city, solving clues, and completing challenges. This is a prime opportunity for businesses to be a challenge stop or provide fun, interactive experiences for participants.
- Host a Viewing or Celebration Event: If your business has space, consider hosting a post-sprint gathering. Offer discounts for participants or create a fun, themed experience to keep the excitement going.
5. Be a Long-Term Thinker: Use This Momentum for Future Growth
While the challenge is a two-month event, the relationships you build with participants can create long-term benefits.
- Capture Customer Data: If visitors check in, sign up for a promo, or enter a contest at your business, ask for their email in return. This way, you can keep in touch with them long after the challenge ends.
- Follow Up with Special Offers: Send a thank-you email to challenge participants who visited your business, including a special discount or invitation to return.
- Keep the Local Engagement Going: Even after the challenge ends, continue fostering community engagement. Join other local events, collaborate with businesses, and maintain an active presence on social media to stay top-of-mind.
6. Spread the Word: Get Everyone Involved
Even if you don’t own a business or prefer not to be directly included in the challenge, you can still play a huge role in making it a success. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have, and every share, mention, and post helps build excitement and engagement.
- Use the Official Campaign Materials: Oshawa Tourism has made it easy to spread the word with pre-made social media graphics and copy-and-paste messages. Access them here: Campaign Resources.
- Post About It on Social Media: Share why you’re excited about the Hometown Tourism Challenge and encourage your followers to participate.
- Tell Your Customers, Friends, and Family: A simple conversation about the challenge could spark someone’s interest and get them involved.
- Support the Businesses Taking Part: Even if you’re not an official participant, visiting and supporting the businesses featured in the challenge helps reinforce the success of the campaign.
Final Thoughts: Make This More Than a One-Time Event
The Hometown Tourism Challenge is about more than just fun and games—it’s about strengthening Oshawa’s local business community. By participating, you’re not only tapping into a city-wide marketing initiative, but you’re also helping to build pride and engagement among residents.
The more businesses that embrace this opportunity, the stronger Oshawa’s reputation becomes as a destination worth exploring. When local businesses, operators, and community members all rally behind the idea of promoting their city, it creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone—bringing in more visitors, generating more revenue, and fostering long-term economic health.
So, are you ready to make the most of this opportunity?
Follow @OshawaTourism on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated and see how you can get involved in this exciting movement!
