News

Call for Interest – Market Readiness Project in Central Tourism Region

• Are you a tourism operator interested in growing your business but not sure where to begin?

• Do you want to increase your profits but you’re not sure where to invest resources for the biggest return?

• Are you interested in becoming more competitive but need professional guidance?

• Would you like to increase the marketability of your tourism product but are unsure of your market/product match?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you need to read on about how a new initiative can help you get beyond these questions and help you achieve your business goals!

The Central Region Market Readiness Project
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL), Adventure Central Newfoundland, the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development (IBRD), the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (TCR), and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) are partnering to offer twenty (20) tourism operators in the Central Region an opportunity to participate in a pilot market readiness initiative aimed at improving their competitiveness.

The initiative will provide business development resources and supports to tourism operators in two phases:

Phase 1 – Business Retention and Expansion Diagnostic
Phase 2 – Accelerated Marketing Readiness Evaluation and Mentoring Support

Phase 1 – Business Retention and Expansion DiagnosticFor the first phase, operators will work one-on-one with an IBRD Economic Development Officer (EDO) to look holistically at their business operations and uncover those issues that may limit future plans and overall growth and success.

Tourism operators will receive:
• One-on-one, on-site consultation sessions with the EDO regarding marketing and sales, operations, finance and accounting, human resources and management and future plans.

• A report provided by the EDO including a prioritized action plan, developed with the operator (this can also be used to inform Phase 2).

• Follow up care, if required, by the business specialist to provide the operator the opportunity to share ideas or feedback

Phase 2 – Accelerated Marketing Readiness Evaluation and Mentoring Support ($450 for operator; valued at $5000)The second phase, pending funding approval, will focus specifically on tourism market readiness and enabling tourism operators to increase their market readiness standards and become more competitive in the tourism industry.

Tourism operators will receive:
• One-on-one mentoring session with an independent qualified tourism expert to determine operations market readiness, specifically focused on product development and marketing.

• Property site visit by a qualified tourism expert to evaluate service standards.

• A report and support framework identified and provided to the operator by the tourism mentor

Project Eligibility
The Central Region Market Readiness Project is ready to proceed with Phase 1 and is currently accepting applications from tourism operators in the Central Region.

Twenty (20) tourism operators will be selected on a first come-first served basis showing interest and meeting the defined selection criteria as outlined below. Please note that the Selection Committee reserves the right to ensure equal representation of business types and geographical location.

Selection Criteria for Tourism Operators
Interested operators will submit the attached application form and demonstrate that they meet the project selection criteria as outlined below.

Operator must:
• Be members of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador and Adventure Central Newfoundland.

• Have operated for at least two years and be open at least 90 consecutive days a year.

• Meet all regulatory requirements.

• Have liability insurance and follow safety procedures and policies.

• Be accessible year-round through the following communication tools: phone, e-mail, website, fax.

• Have a brochure and market their product or service.

Physical premises must:
• Have a staffed storefront location or welcome area.

• Be accessible by roads suitable for motor vehicles.*

• Provide site-based parking or parking in close proximity.

• Have suitable on-site signage/interpretation.

*Some operators may be exempt from this criteria item

Project Timelines
Space is limited for this project – only 20 existing tourism operators will be accepted. The anticipated start time will be January 2012 running through until January 2013.

By participating in this exciting market readiness initiative, operators will be equipped with the knowledge, tools and guidance they need to achieve their organizational goals. Phase 1 is offered at no cost to operators and Phase 2 is being offered at $450, a service that is valued at $5000.

For more information on eligibility and other program details, please contact Shannon Pinsent, Executive Director, Adventure Central Newfoundland at spinsent@AdventureCentralNewfoundland.ca or 709.489.9887

Apply now!