Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1061969
With Travel Manitoba taking the lead on marketing the region, the aim has been to get Manitobans more familiar with this vast area of the province. A new Manitoba North website and travel guide were created, along with a robust content campaign featuring blog posts, videos and social media. "What we're seeing is that our audiences are really interested in stories featuring the North," said Travel Manitoba President and CEO Colin Ferguson. "They are spending upwards of 10 to 15 minutes reading these blog posts, way above the industry benchmark of two minutes. There is an appetite for the North – and we will be continuing to offer up compelling stories, videos and images to show people what amazing tourism opportunities exist in the region." In addition, place brands have been created for The Pas/ Opaskwayak Cree Nation as well as Flin Flon, with Thompson's place brand still in development. These place brands were developed after significant stakeholder consultation and offer a tangible starting point for tourism development in those regional hubs by identifying the destination's unique selling proposition highlighted through professionally crafted wordmarks created by McKim Communications. And with the results from destination area assessments completed on Thompson and area, The Pas/OCN, Flin Flon and area as well as Churchill, these tourism hub communities are being provided with concrete recommendations to support tourism growth. Increases in tourism expenditures do not just benefit the tourism industry. The flow-through effect of travel means that a portion of every dollar spent by a visitor ends up in the hands of a secondary business and contributes to the development of the community. And a strong tourism industry enhances the overall quality of life for Manitobans by providing access to exciting experiences, unique attractions, cultural and outdoor activities, festivals and events. It is these types of immersive experiences that Manitoba offers visitors: once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will envelop them in culture, authenticity, exploration and adventure; creating memories that will stay with them forever. Churchill Pisew Falls Learn more at travelmanitoba.com "There is an appetite for the North – and we will be continuing to offer up compelling stories, videos and images to show people what amazing tourism opportunities exist in the region." - Colin Ferguson, Travel Manitoba President & CEO