GREENSTONE – The Municipality of Greenstone’s Tourism Strategy/Marketing Plan is moving forward. After a formal request for proposals, Council recently selected Generator from Thunder Bay to work on the blueprint for the future of tourism in the region. Generator was selected based on its significant experience within the region, including work on successful tourism strategies. On May 11th and 12th, Generator was in Greenstone to meet with local stakeholders and gather further insight for the Strategy/Marketing Plan.
One of the Groups that met was the Brand Advisory Group. The Group will be responsible for providing oversight and insight to the brand planning process. Their main responsibility is to recommend approval and adoption of the brand strategy.
“Our brand is important because it helps communicate who we are,” said Brent Henley, Tourism Coordinator for the Municipality of Greenstone. “Participants of the Brand Advisory Group are representative of a broad range of aspects of our community; they are well respected throughout the region, are passionate about Greenstone, and most importantly can see things from the external customer point of view.”
The plan itself will provide direction to the Municipality in tourism going forward. It will provide clear priorities for investment. The plan will also build off work that has been done over the past few years.
“It is essential that the tourism strategy is aligned with the strategic plan of Greenstone,” said Jack Hudolin, President and Director of Strategic and Creative Planning, Generator. “The Municipality has done some good planning and engagement work in the past. Having access to documented community aspirations and objectives provides valuable baseline insights. We will continue to gather information via surveys and one on one interviews.”
Tourism supports over 3000 businesses and generates $604 million annually for northwestern Ontario’s economy. The Municipality has identified tourism as a priority to diversify the Greenstone economy.
“In its Strategic Plan, the Municipality has identified tourism as an important part of diversifying and strengthening our economy,” said Mayor Renald Beaulieu. “Tourism is already an important source of dollars in our community. We are looking forward to growing this important sector in the region.”
The final plan is expected by November for adoption by Council.