Highlights of the presentation include:
Economic Development Updates:
- Economic Development Newsletter coming out next week with Economic indicators and city projects and information for businesses;
- Glencoe and Elliott Road improvements - 24 poles with banners being installed;
Local Economic Indicator Statistics include:
- Development Permits issued increased 22.5% from last year (Jan-May);
- Construction Permit values look like they could have a record year;
- New Active Business License increased from 127 for 2020 to 217 for 2021;
- Currently 1,964 active Business Licenses;
Tourism:
- Trail Guides are available in our Visitor Centres;
- Farm Loop brochures and the Visitor Guide are currently in print;
Messaging:
- Due to Public Health Orders the message continues to be #ExploreLocal;
- Messaging will change once restrictions have been lifted;
- Locals have been engaged and sharing our message, proud ambassadors for the community;
- Partnered with BC Ale Trail and Westside Wine Trail Association for developing itineraries for marketing;
Visitor Services:
- Instant messaging on our website is being used continually - Visitor Centre staff are answering questions;
- Increased traffic at the Visitor Centre;
- Fresh Sheet to come - weekly page sent to Tourism businesses and B&B with local summer events and activities;
Encourage everyone to participate in the Official Community Plan including our tourism businesses. Important to have a tourism lens for locals and tourists for destination management.
Questions on the presentation:
- Travel Guide, Farm Loop and Visit Westside available online? Yes they are;
- #ExploreLocal can be used for photos? Used to encourage explore local. Tag #visitwestside to share photos and social media posts;
- #ExoploreLocal to change? Used currently but may change to explore more;
- Are EDC members receiving Newsletter? Yes, EDC members are receiving the newsletter;
- Any insight on net vs. new business licenses? Will look into in more detail;
- Are cell phone pings still being tracked? Information was gathered for geofencing through a research program and used for tourism purposes and for marketing, which will help our tourism partners;
- Will these marketing brochures be handed out for the new business licenses for STA? Will look at making packages;
- City does not have a tourism strategy. One will be put in place that aligns with Council strategies and integrates communication to focus on destination attraction and management;
- Could copies of these brochures be handed out to EDC members at the next meeting? Yes, packages will be made for the members;
- Visit Westside opportunities ahead with Westbank First Nation, Peachland, and Tourism Kelowna.