ACOA’S EXPERIENTAL TOURISM STRATEGY HOOKING BY THE SEA

When she returned to Brier Island, she returned to the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency for help in developing her business and now offers customized packages of any size. “I’ve been up and running for two years now and it’s been so successful that my next goal is to do corporate packages for large groups,” says Vicki. “They can come on retreat, stay at the Brier Island Lodge, go back to the basics and take a break from all their technology.” She is confident in this plan because of her partnerships in her community. “I don’t run a hotel or a restaurant, but I partner with the ones that do, which leaves me to do what I do best, facilitate. Anything I can’t provide, I will book and arrange.” A great proponent of experiential tourist, Vicki is adamant that more tourist companies need to grasp this latest concept. “I’ve seen the tourism business change just in the last 18 months,” she says. “In future, people better provide experiential tourism options or they’ll lose out.” And the options have to be authentic, she adds. “If your heart and soul is not in it and you’re not authentic, it won’t work.” Vicki is preparing for a busy summer and is heading off to New York State in the fall to spread the gospel of experiential tourism. “I’m putting together some experiential packages for a historic inn in the Finger Lake area,” she says. “I visited them this spring to explain the concept and now they want me to help them facilitate a number of experiences for their visitors featuring glass blowing, sheep shearing, local winery tours and cheese making.” Which all goes to prove – good tourism news travels fast and far!

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