Brain Trust comes up with brainy ideas for tourism
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Kate Everson
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Quinte West A $15,000 study by the Brain Trust consulting firm has come up with some brainy ideas to promote Quinte West and Belleville together as a tourist destination.
Richard Innes made his presentation to the Economic Development and Revitalization Committee on July 21, making seven key recommendations.
"Identify an organization to lead destination development," Innes said. He recommended using the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council (BQTC) and its web site to feature Brighton, Quinte West, Belleville, Prince Edward County, Napanee and Tyendinaga.
"The benefit to supporting a regionally based destination is a greater ability to capture the interest of visitors," he said.
Quinte West already pays a membership fee of $4,000 to the BQTC. Belleville and Prince Edward County pay the same.
Innes suggested building future tourism growth around the National Air Force Museum of Canada and the Empire Theatre.
"These have been identified as core attractions that drive people to the region," he said.
He also suggested focusing long-term destination development around the Belleville Recreation Centre, Quinte West marina and Belleville Gaming/Racing Venue.
Innes said the hotel occupancy rate for Quinte West and Belleville is higher than the provincial average which shows that people are staying here longer.
Andrew Kostovos asked how we could prepare Quinte West to get the same kind of tourism as Prince Edward County. Innes said the county has significant attractions such as wineries but it does not have the infrastructure Quinte West has, such as roads and water treatment. Kotsovos asked if the potential is strong for this area. Innes said yes, there is opportunity here and tourism should be used as a plank in the economic development strategy.
Lynn Doyle noted that as well as Trenton being the gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway it could also be promoted as the gateway to the county. Innes agreed, "We are better together."
Ron Hamilton asked why the rural area was not included as a tourist destination, such as the Stirling museum, Batawa Ski Hill and plowing match which draw thousands of people from out of town. Innes said Hastings County has recognized these resources as part of its strategy but they need to get more fully utilized.
Sally Freeman suggested they put together a package to fill a full day or a week. Innes said there are packages which include golf and theatre on the web site. "They are selling," he said.
Fred Kuypers said they are not working closely enough with Picton, Stirling and Tyendinaga. "We need to get support from the surrounding area," he said.
Linda Lisle, economic development co-ordinator, said the city is putting up a $100,000 billboard on the 401 to promote Quinte West. The site is yet to be determined. The sign will read: Put your business on the river of opportunity ... downtown and Trent River properties available . It will use the logo of Quinte West as A Natural Attraction. The sign has to be up by March 31, 2011, to get funding from EODP which covers all costs. She noted there are 38,000 cars a day that go by.
Meredith Bowers, recreation, community and marketing co-ordinator, gave an update on a proposal for a car show to take place next year after the downtown festival on Dundas Street West. After the vendors close up on Saturday night, the street would remain a Show and Shine through Sunday. Food vendors would remain.
"We have a lot of car enthusiasts in the area," Chair Paul Whitley noted.
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