Tourism  Priorities - 2007 -2008

Research -
a)  To provide a report to the tourism industry on the season to date results at Victoria County’s annual Tourism Conference in November 2007.

b) Tourism Benchmarks – to provide annually a report to the tourism industry in February 2008 on Victoria County’s tourism season  using information collected from our partners -  NS Dept. Of Transportation, NS Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Cape Breton Highlands National Park on tourism indicators, and visitors information.  Tourism Revenues and Economic Impact to follow in May when information is available form NS Tourism, Culture & Heritage.  To keep a good working relationship with all partners.

c) To maintain and update the Dept's corporate web site -  http://tourism.victoriacounty.com,     for tourism operators to get the latest information on the industry news, announcements,
research, marketing opportunities, training, and product development.

d) To renew membership with the Travel & Tourism Research Association and its Canadian Chapter,  keep up date with  tourism research and studies, and provide information to the operators on the tourism portal web site.

e) To maintain and update regularly Tourism VC Blog - http://tourismvc.wordpress.com
with articles of interest on tourism research, e-marketing and new media.

Marketing Opportunities -

a)  To partner with FAB 4 (Golf Cape Breton)  on their marketing co-op opportunity – a fulfillment piece for trade shows and web site and increase visitors to our area in the shoulder season.

b) To continue to partner and support  the Celtic Colours International Festival – improve our marketing opportunities – program &  web site .

c)  Doers and Dreamers Guide 2008 – to assist BABTA, NEHCC and Iona areas with their community marketing co-op in the guide.

d)  To promote experiences, packages, attractions, travel itineraries on the  http://www.visitvictoriacounty.com  with improved tracking and new features ie. Interactive Maps.  

e)  To be a member of Destination Cape Breton Association and to work & partner with marketing opportunities that will benefit Victoria County including the marketing strategy & levy.

f) To provide funding assistance for local tourism associations on brochures/maps and web sites 50/50 cost sharing programs.

Product Development -

a) To assist Baddeck & Area Business Tourism Association with their branding, web site & other projects

b) To assist the Cabot Trail Working Association in their TDA project - web site and map and to partner and work with the Municipality of Inverness County on this project.

c) To assist  Ingonish Tourism Steering Group with their TDA projects.

d) To assist the Cape Breton Pathway Association TRANS Canada Trails project as well in developing, improving & mapping trails throughout Cape Breton Island.

e) To communicate to the tourism operators and community organizations the various funding programs by the NS Tourism, Culture & Heritage and ECBC/ACOA for product development and their priorities

f) To work with the NS Tourism Vision, NSTPC and NS Tourism, Culture and Heritage on programs and activities of mutual interest and benefit to Victoria County.

Training -

1)      To host the annual Victoria County Tourism Conference, in November 2007
2)      To assist the local tourism associations in putting on courses or workshops

For more information contact :
Victoria County Recreation & Tourism Department
P.O. Box 370, Baddeck, NS  BOE 1BO
Phone (902)295-3664  Fax# (902)295-1864
 e-mail - tom.wilson@countyvictoria.ns.ca