Recent consulting projects of the Tourism Company

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Tourism Destination Development Plan, 2008
The Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region has been going through significant changes over the past decade culminating in a concerted effort to become more strategic in improving the appeal of the region as a travel destination. The overall objective for the plan is to enhance the quality of the visitor experience and encourage extended stays and increase revenues in Yarmouth and Acadian Shores. On February 25, 2009, the plan was officially launched at the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Engagement Day, with more than 100 tourism operators in attendance. Unable to attend, we provided a video presentation highlighting the plan's conclusions and recommendations.

Fujairah Corniche Resort Master Plan, United Arab Emirates, 2008
The Tourism Company assisted the IBI Group with a master planning project situated in the Emirate of Fujairah on the east coast of the UAE peninsula adjacent to Oman. The client for this beach resort master planning assignment (Sorouh) is one of the three largest real estate development companies based in Abu Dhabi.

Quark Expeditions Customer Surveys, 2008
Over the past year and a half the Tourism Company has completed several statistical surveys on behalf of Quark Expeditions one of the largest expedition cruise operators into the Arctic and Antarctica. The surveys have been designed to assess past guest views on responsible tourism and global warming and the influence these issues have had on their taking a trip with Quark.

Manitoba Agri-tourism Development Framework and Strategy 2007/08
the Tourism Company was the lead consultant on the development of a framework and development strategy for agri-tourism in Manitoba. Working closely with Manitoba Agriculture and Food Rural Initiatives, our tasks included the development of an inventory of current agri-tourism offers and a product/market match leading to product development and marketing recommendations, including the creation of the Manitoba Agri-Tourism Blog.

Integrated Tourism Marketing Strategy for Saskatoon, 2007
This assignment, completed in late 2007, worked with the Destination Marketing Fees hotels and Tourism Saskatoon to develop a strategy for investment of DMF funds to maintain and grow overnight tourism to the city.

Strategic Tourism Plan for Regina, 2007/08
The Tourism Company managed this assignment, assisting the tourism industry and other stakeholders in the development of a strategic tourism marketing and development plan for the City of Regina.

Wasaga Beach Tourism Strategy, 2007
The Town of Wasaga Beach retained the Tourism Company to develop a strategic tourism plan that would articulate a vision, values, broad goals and objectives, strategic priorities and actions, defined outcomes, forward planning and mechanisms for implementation. The plan was formally adopted by the Town Council in late fall 2007.

Archaeological Conservation and Management Strategy for Waterfront Toronto, 2007
Working as a sub consultant to Archaeological Services Inc the Tourism Company were responsible for identification of heritage tourism presentation opportunities along the Toronto waterfront afforded by the archaeological resources, and/or other significant landscape features.

Blackfoot Crossing Heritage Park, Alberta, 2007
The Tourism Company was retained by Bell & Bernard in October 2006 to provide consulting assistance in evaluating the market potential and opportunity for the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in order to prepare visitation and revenue projections as well as to help refine the programming and experience to be offered. This attraction was officially opened in summer of 2007.

Strategic Planning - Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Board of Directors, 2008
The Tourism Company assisted the Board of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in the development of a strategic plan to guide the operations of this iconic Canadian event.

Oukaimeden Ski and Golf Resort Master Plan, Morocco, 2006/07
The Tourism Company was part of a large multi-disciplinary Canadian consulting team responsible for developing a master plan for a new year round resort in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. EMAAR (the client), a real estate development company based in Dubai are planning to develop the Alpine Resort as one of a number of new resort developments in Morocco to assist with the King of Morocco's plan to double tourism visitation by 2010.

Master Plan for Keppoch Ski Area, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, 2006
For this assignment the Tourism Company led a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Alford International (Snowmaking engineers), LANDInc (Landscape architects) and TSH (now part of AECOM) in preparing a master plan to re-develop the Keppoch Ski Area on behalf of the County of Antigonish. The Tourism Company were responsible for the master planning of the ski facilities including consideration for competitive venues. The Keppoch had been closed down for a number of years when the private owner went out of business.

Operational Review for the Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association (NONTA), 2006
the Tourism Company completed this assignment for NONTA working in association with government partners from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal Business Canada, FedNor, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership. The final deliverable from this assignment was a 3 year Strategy and Annual Operating Plan.

Ottawa Tourism Marketing Strategy, 2006
Cameron Hawkins & Associates Inc. and the Tourism Company ("the Consultants") were retained by the Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association and Ottawa Tourism to develop a strategic tourism marketing framework to guide the development of the annual destination marketing plans for Ottawa's leisure, travel trade and convention campaigns over the next five years.

Prince Edward County Tourism Development Strategy, 2006
the Tourism Company worked with the industry in developing a tourism strategy and three year marketing plan this up and coming wine and culinary destination. Completed for the Prince Edward County Tourism Destination Alliance, the project involved assessment of the County's tourism market demand and supply opportunities as well as extensive consultation with tourism industry stakeholders.

Panama Rainforest Discovery Centre Business Plan, Panama, 2007
the Tourism Company was retained by the Fundacion Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann (FAEE), an international non governmental organization leading rainforest conservation efforts in Panama, to assist with the preparation of a business plan for the proposed Panama Rainforest Discovery Centre. The Tourism Company was responsible for the developing and preparing the plan including a detailed market assessment, demand forecasts and financial operating projections. The Discovery Centre opened to the public in January 2008.

Huronia Museum Expansion Feasibility Study & Business Plan, 2007
the Tourism Company in association with Carl Bray and Associates, Susan Maltby and Associates, and Rod Young Architect, was retained by the Huronia Museum to undertake an expansion feasibility study and the preparation of a five-year business plan. The Tourism Company directed a multi-disciplinary team in undertaking space needs assessment, concept development, market assessment, demand forecasting, financial operating projections and funding strategy development for the proposed expansion (more than doubling current size) of the existing Huronia Museum

China Market Study, 2007
In association with Trish Manning of the Manning Consulting Group,the Tourism Company completed an assessment of the opportunities and issues facing the District of Muskoka, the Town of Gravenhurst and Parks Canada Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site in attracting and developing the international Chinese traveller and domestic ethnic Chinese traveller markets following the implementation of Approved Destination Status. The project included development of potential visitor demand forecasts and recommendations for destination marketing initiatives to capitalize on current and future opportunities.

Savanne River Resort Business Plan, 2007
The Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation (LDMLFN) has developed a community strategic plan and vision of self-reliance for re-establishing a community on Lac des Mille Lacs. The First Nation vision calls for re-establishment of the community west of Upsala on Reserve 22A2 with Reserve 22A1 (located on Lac des Mille Lacs) being utilized for economic development initiatives. The community leaders realize that economic development and associated opportunities will be integral to achieving this vision. Tourism is one of the pillars of the economic plan. The Tourism Company team was retained in January 2007 to complete a business plan for the expansion and operation of the Savanne River Resort. The team was comprised of the Tourism Company as Project Managers, Bill Rogoza as an Associate providing advice throughout, MacLeod Farley Associates assisting with financing/funding, and David Andersen responsible for site planning and capital costing.

Trillium Trails Network Feasibility Study & Business Plan, Ontario Trails Council (2007)
the Tourism Company Mr. McKittrick was part of a multi-disciplinary team retained by the Ontario Trails Council to assess the feasibility of and prepare a business plan for the Trillium Trails Network, a province-wide portfolio of programs designed to support trail development and management in Ontario.

Welland Recreational Canal Master Plan (2006-07)
the Tourism Company was part of a multi-disciplinary team retained by the City of Welland and the Welland Recreational Canal Corporation to prepare a long term master plan to guide the current and future development of the Welland Recreational Canal.

Vancouver Island Interpretive Centre, British Columbia, 2006
the Tourism Company in association with Carl Bray and Associates and Lees and Associates was retained by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve Foundation, an incorporated not for profit organization committed to developing and operating a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Visitor/Interpretive Centre in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve on Vancouver Island. The Tourism Company directed a multi-disciplinary team in the completion of a Phase 2 planning study (site selection, concept development, market assessment, organization and governance, funding strategy, and economic benefits assessment) for a proposed new tourist attraction in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area of Vancouver Island.

Malmaison Heritage Attraction Feasibility Study and Business Plan, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Choctaw, Mississippi, USA, 2003
the Tourism Company is currently leading a multi-disciplinary team of consultants assisting the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in the feasibility assessment and business plan phase for a proposed cultural heritage attraction near Greenwood, Mississippi. This assignment involved the analysis of market demand and competitive supply, identification of the best development option, and preparation of a business plan to direct its development and operation.

Quinte Geo Centre Feasibility Study and Business Plan, Ontario, 2005
the Tourism Company in association with Carl Bray and Associates and TSH Associates is currently assisteding the TRENVAL Business Development Corporation to assess the opportunities and risks associated with the development of a proposed cultural and natural heritage attraction at Lock Station #2 on the Parks Canada Trent-Severn Waterway.

Niagara Falls Heritage Master Plan, 2005
The Tourism Company was part of a multi-disciplinary team led by Carl Bray & Associates on this assignment for the City of Niagara Falls. The Heritage Master Plan was to provide a policy framework for the conservation and development of the municipality's heritage resources. The components of this framework include recommendations for the role of heritage in the City's future development, especially in terms of the ways in which heritage can contribute to the municipality's economic growth.

Great Spirit Circle Trail Marketing Strategy & Business Plan, 2003/04
In 2000 the Waubetek Business Development Corporation and 8 First Nation partners on Manitoulin Island formed the Great Spirit Circle Trail as a cooperative tourism marketing initiative with the Waubetek Business Development Corporation functioning as the Secretariat. The Tourism Company was retained as the prime consultant working with three native consulting firms to develop a detailed Marketing Strategy and Business Plan for the Great Spirit Circle Trail.

Great Lakes Heritage Coast Coastal Protection and Tourism Development Strategy 2002/03
the Tourism Company was part of a multi-disciplinary team of consultants in developing this strategy for the Great Lakes Coast running from the Severn River on Georgian Bay to the Pigeon River on Lake Superior. IBI Group were Project Managers for a large multi-disciplinary team comprised Dobbin International, Northern Bioscience, Engel Consulting Group, Callaghan Associates, NONTA Consulting and the Tourism Company. The Tourism Company was responsible for coordinating the tourism planning and the involvement of the 25 First Nation communities along the Coast.

Adventure and Ecotourism Strategy for the Province of Manitoba 2001/02
the Tourism Company completed a review of the market opportunities and market readiness of the adventure and ecotourism sector in Manitoba. The process included 'mystery shopping' and a joint meeting of government and private sector stakeholders.

Winterchange 2003, Canadian Tourism Commission
^theTourism Company is part of a team retained to design and stage the 2003 Canadian Tourism Commission's conference on winter tourism in Canada. To be held in Whitehorse, Yukon, this event will bring together invited senior winter operators from every province and territory who will interact with a team of internationally experienced resource experts to build a product development process for innovative Canadian winter tourism products and experiences.

Heritage Services Strategy - Hudson's Bay Company
^theTourism Company assisted the Hudson's Bay Company with the articulation of a strategy to capitalize on the company's rich heritage from an educational, tourism and merchandising perspective.

Arctic Corporate Travel Event Product Club ^the Tourism Company continues to support this Canadian Tourism Commission product club in a number of areas, including market research, product development and operator/outfitter training. ^theTourism Company organized and staged the first Arctic CTE Product Club conference in Inuvik, NT in September 2001 and is staging the second conference in February 2003 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

Adventure and Ecotourism Strategy for the Province of Manitoba
^theTourism Company completed a review of the market opportunities and market readiness of the adventure and ecotourism sector in Manitoba. The process included 'mystery shopping' and a joint meeting of government and private sector stakeholders.

Tourism Destination Development Plan for Labrador
^theTourism Company co-managed this project with the SGE Group out of Halifax. Extensive community consultations formed the foundation for the Destination Development Plan for Labrador, which covered a wide range of natural and cultural heritage, adventure and learning experiences.

Tourism Investment Strategy, City of Toronto, ^theTourism Company worked with Cameron Hawkins & Associates to complete a strategy that identified opportunities for private sector investment in the tourism sector of Toronto. The study included significant benchmarking around other successful urban destinations and a review of product offering in North American cities that Toronto competes with. The investment strategy provides a framework for the City to actively seek private sector investment.

Muskoka Steamship Museum Expansion Business Plan
^theTourism Company, as part of a multi-disciplinary consulting team, was retained by the Muskoka Steamship Historical Society to prepare a business plan for the expansion and relocation of the existing Muskoka Steamship Museum to the proposed Muskoka Wharf tourist retail development project in Gravenhurst. ^theTourism Company was responsible for assessing market demand potential, preparing demand and financial operating forecasts, and preparing a 5-year business plan to guide the expansion/relocation and ongoing operation of the museum.

CANUSA Business Development Study
^theTourism Company was retained by CANUSA, a web development and technology company specializing in destination marketing, and its Community Futures Development Corporation partners, to assess current and future business development opportunities for CANUSA's products and services in the North American tourism industry. This assignment involved the assessment of technology use and trends in the tourism industry, assessment of potential competitive products and services, and the preparation of 5-year sales and revenue forecasts for CANUSA's products and services.

Copper Thunderbird Ecolodge Feasibility Study and Business Plan
^theTourism Company was retained by Sand Point First Nation to examine the feasibility and prepare a business plan for the development of a 34 room Ecolodge on reserve land on the eastern shore of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. The assignment which was funded by Aboriginal Business Canada, involved a market assessment, identification of the most lucrative accommodation development option, preparation of demand/occupancy forecasts, and preparation of a 5-year business plan to guide development and operation of the recommended Ecolodge. ^theTourism Company managed a multi-disciplinary consulting team which included an architect and archaeologists.

Sheguiandah Living Heritage Centre
^theTourism Company was retained by the Sheguiandah First Nation, as part of a multi-disciplinary team to assess the feasibility of developing a First Nations cultural heritage based attraction on reserve land on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. ^theTourism Company was responsible for the market assessment and identification of high potential development opportunities, as well as the preparation of demand and financial projections and a business plan for the Band's preferred project.

Gordon's Park Business Expansion Plan
^theTourism Company was retained by the private sector owner/operators of Gordon's Park, and Attractions Canada award winning tourism business (2001) located on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, to assist with the development of a business plan for expansion of Gordon's Park. The assignment, which was funded through the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Resource Based Tourism Diversification Program, involved the market and financial assessment of the existing business, assessment of market opportunities on Manitoulin Island, identification of high potential expansion opportunities, preparation of demand projections, and preparation of a five year business plan.

Georgina Island Tourism Development Market Assessment and Business Plan
^theTourism Company was retained by the Chippewas of Georgina Island through the Band's Economic Development Office to assess the market potential and prepare financial projections for a proposed destination accommodation development on Georgina Island in Lake Simcoe, Ontario. This assignment involves the analysis of market demand and competitive supply, identification of the best accommodation development option, and preparation of a business plan to direct its development and operation.

Strategic Framework for Saskatchewan Tourism Development - 2000
^theTourism Company was part of an inter-provincial team that completed this framework for public sector investment in Saskatchewan. Our involvement focused on Cultural Heritage and Aboriginal tourism sectors.

Escarpment Centre Ontario - Feasibility Study and Business Plan ^theTourism Company lead a multi-disciplinary team to complete a feasibility study and business plan for this Niagara Escarpment Interpretive Centre, to be located in the Owen Sound area. This project builds on their extensive experience with visitor/interpretive centre planning projects.

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMP)
^theTourism Company continues to work closely with OTMP in a number of areas. We assisted in the development of the 2000/01 Business Plan and a review of the service provider strategy. ^theTourism Company has written and delivered a Packaging Handbook for Tourism Operators and is developing a Handbook for Selling Through the Travel Trade for Suppliers. We are also contributing to product development by working with industry-led consortiums such as Spas Ontario and Arts in the Wild.

Grey/Bruce/Owen Sound Regional Tourism Marketing Review 1999/00 - Counties of Grey, Bruce and Owen Sound
The on-going realignment of tourism associations in Ontario has prompted this review of the role of regional efforts. The study process includes extensive consultation with area tourism operators.

Bolivia Rapid Assessment - Sustainable Tourism Development Assessment - Inter-American Development Bank
The purpose of this assignment was to identify and assess the highest potential sustainable tourism development opportunities and projects within Bolivia. theTourism Company managed an international consulting team including consultants from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Equador and Mexico.

Development of a Strategic Plan, - Relais & Chateaux North America
^theTourism Company assisted Relais & Chateaux North America in the development of a five year strategic plan by designing and facilitating a two day workshop with member properties.

Aboriginal Heritage Gardens Attraction, 1998/99 - Eel River Bar First Nation, New Brunswick
^theTourism Company was the lead company directing the development of an interpretive master plan and overall attraction business plan to guide the development of a proposed aboriginal (Canadian Mic Mac Indians) heritage garden attraction in New Brunswick.

Huron North Heritage & Ecotourism Strategy
Seven Ontario communities located along the north shore of Lake Huron joined forces to implement a regional tourism development and marketing strategy based on cultural and natural heritage resources. ^theTourism Company was responsible for the development of an heritage opportunities evaluation methodology, demand market assessment, and preparation of pre-feasibility studies for recommended public sector projects.

MoCreebec Cree Village Ecolodge and Ecotourism Centre - MoCreebec Council of the Cree Nation
^theTourism Company prepared a marketing plan for the introduction and ongoing marketing of the first designed and purpose-built ecolodge in Canada. The client, MoCreebec Council of the Cree Nation, Moose Factory, Ontario, intends to attract and service domestic and international travelers seeking ecotourism experiences. Research included interviews with tour operators to test the concept. The Lodge opened in July 2000 and we continue to support them in a consulting capacity.

Event Strategy and Tactical Plan for the Viking Millennium, - Viking Trail Tourism Association
Working for the Viking Trail Tourism Association, Parks Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage and the Provincial Department of Tourism, ^theTourism Company prepared the event strategy and plan to celebrate the 1000 anniversary of Leif Eriksson's arrival in North America to be celebrated in 2000. . An event calendar, business plans for the anchor events and a sponsorship plan were prepared. The event was successfully staged throughout 2000.

Web-enhancement and Customer Relationship Management Training Program and Materials
Jill Vandal, the Tourism Company and Todd Lucier, Tourism Clicks.com designed and delivered a series of highly acclaimed workshops for tourism operators in Ontario that focused on maximizing use of the Internet. Completed for the Strategic Tourism Development and Marketing Partnership for Northern Ontario - a partnership between FedNor/Industry Canada and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation - a manual and dedicated web page are a part of the legacy material. This program has been renewed and expanded it its second year to include an additional day with 'hands-on computers' component and a workshop designed for DMO and Association executives.

Northern Ontario Travel Association Program (NOTAP) Development Strategy
the Tourism Company was engaged by the existing 6 Northern Ontario DMO's, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation and FedNor to prepare a five year tourism development strategy for the DMO's. The plan identified joint marketing initiatives as well as individual DMO business practices and marketing programs that are intended to ensure the growth, relevancy and effectiveness of the DMO's for the next five years.

Eastern Ontario Tourism Sector Assessment, Ontario East Economic Development Commission
the Tourism Company was retained by the Ontario East Economic Development Commission to undertake an assessment of tourism industry development and investment opportunities in Eastern Ontario. The assignment comprised market demand and supply assessments for 15 sub-regions of Eastern Ontario, an assessment of tourism and hospitality education and training capacity in Eastern Ontario, and a product/market match to identify areas suitable for private sector investment in product development.

Business and Transition Plan, Travel Manitoba
Working in partnership with Western Management Consultants, the Tourism Company assisted in the planning for the transition of Travel Manitoba from a provincial department to a Crown agency. Broad consultation with the industry was completed throughout the province by a series of Round Tables and interviews. A detailed transition plan was included in the Business Plan.

Spirit of the North Parkway Business Plan
Mr. McKittrick was the project manager for a tourism development and marketing project undertaken by the Municipality of Greenstone. The Spirit of the North Parkway Business Plan identified a strategy for developing and marketing the Highway 11 corridor from Longlac to Highway 17 (at Nipigon) as a regional tourism destination highlighting cultural and natural heritage resources.

Trent Port Market and Economic Feasibility Assessment
D'Arcy McKittrick was the project manager for a multi-disciplinary team engaged by the Trent Port Historical Society to assess the market and financial feasibility of establishing the Trent Port Museum in the Municipality of Quinte West.

Burlington MTO Lands Tourism Development Assessment
As sub-consultants to TSH Associates, the Tourism Company was engaged to assess the tourism development potential of a parcel of waterfront land (MTO Lands) as part of the Burlington Downtown Waterfront Implementation Plan. The current and expected future tourism demand and supply in the Burlington market were assessed and three potential development concepts of differing intensity identified for consideration.

Labrador South Coast Tourism Strategic Plan
the Tourism Company working in association with SGE Acres out of Halifax prepared a tourism development strategy for the south coast area between Red Bay and Cartwright for the Labrador Métis Association and the regional economic board.

Vancouver Island Interpretive Centre, British Columbia
the Tourism Company directed a multi-disciplinary team in the completion of a Phase 2 planning study (site selection, concept development, market assessment, organization and governance, funding strategy, and economic benefits assessment) for a proposed new tourist attraction in the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area of Vancouver Island.