Strategic Tourism Marketing Plan

In the fall of 2001 a Steering Committee was established with representatives of various stakeholders in the tourism industry in the Lacombe Area.  This committee conducted the initial research and developed an inventory of the tourism related attractions and services.  In January 2002 a workshop was held with over 40 tourism based representatives and from this group the Tourism Marketing Committee was established.

The Marketing Committee will be working with Parcom In-province in the development of a promotional package to promote the newly formed web page.  This web page will become active in the very near future and can be found at http://www.lacombetourism.com .  The Marketing Committee is presently working on the following action items:

Month 1:
1.   Tourism website under construction (www.lacombetourism.com). With links to the Town’s web site as well as other tourism entities.

2.   Press releases to be sent out.

3.   Information package for businesses, Town & County employees and the Chamber that lists local businesses, events and information that may be of interest to visitors.

Month 2:
1.    Signage reflecting the phrase: "Selected Alberta's Prettiest Town".

2.   Information Gathering System - We will develop a questionnaire to be placed at specific locations around town and area for the purpose of gathering data on who visits Lacombe, why they choose Lacombe, how long they stay, and what they do while in the town and area.

3.   Supply brochure racks for existing brochures to key locations such as: The Corn Maize, McDonalds, the Greenway Inn, Zig Zag and Barb's R.V.

Month 3:
Create an information package on local events, businesses and activities to be given to the Welcome Wagon. Coupons for local businesses could also be provided to pay for the costs of creating the item. It is reported that 75% of Albertans indicate that their main activity when traveling in the province is to visit to family and friends. We want to capitalize on this market.

Month 4:
The Tourism Marketing Committee will help to partner local businesses with Parcom Travel Marketing (Alberta Tourism) to create a campaign that promotes the newly created website (www.lacombetourism.com)

Tourism Marketing Committee Members