Trails- Bruce Peninsula, Ontario

October 14th - October 18th

In Atlantic Canada, we have developed a number of quality trails, however there remains a gap between these well-developed trails and community strengths. We must capitalize on community strengths to generate a trail experience in order to create a successful tourism destination. With that being said, the destination visited is one where tour operators, service providers, and accommodations have successfully taken advantage of a trail by developing and packaging the trail experience.  Additionally, destination is one that demonstrates market readiness and focuses on various trail activities: cycling, walking, hiking, etc.

Participants for this mission would be mid to senior management persons, from the Atlantic Provinces, interested in developing or expanding a current trail destination/operation (trail developers, tour operators, service providers, accommodations, restaurants, etc.). 

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• To learn how to take advantage of a trail location by successfully developing and packaging the trail experience (tour operators, service providers, accommodations, etc.)
• To visit a region that develops trails from a regional perspective and promotes the region as a trails destination
• To visit a destination that has recognized the value of trails and collectively has developed their region as a trails destination. This would be a result of businesses and tourism development groups (NGO) working collaboratively.
• How to build community partnerships, memberships, and sponsorships surrounding a trail experience
• To visit a trail destination that demonstrates market readiness and what type of criteria should be in place to ensure market ready products
• To learn effective marketing and tourism strategies/opportunities for multi-use trails
• How to avoid multi-use conflict - how to share the trails with different users and visions
• To gain new ideas for trail design, amenities (rest stop ideas, look outs, etc.), community accessibility, signage, etc.
• How to promote/implement sustainable policies/practices among business partners, trail users and large communities
• To learn about the challenges in terms of seasonality with multi-use trails
• How to successfully manage trails with a long term focus
• To learn about what users require in terms of additional services
• How to ensure proper protection and maintenance of the trails
• To learn more about guided hikes and tours and effective techniques to experience the trails through informative tour guiding and interpretation
• How multi-use trails are successfully operated including risk management procedures and guidelines