Total market readiness program graduates 38

“We tried to get as wide a cross section as possible,” said Julie Grandy, tourism development officer with the South West Shore Development Authority, the organization responsible for administrating the federally funded $100,000 initiative. “We believe that this will make the biggest impact on the region, by working with as many people as possible,” she said.

The program is designed to raise the quality of the region up a notch, revitalize the tourism industry and highlight new opportunities for tourism in the area. “The area needs to lessen its dependence on the ferry service, and look at other areas for tourism revenues,” said Grandy.

Participants paid a $600 registration fee and were asked to have an open mind, willing attitude and a desire to grow their business and partner with the community. They were required to attend two four-hour workshops, two 2.5-hour mentoring sessions and participate in a two-day familiarization tour. Each of the operators was also mystery shopped.

Grandy says that as the program progressed it became apparent that the operators were not just business people, but people opening their homes and communities to visitors. “They wanted to ensure that people have a wonderful time here, and discovered the real Yarmouth & Acadian Shores. It became very obvious that everyone involved was in a host capacity, and were offering authentic Maritime experiences… hence the name, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores Authentic Hosts,” she said.

The graduates are designated as such on a new website: www.YarmouthandAcadianShores.com

Mentoring sessions, set up as a conversation between operator and the mentor played an important element of the program.

Areas in which they were doing well were discussed as well as areas they could improve on. “The first session in Spring 2007 focused on product development (i.e.: bricks and mortar, customer service, food, etc), and the second session in Fall 2007 focused on marketing. Out of each session came task lists, or suggested “to-do’s.” The recommendations for each operator are confidential, but they were all very different and some were surprising,” said Grandy.

Some of the recommendations out of the program are long-term in nature, and SWSDA is working on project proposals with both levels of government to see these needs addressed.

During 2009 existing operators will be given the chance to continue implementing suggestions from their mentors and mystery shoppers.

In 2010, there will be another intake of new operators, who will go through the same intensive program. The existing operators will go through a modified program.

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