2 WHEEL & 3 PLY TOURISM May 14, 2025 7:00 pm HHOA Fish Hatchery

2 Wheel & 3 Ply Tourism

Who: Chris Hughes

Where: HHOA Fish 6712 Gelert Road, Haliburton, ON

When: May 14, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Tickets: $15/person

Chris Hughes is passionate about two things: motorcycles and toilets. An interesting combo for sure, but there is always a good story as to why. His 26-year career in tourism development has seen him crisscross the country (mostly on his motorcycle) helping clients create the next great tourism experience, and with that he has seen it all.

On Two Wheels

Eleven years ago, Ontario’s Highlands came to BC Hughes with a seed of an idea to create a world class motorcycle destination. Having already helped build Ride Lake Superior, Ride the North, Ride Grey Bruce, and other motorsports destinations, Chris and his team were excited at the opportunity, knowing full well that the region had all the successful ingredients: twisty roads, delicious food/drink and friendly locals. Fast forward to today, and Ride the Highlands is one of the top motorcycle destinations in North America.

On the Toilet

The bathroom, washroom, potty, commode, outhouse, no matter what you call it, we all need it, especially when we are tourists. Chris has spent his whole career looking for the perfect public toilet and feels as a society we are really missing the perfect flush. Learn why Tim Hortons still hasn’t figured out what ‘business’ it’s really in, see how Stratford’s new Boathouse Bathroom is winning over theatre guests, and see examples from around the world of those that get it and those that miss the mark.

Chris is co-owner and director at BC Hughes Tourism Consulting located in Shallow Lake, Ontario (located right beside the really deep one – Lake Huron). As a University of Waterloo alumnus, Chris was trained on the integration of business and the environment. Something extremely relative in today’s tourism economies. Chris specializes in developing memorable and innovative tourism experiences; from the Han Wi (full moon dinner), to goat yoga to motorcycle touring routes, he thrives on working with businesses of all sizes.

His mandate is simple: Develop a kick-ass visitor experience by focusing on the little details, and your customers will sell it for you.