STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS & ACTIONS
STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
With the Vision articulated and a good understanding of the current situation and engagement input, the TMP Task Force embarked through workshops to articulate how to move toward the Vision and Goals. Through these workshops they began to answer the questions of“ how?”,“ where?”,“ when?” and“ what first?” through Strategic Directions that guide specific actions over the next 3- 5 years. These directions presented below are informed by considering the current situation analysis and the many ideas gathered during the engagement as well as each Task Force participant’ s intimate knowledge.
Focus Area 1
DIVERSITY OF VISITORS YEAR ROUND Strategic Directions:
• Increase visitation in non-peak times in summer, winter, fall and spring
• Foster Fernie’ s arts, heritage & cultural tourism product
• Maximize current event / facility capacity for existing events and a plan for growth & expansion through events
• Develop strategies to attract & serve high yield / value-oriented visitors
• Embrace 2nd homeowners to create ambassadors for Fernie
• Develop a common community brand to present to visitors
Focus Area 2
REMARKABLE VISITOR EXPERIENCES Strategic Directions:
• Support businesses & organizations to foster improved tourism experiences & overall sustainability
• Expand indoor activities
• Foster impeccable customer service Protect & enhance Fernie’ s downtown
• Create focal visitor points for visitor staging & gathering
• Improve visitor focused in-community communications / wayfinding
Focus Area 3
STRONGER TOURISM FOUNDATION Strategic Directions:
• Ensure there is adequate & qualified staff
• Define organizational roles & make collaboration a central tenant
• Ensure land use & development policies, maintain & grow access to natural attractions & recreation amenities
• Enhance a working relationship with the Ktunaxa / KRBI
• Increase community support for tourism & create more ambassadors
• Sustain financial resources for tourism
Focus Area 4
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT Strategic Directions:
• Manage tourism related capacity impacts on community, environment & visitor experiences important to tourism
• Mitigate non-tourism industry impacts on the environment & visitor experiences important to tourism
• Adapt to climate change( forest fires, snowpack, river)
• Improve getting to & around Fernie( visitors & locals)
• Foster greater care & appreciation of Fernie – having visitors become contributors and ambassadors