The City of Thunder Bay’s tourism department has long debated whether or not to continue producing its annual visitor’s guide. According to tourism manager Paul Pepe, there are mixed opinions among tourist outfitters, sponsors, and businesses regarding the guide’s importance as a promotional tool for the city.
While some argue that the guide is a vital resource for showcasing what Thunder Bay and its surroundings have to offer, others question its cost-effectiveness and the competitiveness of the advertising market. Despite these concerns, Pepe reveals that all 60,000 print copies of the guide are distributed each year, making it a sought-after resource by recruiters, mining companies, government agencies, and utility companies assisting people in relocating to Thunder Bay.
Prior to the pandemic, Tourism Thunder Bay estimated that tourism contributed more than $125 million annually to the city’s economy. As the city gradually recovers from the pandemic’s impact, the return of American tourists is expected to further boost these numbers. Pepe emphasizes that having a physical visitor’s guide is especially valuable for those who are unfamiliar with Thunder Bay, as it provides a tangible resource for exploring and discovering the city.
Mayor Ken Boshcoff highlights the significance of tourism as one of Thunder Bay’s most valuable industries. He believes that the visitor’s guide plays an essential role in educating both residents and visitors about the city’s unique attributes, turning them into ambassadors who can proudly share their knowledge.
The latest edition of the guide, titled Thunder Bay Experience, spans 64 pages and features listings, maps, and articles on various topics, including the growing popularity of cycling in the area and the abundant outdoor adventures available. The cover, designed by artists Shelby Gagnon and Lak Williams, pays tribute to Thunder Bay’s indigenous heritage, prominently featuring Nanabijou and Anemki Wajiw (Sleeping Giant and Mount McKay) as symbols of the city’s natural beauty and cultural significance.
The Thunder Bay Experience magazine can be found at the Terry Fox Visitor’s Centre, local hotels, the airport, and visitor’s centers throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. It is also accessible online at www.visitthunderbay.com.
FAQ:
1. What is the debate surrounding the annual visitor’s guide in Thunder Bay?
There is a mixed opinion among tourist outfitters, sponsors, and businesses regarding the guide’s importance as a promotional tool for the city. Some argue that it is a vital resource, while others question its cost-effectiveness and competitiveness in the advertising market.
2. Who uses the visitor’s guide in Thunder Bay?
Recruiters, mining companies, government agencies, and utility companies assisting people in relocating to Thunder Bay make use of the guide. It is also sought-after by tourists and visitors.
3. How many print copies of the guide are distributed each year?
All 60,000 print copies of the guide are distributed annually.
4. How does tourism contribute to Thunder Bay’s economy?
Before the pandemic, tourism contributed more than $125 million annually to the city’s economy. With the return of American tourists, these numbers are expected to increase.
5. What role does the visitor’s guide play in educating residents and visitors?
Mayor Ken Boshcoff believes that the visitor’s guide plays an essential role in educating both residents and visitors about Thunder Bay’s unique attributes, turning them into ambassadors who can proudly share their knowledge.
6. What can be found in the latest edition of the visitor’s guide?
The latest edition, titled Thunder Bay Experience, features listings, maps, and articles on various topics, including the growing popularity of cycling in the area and the abundant outdoor adventures available. It also pays tribute to Thunder Bay’s indigenous heritage.
7. Where can the visitor’s guide be found?
The Thunder Bay Experience magazine can be found at the Terry Fox Visitor’s Centre, local hotels, the airport, visitor’s centers throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota. It is also accessible online at www.visitthunderbay.com.
Definitions:
– Promotional tool: A tool or resource used for promoting or advertising something, in this case, Thunder Bay as a tourist destination.
– Cost-effectiveness: The degree to which something is economical or results in good value for the money spent.
– Competitiveness: The ability to compete successfully in a given market or industry.
– Recruiters: Individuals or organizations responsible for finding and selecting candidates to fill job positions.
– Utility companies: Companies that provide essential services such as electricity, water, and gas.
Suggested related links:
visitthunderbay.com