Corporate
Partnership with Travel Alberta Boosts Investment in Local Tourism Businesses
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT) is working with Travel Alberta to help local tourism businesses expand their products and experiences. As the travel industry continues to adapt to changing health restrictions, Travel Alberta is investing in destination development through its Capital Investment & Tourism Asset Grant program. In Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, five local tourism operators received grants to support diversifying or expanding their tourism operations.
It’s rewarding to see our partnership with Travel Alberta garner strong support for local operators and new entrepreneurs,” says Kevin Weidlich, President & CEO, FMWBEDT. “Our region is vital to growing provincial tourism and visitation. In order to do our part, we need to help operators develop and enhance their businesses so that together, we can make Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo a more competitive visitor destination.”
Tourism development organizations such as Destination Canada and Travel Alberta are always scouting for new and unique Canadian destinations and experiences to expand their tourism offerings to domestic and international tourism markets. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a heightened global demand for travel to new, more remote wilderness destinations where space and less crowding are key elements to a safe visitor experience.
“Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is naturally inspiring, and complements our offerings as a province,” says David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta. “This market has many uniquecharacteristics that appeal to many, and through our work with FMWBEDT, we aim to help the region’s tourism sector grow.”
As part of this partnership, local entrepreneurs received access to financial support to help them with marketing efforts and assistin the development of new or enhanced experiences and packaging based on the travel environment and health restrictions in place. The direct support is helping entrepreneurs sustainably develop their businesses and build for the future.
“Both FMWBEDT and Travel Alberta have been an integral part in our journey,” says David Stirling, Owner and Operator of Beyond Adventures. “Working together to develop experiences unique to our region has been a huge asset. With FMWBEDT’s mentorship, we are growing our business responsibly while staying grounded. We look forward to building on our relationship to not only bring experiences that are exclusive to our region, but also continue to showcase our beautiful backyard with residents and tourists alike.”
LEARN MORE Existing and aspiring tourism entrepreneurs interested in learning more about available grants can connect with Kristin Catto, Economic Development Office, Product Development with FMWBEDT: kristin@explorewoodbuffalo.ca.