Strategic Development Plan for 4 season outdoor activities
Excellent news for the regional tourism industry
Following several public consultations in the tourism field, the presentation of a strategic plan for the development of the tourism offer in Brome-Missisquoi places on the front line an orientation to : protect, develop and exploit the sites where outdoor activities are practiced. The CLD of Brome-Missisquoi went a few steps further by working with a consultant and the concerned local entrepreneurs to define in which way our region could distinguish itself as an outdoor activity destination. Thus, a new positioning that corresponds to the 4 seasons was established: hiking / snowshoeing.
Several interresting opportunities may be taken advantage of:
- Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est (TCE) has adopted hiking as one of its main products;
- TCE has thus structured this offer throughout the whole region;
- Growing popularity of hiking/snowshoeing in Quebec;
- Rise in conservation, écotourism and sustainable tourism aspects;
- Notoriety of the Sutton mountain.
The next short term actions are:
- Meetings with the different corporations and chambers of commerce to insure dialogue and concerted action;
- Creation of a concerted group and the elaboration of business partnerships;
- Structuration of an interesting « hiking/snowshoeing » offer for visitors, in collaboration with the numerous organisations and enterprises that offer hiking;
- Elaboration of a partnership with Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est;
- Production of a map that shows the network of hiking trails.
During the next two years, numerous projects will come out of this initiative, of which, a uniform signage concept, education about conservation and green initiative, search for financing, program set-up and preparation of marketing packages.
For more information, contact Guylaine Beaudoin, tourism development advisor at the CLD de Brome-Missisquoi at 450 266-4928, ext. 247
gbeaudoin@cldbm.qc.ca
SUTTON, always on the lookout for new developments
Not one winter goes by without SUTTON bringing improvements to its infrastructure, its service offer and its methods.
This habit allows the area to stay a length ahead in the endless race toward the evolution of its environment, as well as of the trends in tastes and needs of its customers.
Recently, SUTTON took over the management of its Snow School. Thus, MONT SUTTON introduces a new era with the nomination of Isabelle Émond as Head of the Snow School. Her arrival is already felt as a breeze of fresh air bringing new ideas and new programs such as the 2-hour private Glade Only Ski Lessons.
Moreover, SUTTON is eager to feature the tremendous experience of its new Restaurant Manager. The addition of Patrice Lobet, owner of Amore di Pasta, a well known restaurant in Sutton, to the Management Team, is seen a definite advantage for the ski area, as well as for the skiers, from the hungri est to the gourmets.
Mont Sutton now offers the possibility of holding corporate trainings and other corporate meetings. Already, several groups have taken advantage of the possibility of renting one of the 4 chalets, with or without chairlift rides. What could be more inspiring than working in front of such superb panorama in the heart of the beautiful countryside?
Other new services are introduced regularly. For instance, members can now buy their season pass on-line. SUTTON has also launched the new Friday Season Pass that lets bearer ski all winter long on Fridays for a very reasonable price. And the On-Line Shop that offers useful items bearing the ski area logo to skiers and surfers.
Finally, acting accordingly to its Conscience SUTTON, its self-imposed ecological code of conduct, the area has started making compost out of kitchen waste. This reduces significantly the amount of total waste sent to the disposal site.
The ultimate goal is making sure that Mont Sutton satisfies the skiers’ tastes and needs. At the same time, SUTTON wants to maintain friendly relations with the communities in the area, based on mutual respect and a positive contribution.
Do you have any news of general interest to share with us?
bbm@cldbm.qc.ca Next Deadline: November 19 , 2008 / Next edition: december 10 , 2008
749 Principale, Cowansville (Québec) J2K1J8
Tél. : 450 266-4928 Télec. : 450 266-6141
www.brome-missisquoi.ca
