August Hotel Occupancy Continues to Show Optimism In challenging Environment

HVS Canada has released its August hotel performance for all major markets in Canada and once again, Thunder Bay's accommodation sector has continued to hold steady in a challenging international environment.

Room demand in August 2009 was up 0.8% while occupancy rates were down slightly to 77.6% from 77.7% in 2008. While flat performance is normally nothing to get too excited about, this has been the year the tourism industry was facing unprecedented challenges and everyone, including ourselves, was expecting to see some sort of notable decrease. This is the year where measuring our performance relative to other cities is just as important as measuring our performance to past years.

With most major markets reporting declines in August, including Windsor (down 36.7%) and Edmonton (down 10%), Thunder Bay was joined in reporting increases by Sudbury, Vancouver and Saskatoon.

Overall, Thunder Bay's year to date performance is down modestly 1.1% over the same 8 months of 2008. Once again, while a concern in normal years, it is the least significant decline of all but one hotel market - Saskatoon, who posted a 1% increase.

While summer corporate markets are typically softer, stronger mineral exploration and health sciences segments have likely given our corporate segment a summer boost. With respect to the traditionally strong summer segments of leisure, VFR and sport tourism there are likely a number of reasons market share has remained steady, including strong visiting friends and family travel to the city and a shift in our U.S. based campaigns with a focus on touring and avid outdoor seekers that brought stronger than expected US travel to the city in June and July.

Despite these positive performance indicators, we have to remain vigilant and continue to build traffic in both new and core existing markets. The release of these numbers has continuously created a positive buzz about the City's economy over the past few months and we are constantly asked at industry functions about the local environment. Maintaining the current positive buzz and using new media tools to promote more of this news has the effect of positioning the city more successfully as a destination of choice because we all know, people want to go where other people are going.

To see the full results, visit http://www.hvs.com/Library/Articles/?ac=canadian%20lodging

Valhalla Inn Invests in Quality Experiences with Newly Renovated Rooms

Quality is the cornerstone to building a successful tourism economy and elevating our community's reputation as a first class destination for visitor experiences. As such, its always noteworthy to acknowledge Thunder Bay tourism partners who are investing in their facilities. Investments such as these improve Thunder Bay's reputation as a quality destination for leisure, work, sport, culinary and accommodation experiences

The Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay’s Premier hotel is pleased to announce the completion of guest room renovations. The 4th and 5th floor rooms have been completely renovated at a cost of more than 2 million dollars. Renovations include 30 Amethyst rooms on the 5th floor and 30 Executive Suites on the 4th Floor. There are also 2 luxury suites available with whirlpool tubs and extravagant fixtures.

The Valhalla Inn will be holding a grand opening showcasing the new rooms on Thursday October 15th , 4:30 – 7:30. All media is invited. Tours for the media will precede the event please call Bill Dell @ 577-1121 for viewing times.

I'd like to extend congratulations to the Valhalla for making this investment in quality.

For more information, visit http://www.valhallainn.com/

Vote for the Sleeping Giant in CBC's Great Canadian Song Quest.

October 14, 2009 – Thunder Bay could be immortalized through song if the Sleeping Giant is chosen as Ontario’s location for CBC Radio 2’s Great Canadian Song Quest. Voting is now open through Oct. 23 atwww.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest.

The Sleeping Giant was nominated as one of the most popular places finalist locations for Ontario in the campaign that was launched in September. The contest gives Canadians a chance to nominate what locations matter most tothem and commission 13 new songs to be written about those places. Not onlywill Canadians get to decide on one place from each province, they will also get to vote on the 13 singer-songwriters who will compose and recordthe new songs.

The City of Thunder Bay is asking residents to go towww.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest and cast their vote for the Sleeping Giant. Residents are also encouraged to ask friends and family outside of the City to participate by voting for the Sleeping Giant.

The final 13 artists will be revealed Oct. 26 and composition on the original songs will begin. The final locations and songs will be announcedon Nov. 23.

“This is a unique avenue to promote and share Thunder Bay's incrediblenatural beauty across the country,” said Mayor Lynn Peterson. “It would begreat to hear our natural wonder promoted through music.”

Ahnisnabae Art Gallery Wins at the Northern Ontario Business Awards

Congratulations goes out to local business Ahnisnabae Art Gallery and owner Loise Thomas for being victorious at the 2009 Northern Ontario Business Awards (http://www.noba.ca/) held in Sault Ste Marie this past week. Ahnisnawbae Art took home honours for the First Nations Business Award of Excellence category.

This gallery, located on South James Street between Gore and Frederica, has become an incredible cultural gem in our community, attracting visitors from all over. A look at the website or stroll through the gallery shows the works from dozens of regional Ahnisnabae artisans that is available for purchase. For those in the tourism industry, be it an attraction, hotel or restaurant, its worth the visit to understand the scope of talent that exists in our city and region and its certainly one of those "must see" stops to tell your visitors about, especially those who want to acquire something regionally authentic to remember their visit here.

The Gallery was founded by the Late Roy Thomas in 1997 and since his death, has been run by his wife Louise as a tribute to his memory and his dedication to creating and sharing not only his own work but the works of other artists who promote Ahnisbabae culture. Its another fine example of the award winning world class cultural attractions that we have here in the community and region.

To learn more about the Gallery, visit http://www.ahnisnabae-art.com/

Online Tools Help You Keep Up on the Waterfront Development

With the City of Thunder Bay's waterfront development well underway, there are a number of channels available to the community to stay on top of all of the activity and get answers to the questions they have. As part of an proactive communications strategy, a regular newsletter and facebook fan page have been established.

This is a high quality catalyst infrastructure investment in the community unlike anything in the past and will be relevant to the local population and help with visitor retention by keeping them in the city longer with a variety of activities including enhanced charter boat access, galleries, local eateries, water park, public walking and biking trails and spa. Subsequent phases of enhanced marina capacity and a cruise shipping terminal will become important regional beacons for the regional tourism economy, drawing educated adventure seekers to the city and area. Its a large, complex and complicated undertaking but one that will play a major role in the transition of Thunder Bay's tourism economy towards a more captivating destination. When one looks at some of the most successful cities in the world, a common theme is a vibrant mixed use waterfront that brings people to the waters edge 24 hours a day and year around.

The fact that the funding for the first phase is already committed is a testament to the quality of the project and the matching of pragmatic elements with consumer travel experience demands. At last week's Ontario Tourism Summit in Windsor, talk of the development was everywhere and at a time when many economies are constricting, the positive movement is putting Thunder Bay on the tourism map internationally. There are some in the community who are fearful of change, lack confidence in our community's potential to be world class or are just unaware that we have the ability to develop infrastructure and experiences that people the world over are seeking. Its important that we move forward confidently and boldly, take calculated risks based on good consumer research and embrace everything great this city can be.

Visit www.thunderbay.ca/waterfront for more background on the project or join the facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Thunder-Bay-ON/City-of-Thunder-Bay-Waterfront-Development/139348779150?ref=ts

New Paul Shaffer Bio Shines Spotlight on Thunder Bay

Perhaps the most important element in successfully promoting a community is through public relations. Maintaining a positive image and celebrating milestones and people continuously in the media helps build our brand, enhance our on line search ability and keeps us relevant in the public eye. Great people make a great community.

Former residents of the City who have gone on in the world to reach marks of excellence and accomplishments add to enhancing our community's image as well and its these people that, as ambassadors, bring positive attention to Thunder Bay. One of those folks is Paul Shaffer, a local musician who has made an impressive name for himself on the international scene, not only as the Musical Director on the Late Show with David Letterman but also through an extensive resume of film and music credits dating back to the 1970s.

Why am I discussing this in a tourism industry blog? Because Paul's Biography is released in North America today and undoubtedly talks positively about his time growing up in Thunder Bay. While I don't know Paul personally (people claim he and I look alike) I do know that he returns to the City regularly and is a great ambassador for this community. He's making the media rounds starting today to talk about his book, starting with his appearance on the Late Show tonight, where' he'll trade his trademark position at the keyboard for the guest chair to talk about the book and his experiences that took him to where he is today.

This is another great channel to place Thunder Bay out on the international landscape as a city that possesses an eclectic and fun musical culture and those who follow along on Paul's story will know a little more about the city than they did before, some will google "Thunder Bay",some will go to our city and tourism websites and some may actually make a trip as a result.

Paul, congratulations on the release of your biography and on your many musical successes and thanks for being a great city ambassador. You do a lot to bring positive attention and energy to the city you grew up in.

To learn more about Paul's new book, pick up a copy at Chapters Bookstore or visit http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=97866

Thunder Bay to Host the 2011 Ontario Winter Special Olympics

The 2011 Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games, hosted by the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Sports Central, is set for January 20th - 23rd, 2011 in Thunder Bay.

The Games will be the stage for more than 300 athletes and 125 coaches from across Ontario participating in six sport competitions. Curling, speed skating, figure skating, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing and snowshoeing will be highlights of the Games along with a number of social events and activities.

“The 2011 Special Olympics Winter Games will provide a provincial level of competition for many great Special Olympics athletes,” said Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “We anticipate a fantastic Winter Games and we’re grateful to the City of Thunder Bay for their most hospitable manner.”

Special Olympics Ontario is part of a dynamic, worldwide charitable organization dedicated to providing sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. The primary focus of Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is to provide grassroots sports programs in communities throughout Ontario.

With an economic impact of over $800 000, these games will showcase our incredible winter landscape, outdoor experiences and legendary hospitality.

For Further Information Contact Chris Adams, Executive Officer – Thunder Bay Police Service 684-1248