Association works to encourage Calgarians to discover their own backyard through curated tours
The summer after the COVID lockdown has presented unique challenges to Foothills businesses. The loss of international and out-of- province travellers seemed like an insurmountable problem for local business.
Enter the Foothills Tourism Association. In partnership with the Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Calgary South and the Hotel Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites, area businesses were shifted into the spotlight in a campaign designed to drive those who would otherwise be spending their summers elsewhere to seek adventure in their own backyard.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected our businesses and livelihoods, but we also see an incredible opportunity to welcome Albertans who are looking to explore a little closer to home,” says Hugo Bonjean, President of Foothills Tourism.
It was revealed from a recent consumer study that visitors come to the Foothills region to experience activities such as hiking, taking in the nature/ scenery, walking, dining and western cultural and community activities. Armed with this data from the study, the organization approached local businesses who fit these criteria when developing packages for visitors.
Also highlighted in the study was the desire of Calgarians to know where their food comes from. Foothills Tourism created two agri-tourism offers highlighting blacksmithing and wild, edible food foraging.
The complete list of hotel offers can be viewed on Foothills Tourism’s website:
foothillstourism.com/offers
According to the study, nearly a quarter of Calgarians have not visited the Foothills region. Most of those surveyed had heard of the gems of the region: the Millarville Farmers’ Market, the Bar U Ranch National Historical Site of Canada, the Museum of the Highwood & Visitor Information Centre and the Bomber Command Museum. Foothills Tourism hopes working in partnership with area hotels will entice more visitors to come see all that is on offer.
“With a vast array of natural scenery, farms, restaurants and specialty shops, we want Calgarians to think of the Foothills as a local and authentic out of town experience, whether it be as a day trip or as a staycation destination,” explains Bonjean.
Partnering businesses include: Granary Road, Eau Claire Distillery, Black Diamond Gallery, Hard Knox Brewery, Spirit Hills Flower Winery, Bluerock Gallery, Chinook Honey Company & Chinook Arch Meadery, D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club, Lineham House Galleries, Heartland Café, Anchor D Outfitting, Full Circle Adventures, and Stone, Wood & Steel.
For media inquiries please contact Veronica Kloiber at info@ foothillstourism.com
