Tourism in Strathcona County
Published, August 6, 2006
When you're a tourist at a resort you can usually go down to the hotel desk and purchase a tourism package that takes in the local sites and sounds. Tourists to Strathcona are very limited in these experiences because we don't have convenient packages that feature local tourism products and services.
It's time to get creative and not only get a handle on individual opportunities, but to package entire experiences for local residents and visitors alike. The Country Christmas packages offered in November are one such example. Participants select from a variety of accommodation and activities and indulge in a weekend retreat right here at home. Choices include Decadent Delights, Cuisine Package; Gone Country, Adventure Package; The Wilderness Adventure Package; and Serenity Beckons, Pampering Package.
What other experiences and products can be combined? That is what a future workshop "Build the Experience" will address. Through networking, a little "out of the box" thinking and a whole lot of creativity, this workshop hopes to be the spark to create new tourism packages.
Local business operators that offer tourism and hospitality products and services are invited to participate. For information or to register call my office or Erica Thomas at 464-8259. Residents who are interested in exploring the ins and outs of operating a bed and breakfast in Strathcona should also contact Erica about a future workshop on starting a bed and breakfast. I know several people now who will only stay at bed and breakfasts when they travel.
As we mature as a community, the opportunity to experience all that Strathcona has to offer will become more important. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to take a horse and carriage ride through Centre in the Park just like they do in Old Montreal or Victoria. Someone might start a local tourism radio station just like they have along the Yellowhead Highway in Manitoba.
I believe we are only limited by our imaginations and by putting our heads together in a creative atmosphere, we can reach our tourism potential.
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor, Ward 5
780-464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Page ID: 2028