Graduates promote TMR program

Julie Grandy, tourism development officer with the South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) says it’s already possible to gauge the success of the program. “We can see it in the changes individual operators have put in place, the partnerships they have pursued, and their requests to continue with the program,” she said.

Christine Pothier, president of the Ste-Anne tourism committee, église Ste-Anne church, was one of 38 participants. “There is no down side to the TMR program that we just went through,” she said. “It was very exciting to be able to understand and see the many things/attractions and businesses from a fresh pair of eyes. We sometimes take things for granted and the mentors were able to make us see that we have great assets here in the region but that we also needed some upgrading. “They put us in touch with the virtual world, made us understand the new trends and ways of making our area more enticing to the tourists. We are most appreciative of having the opportunity to do the TMR program. The SWSDA team is a great force of progressive ideas and hard working individuals. I think that Yarmouth and Acadian Shores is well on the way to being a strong tourist destination because of the TMR program. For us it was money well spent,” she said.

The mentoring portion of the program was especially helpful for some participants. In the Spring of 2007, the Cape Forchu Light was mentored by Harvey Sawler, a tourism industry professional.

During the session, relevant issues were identified to help ensure the Cape Forchu site is market ready. “In an overall profile, our mentor noted that, ‘It would seem that Cape Forchu has the enthusiasm, talent and tourism awareness to warrant shooting for the Academy Award of regional tourism customer serviced experiences’,” said manager Denise Nickerson.

She says the program offered more than just useful suggestions for improvement, it also confirmed that their vision for the site is heading in the right direction. “Some of the suggestions have already been implemented and other projects are in the works. For example, we’ve adopted the

brand, "The Beacon to Canada" which has been noted on our new welcoming sign at the site and other emblems containing the property name,” said Nickerson.

In addition to the branding, it was highly recommended that the lighthouse have a presence on the web.

In the spring, their new website, www.capeforchulight.com became live. A new brochure has also been produced reflecting their new brand signature.

Sawler also noted that the lighthouse museum did not properly tell the story it deserved. As a result the complex is taking part in a program designed to give new life to the museum.

A mystery shopper to the site on July 20th conducted an evaluation. Nickerson says their high score was an attestation to the hard work and dedication by all staff and the board. “Some of the wonderful comments included: ‘The foggy atmosphere, the smell of the ocean and genuine personality of the staff made for a wonderful visit’, ‘very memorable staff’, and ‘best curb appeal’."

Nickerson believes that the program, which SWSDA will be offering again in 2010, has not only allowed participants to have professional help developing their product and increasing the standard of service; it’s encouraged regional stakeholders to work together and pool their resources.