3 Year Plan

Year One

The objectives for year one was to create a branding foundation for years to come, with a great web presence that focuses on experiences to be had within the region and gives the visitor some interaction with the area through social networks. Through a brand new regional web portal and social networks such as, Facebook, Vimeo, TripAdvisor and the Northern Ontario portal, the association managed to create a networking presence that will continue to grow with the three year process.

The second objective for the year was to help tourism operators believe in the association again. To deliver marketing opportunities that were affective, yet affordable. OWR staff was able to bring on board over 70 private operators, along with over 25 communities within the region.

The third objective was to archive video for all tourism partners, to be edited and developed into 30 second location videos for each partner to be profiled on all web portals and social networks. The archiving process has been complete for current partners and all edited video clips will be available by the start of year three’s renewal partnership.

Year Two

The first objective for year two is to edit all archived video for current partners and to create a 30 second video piece in time for July, 2010. These clips will focus on giving the potential visitor a sneak peek of the experience or location being showcased.

The second objective for year two is to better brand the region by implementing a theme into all Travel Information Centres throughout the partnered communities. The association is working on developing OWR stands at each information centre to create a place where visitors can browse the regional web portal, pick up a travel guide and learn about the region and what there is to do. The association would also like to see each student wearing OWR apparel during working hours and using the regional web portal as a resource for visitors passing through.

The TIC branding will commit to the start of things to come for branding the region. In the near future, the association also wants the opportunity displaying OWR billboard signage within every entrance of the region. There are five different entrances into region, and each should be represented with a “Welcome to Ontario’s Wilderness Region” billboard.

These objectives play a huge part in branding the region, while also giving it credibility. This is also a great way for information to be easily accessed. The regional web portal along with all social networks are great marketing tools that should be used by all potential visitors looking for something to do within the region.

Year Three

The first objective for year three is to incorporate the ECO STEP program in with private operators throughout the region. It will be introduced to partners in year two, giving the operators chance to incorporate eco conscious tactics within their business, to better understand its possibilities once year three hits.

The second objective is to continue to grow the partnership base and hopefully have 75% of the tourism market with a profiled page on the web portal. This will also include the introduction of a new platinum package available for regional tourism partners.

The third objective for year three is to bring the complete web portal package together by inserting all 30 second video clips, having all social networks playing a bigger part in the interaction with travelers, and staying up to date with current photography and video. It is also expected to have the web portal increase in web visits, hoping to triple its visitation of the first year.

The fourth objective for year three is to develop an outdoor cinematography and adventure series that focuses on exposing nature, and all it has to offer in Northeastern Ontario. A true nature series that will focus on the adventure, education, and history of the region.