The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation is looking for stakeholder feedback from the city’s tourism sector.
The corporation is hosting a Nanaimo Business Count forum Tuesday (March 27) from noon to 2 p.m. at its 104 Front St. office
Tourism is Nanaimo’s third largest industry, and NEDC is searching for feedback on the business challenges, obstacles and opportunities tourism companies feel are critical to their advancement and expansion within the city.
That information will be used by NEDC to support advocacy, legislative change and marketing initiatives to drive the future of the tourism industry.
Susan Cudahy, corporation CEO, said economic development is not just about attracting new business, but also supporting the advancement and expansion of those businesses that have made Nanaimo their home.
“The tourism sector is often viewed as outside of the mainline business community,” she said. “The NEDC wants to ensure that our tourism businesses have a voice as an integral business sector that employs our residents and students and is a driving force in the economic strength of the area.
“The data collected from this forum will help supplement the great work already being done by the Tourism Leadership Committee and Nanaimo Hospitality Association by helping to build the capacity of our tourism providers.”
The tourism sector encompasses not only local attractions and accommodation providers, but also transportation, sporting events and other sectors.
In Nanaimo there are 312 businesses in the accommodation and food service sectors, accounting for 5.38 per cent of all businesses.
For more information or to register, please call 250-591-1551 or e-mail orkatie.ferland@investnanaimo.com.
