Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1120525
Winnipeg Folk Festival Photo: David Quiring Photo: Max Muench Learn more at travelmanitoba.com In addition to increasing visitor spending by 19%, another target is to increase the total number of visitors by 40%, reaching nearly 13 million by 2022. The expansion of the tourism industry to $2.2 billion will create jobs, generate tax revenues, stimulate trade relationships and enhance community pride. In order to reach those targets, the Provincial Tourism Strategy for Manitoba identifies five overarching goals: leading brand and market positioning; investing in destination and experience development; improving transportation and mobile connectivity; fostering collaboration among all stakeholders; and building public support for tourism. While the lead organizations and relevant stakeholders are committed to completing the initiatives outlined under each goal, the success of the Provincial Tourism Strategy – and that of the tourism industry as a whole – is reliant on a whole- of-government approach to tourism. Collaboration between Travel Manitoba and government departments and agencies is necessary to enable critical province-wide improvements to areas such as roads, wayfinding, digital connectivity, wildlife management, as well as parks revitalization including season extensions, park amenities and services. Industry input shaped much of the strategy's top priorities, such as continuing support for Manitoba, Canada's Heart… Beats brand as the provincial signature and the need to attract more meetings, conferences and major events. A measurement and monitoring system, led by an appointed Steering Committee will ensure the Provincial Tourism Strategy remains relevant over time thanks to continual input from stakeholders. As endorsed by Chuck Davidson, President & CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Provincial Tourism Strategy Steering Committee, "Manitoba has a professional, passionate and dedicated tourism industry, and this strategy will lead to tourism becoming an even greater economic driver for the province than it is today." "There is significant demand for the types of travel experiences Manitoba can offer, including northern and Indigenous tourism and world- class water-based experiences such as fishing, paddling and lakeside recreation." - Minister Blaine Pedersen Growth, Enterprise and Trade