September 6, 2016
Northern Tourism Summit in Flin Flon
– – –Opportunities for Developing, Marketing Northern Tourism: Cullen
Exploring ways to further develop and market Manitoba’s northern tourism industry will be the subject of a one-day tourism summit in Flin Flon today, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen said.
“A robust tourism industry already exists in the northern areas of the province and this summit is designed to foster conversation with northern Manitobans about further tourism and economic development opportunities,” said Cullen. “Tourism is a $1.6-billion dollar industry in Manitoba. I look forward to hearing the innovative ideas of community members as we work together to boost the north’s share of Manitoba’s tourism industry.”
The northern tourism summit will be hosted by Travel Manitoba today at Camp Whitney on Lake Athapap near Flin Flon. The session is designed to;
• identify opportunities for tourism growth in northern Manitoba,
• seek input into the development of a northern tourism strategy, and
• identify opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
“This will be an important planning session aimed at developing a clear strategy for growth in tourism in northern Manitoba,” said Colin Ferguson, president and CEO, Travel Manitoba. “It will build on the government’s increased tourism investments to help regional partners promote the north as a destination for travellers around the world.”
The Manitoba government recently announced an increase in development grants targeted at rural, northern and Indigenous tourism and community organizations for startup and expanded products and experiences. The province also announced increased funding totaling $3.1 million for Travel Manitoba marketing campaigns targeting Canada, the United States and overseas travellers.
“Tourism North is pleased to be co-hosting this event that is an opportunity for northern operators and leaders to form strategies for marketing the province and enhancing tourism infrastructure,” said Charlene Kissick, co-ordinator, Tourism North, the north’s regional tourism association. “The north offers tremendous value to the Manitoba’s tourism landscape and we look forward increasing our role in the province’s tourism economy.”
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