We have some award-winning tourism businesses in our corner of Renfrew County.
Ottawa Valley Tourism Award Winners for 2023 have been announced.
The Tourism Champion Award went to Teresa Hebb, for her “instrumental” work in reforming the Renfrew County ATV club.
Madawaska Kanu Centre won the Business/Organization of Year Award. It recognizes how the centre has helped more than 50,000 students learn to paddle over the years.
And the New Tourism Product Award went to an Eganville business. The Rio Tap & Grill won it for its rooftop patio.
The awards program is put on by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. It says the program highlights how a “thriving tourism industry plays an invaluable role in a healthy local economy.”
Tourism businesses optimistic for bounce back summer
Renfrew County tourism businesses are optimistic this summer will be a lucrative one.
Ottawa Valley Tourism Association’s Erin Norris says that was the consensus at a spirited event in Hardwood Lake Tuesday.
Reps from about 60 businesses were at the Associations’ Tourism Conference at Maplehaus Rustic Banquet Hall. Norris says, after three pandemic-impacted seasons, business owners believe this could be a bounce back summer.
“There’s a lot of energy, there’s a lot of hope; there’s a lot of excitement,” she said. “I think there’s a little bit of worry, too. Operators are struggling with staffing. We’re expecting people to come in droves (this summer).”
Norris says, while a shortage of workers is a concern, the industry hopes to address that long-term by pitching new ideas, like programs that allow international workers to come to cottage country.
Strategy suggests culinary businesses should co-operate with competitors
Food and beverage businesses in the region are cooking up new plans to help them succeed.
A culinary strategy was unveiled at the Ottawa Valley Tourism Association’s Conference in Hardwood Lake earlier this week.
The Association’s Erin Norris said that a series of interviews with businesses identified the need for them to work together more.
“The Culinary Tourism Alliance identified ‘co-opetition,’” she said
That term blends the words co-operation and competition.
“So basically, collaborating to compete; to bring the Ottawa Valley into the competitive playground of culinary tourism,” she added.
Norris said a key, going forward, will be for businesses to cross-promote and share each other’s stories to market the region to more tourists.