BONAVISTA PENINSULA, N.L. – In an effort to explore their neighbours’ success – who also happen to be part of one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the province – operators from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and the Burin Peninsula have toured the Bonavista Peninsula, organized by Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland.
Danielle Ambs and Kathi Stacey of Legendary Coasts led the group of 26 on a week-long journey to discover the best practices as exemplified by the accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators of the Bonavista Peninsula.
Taking them around the entirety of the Bonavista Peninsula, Ambs says the partnership with Saint-Pierre and Miquelon focuses on product development and working together to build in the region.
“The idea is basically to … show them something that is working in another region and at the same time an opportunity to get together and network for a few days,” Ambs told The Packet.
She says it’s not to copy others, but to encourage forward thinking entrepreneurship that can be adapted in different markets.
“It’s been awesome. The Bonavista Peninsula is so inspiring. They’ve done amazing things.”
Each of the places they’ve visited have had operators offer their own insight, as well as recommendations, from a first-hand perspective.
Malika Halili and Agathe Olano are with Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Tourism and were part of the tour.
Halili, the director of tourism for St. Pierre and Miquelon, says it’s important for them to see how other markets are working in the close vicinity.
“A lot of the projects are really simple,” she says. “Sometimes we try to do complicated projects that are expensive … There are so many examples that are simple and work, and can be done so quickly.”
She’s also glad to talk to other operators from the nearby Burin Peninsula.
Olano, a communications agent for tourism in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, adds that it’s useful to see others working together to succeed.
She even says the relationships with government are important to take note of.
“The inhabitants of a town realize that tourism is a growing business,” said Olano.
“I think tourism is the key now to grow business and earn money in small towns.”
Brian Rose is the owner of Hotel Fortune, the agent for the Saint-Pierre Miquelon ferry service and chair for Legendary Coasts.
“It’s been a tremendous opportunity for our group to be able to witness and speak to operators and people in the industry in this region,” he says.
“They’ve been doing a great job, of course.”
He mentions speaking to Donna Butt, John Fisher, John Norman, Marilyn Coles-Hayley, Edith Samson and Jim Miller as a terrific and useful experience.
Rose also recognized the great opportunity to establish relationships with others within their own region, and expressed his gratitude to Danielle Ambs for everything she’s contributed to make it happen.
“That will be invaluable in helping our region become a stronger desitination.”
Twitter: @jejparsons
