Craig Borden from ‘Rugged Edge Sports’ introduced us to some members of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s new STAR program (Strategic Tourism for Areas and Regions) in the Corner Brook / Bay of Islands / Humber Region last week. The purpose of this initiative is to utilize a STAR certified consultant to work with a committee of regional stakeholders to develop effective strategies. The program’s aim is to create a Regional Tourism Development Plan that can help the partners attain their full potential as a tourism destination. Though Craig is not heading this program – he takes his board membership seriously and is undoubtedly leading the charge.
We started with a breakfast at the Blow Me Down Cross Country Ski Club. Toured the Glynmill Inn and Greenwood Hotels. Visited the art gallery, stopped at all the ski-doo shops, ate in the restaurants, sampled the local coffee and beer, and even delivered a new snow blower for a safety presentation at City Hall. We kicked up our heels at the ‘Steak and Shake’ dinner and dance, photographed the many beautiful art exhibits dispersed through the city commons, joined a local pub crawl, hiked the Corner Brook Trail, heard some brilliant live music, and even managed to squeeze in a stop at Marble Mountain Ski Resort.
It was a busy weekend spent with old friends, new acquaintances, and great potential partners for future tour programs. We shared much from our own experiences, made recommendations for change and expansions, and offered some constructive criticism intended to help established operators tweak their product offerings. Many new ideas were proposed, and acknowledgements were granted to some really fascinating activities that weren’t even recognized as potential tourism opportunities. What an exciting time for the community.
“… we worked really hard…”
By any normal standard it could be argued that we worked really hard this weekend. But you’d never say it when you hear us talk about the incredible times we shared. Which might be the most important consideration for anyone thinking about a career in the tourism industry, especially those working in the STAR program.
As our father often reminds us; “If you’re going to be in the hospitality industry, you’d best be hospitable. And if so fortunate, you’re guaranteed to enjoy every minute of every day.”
Or as one of our senior guides, Mike Edmunds, likes to say; “If you truly like people – than a career in tourism is more of a past time than a job.”
Personally, I’d go so far as to suggest that an occupation in tourism is best described as a “situation” – a lifestyle that’s well worth pursuing, especially when you have these kinds of “STAR’s” by your side.
Many thanks to Craig Borden, all the STAR program members, and the entire ‘Corner Brook / Bay of Islands / Humber Region’ for this opportunity.
Special thanks to;
1. Shawn and Linda at Blow Me Down Cross Country Ski Club
2. Lisa Martin at the Greenwood Hotel
3. Connie Rose at the Glynmill Inn
4. David Smallwood from the Corner Brook Arts Center
5. Tony, Terry & Todd Young from Rapid Power Sports
6. Peter Olerhead from Cycle Solutions
7. Rob Gillard and AK
8. Paul Riley from Humber Valley rentals
9. Marble Mountain Ski Club
10. Humber Valley Resort
11. Western Snow Riders
12. All the staff at Rugged Edge – especially Melvin and Kenny
13. Birthday girl Melissa Young
14. Best Coast Cafe
15. And all our friends, new and old, who made this trip so memorable
Nice one Andrew. I’ve many fond memories of the West Coast of Newfoundland and your article goes a long way towards encouraging a visit again sometime soon.