The Town of Okotoks launched their first ever Tourism Strategy this week.
According to the Town, this is a roadmap that honours the town's character, embraces a future full of possibilities, as well as preserving what makes the Town special while inviting other to witness the charm of the community.
"Tourism in Okotoks has always been part of our story; from day-trippers exploring our shops to families enjoying the Sheep River," explained Mayor Tanya Thorn in a media release. "What’s been missing is a way to bring those experiences together. This strategy gives us that, a shared vision and a collaborative path that supports local entrepreneurs, celebrates who we are and helps tourism continue to add value to our community."
Through this strategy plan, the Town is putting people first, while balancing economic, environmental, social, and cultural priorities to make sure tourism in Okotoks is inclusive, sustainable, and following the community spirit.
The Tourism Strategy was created as a result of two phases, including a detailed review of tourism in Okotoks and a round of community engagement, which allowed Okotoks residents, businesses, and tourism leaders to have input on the strategy.
"It reflects not just data and planning, but the hopes, concerns and aspirations of a community that cares deeply about its future," the Town stated in the media release.
The strategy was built on four strategic pillars, which are tourism management and collaboration, destination development, product and experience development, and marketing and promotion.
As part of the tourism management and collaboration portion, they were establishing leadership, forming a Tourism Advisory Group, and aligning partners to help make tourism decisions that reflect community values.
Through the destination development portion, they figured out the enhancement of signage, public spaces, and amenities which will improve the experiences visitors and locals will enjoy, while the product and experience development part provided input on expanding events and experiences that showcases the town's character to help encourage visitors to stay in town longer.
The marketing and promotion pillar helped to shape promoting Okotoks as a distinct and welcoming destination through storytelling and branding.
Okotoks has been a draw for visitors, due to its welcoming atmosphere, along with the events the Town hosts and the Town's scenery, and the new tourism strategy brings those elements together in one vision that aligns business, experiences, and community values to guide tourism in town, all while protecting what resident's treasure.
"This strategy ensures tourism is purposeful, well-managed and reflective of what matters to our community," said Chris MacIsaac, Community Identity Manager for the Town of Okotoks.
Now that the Tourism Strategy has been created, an implementation plan will follow, which will translate the vision of the strategy into action.
Not only will it outline the specific steps and timelines, but it will also outline ways to measure success.
It will also focus on expanding visitor information, enhancing public spaces, supporting local businesses, and elevating the stories that help make Okotoks feel like home.
To learn more and see the Tourism Strategy, head over to the Town's website.