Tourism group reaches out to small operators

By Jennifer Hoegg

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

What are the marketing opportunities for local tourism operators? Destination Southwest Nova Association’s (DSWNA) networking event in Windsor Feb. 20 aimed to answer that question.

A few dozen people, including local tourism operators and municipal leaders, gathered at the Super 8 Motel to hear what was new with the regional organization. DSWNA’s general manager Madonna Spinazola said that the event was one of many efforts by the group to reach out and explore “how we can all help grow our region.”

Spinazola noted, “we move around to the different communities for our board meeting and try to go to a member’s establishment. There, we hold meet and greet or networking session so people who are curious can see who we are.”

Super 8 Motel manager Allen Lawley is the board’s newest member, joining the Town of Windsor’s VanEssa Roberts as local representatives.

The organization – which markets tourism from Mt. Uniacke all the way around the province’s southwestern coast to St. Margaret’s Bay -- is keen to reach more small operators.

In order to do so, small businesses and non-profit groups enjoy lower membership fees, and there are different priced choices for advertising and trade show opportunities. Members can also apply for grants through the organization.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the smaller operations involved,” Spinazola said. “The more we can get the word out there about how we can help partner the better.”

DSWNA marketing director Dustin O’Leary told the gathering that “the Atlantic Canada tourism market is growing.”

Terri McCulloch of the Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership praised the “focus and commitment of DSWNA staff.”

There are several upcoming publicity opportunities for local groups, businesses and artisans through the regional board. Although deadlines for inclusion in the Official Visitor’s Guide were in late 2007, upcoming opportunities include online advertising, itinerary development, the annual coupon map, and multiple trade shows.

Highlighting the spring will be the DSWNA trade show, planned for Dartmouth March 15, designed to showcase the “experience” of traveling the region to the large HRM market. “A section of our show will be designated to artists and artisans. They can also sell their goods there.” Canadian Idol’s Dwight D’eon will be part of the event.

The organization’s Annual General Meeting and Conference follows May 15 and 16 at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre.

Spinazola noted that these opportunities, including the AGM, are open to non-members. She urges interested groups to contact the organization. Cooperation is key in a global tourism market, she adds. “I know that some areas think the area is large, but in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big.”

For more information see the website: www.destinationsouthwestnova.com.