A new framework for the new five-year tourism strategy has already been fuelling ideas on how to enhance the industry in Cochrane and that was an important part of the Mar. 1 launch.

About 60 people gathered to view four primary tourism objectives with a list of specific actions and opportunities they create. The additional input received from stakeholders is now be collected before the final document is complete.

"It was a great crowd," says Jo-Anne Oucharek, executive director of Cochrane Tourism. "There was lots of talk of partnerships and collaboration and new ideas. The potential sponsorship of one of those ideas is already in the works this morning." 

About 60 people gathered to hear about the five-year strategy and provide input. Outlining the room were panels with information on key objectives and information on the most likely travellers to visit Cochrane and their needs.

"We are off to a great start on the plan."

Objectives outlined include developing a Cochrane experience to make it a unique destination, provide guidance, resources and partnerships to enhance existing tourism products, attracting and creating new tourism products and maintain and to upgrade and enhance the municipal infrastructure to better serve the Cochrane experience.

The five-year plan was a collaborative effort of Cochrane Tourism and Cochrane Economic Development and it also took into consideration research completed with the help of Travel Alberta.

John Thomson, Cochrane Tourism president and long-time member, believes the new tourism strategy will provide a fresh perspective.

"I think it was a good time to refresh ourselves and sit back and take a look at really what our objectives are and really what we're doing in trying to promote tourism," says Thomson.

"Every once and awhile you to wake up and smell the roses and take on a fresh start and fresh ideas and this is what this plan is about. It puts more focus on what we're doing and bringing new concepts, new content and new branding."

There was an existing strategy, but this one has a little more meat to it, he says.

Thomson says he was pleased with the response to the launch and it will attract even more members to become active in the organization because it will bring Cochrane Tourism to the forefront.

"Cochrane Tourism has tended to keep a low key and we haven't tooted our own horn as much, perhaps, as we should. I think we're at the point to make it more known that we are there and we are doing a good job."

Lisa Lima, Travel Alberta's regional experience development manager, spoke briefly to invite companies and utilize a range of marketing services offered. They have held workshops here in the past on developing market plans and identifying the needs of travellers more inclined to visit Cochrane. They also offer a free full-page listing for tourism companies on their website.

"Travel Alberta has been a strong supporter of Cochrane Tourism," says Thomson. "In fact, I think Travel Alberta uses Cochrane as an example to other centres. Look at what Cochrane has done in the last 10 years and look at the videos we produce and look at the website we have, look at all of the things that we've done. I think Travel Alberta considers Cochrane as kind of a favourite in some ways."

Thomson was the inaugural president when Cochrane Tourism was formed in 2007 when he and his wife had a business on main street. He's now a realtor but remained involved because he sees the value of the industry for the community.

"Cochrane is growing of its own accord, but I believe it's still important to have a strong tourism industry in Cochrane."

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Five-Year Tourism Staregy Being Launched at Mar. 1 Open House