“Soft adventure” beckons Council boosting tourism A CAREFULLY compiled sheel of stalistics says it all — more tourists are coming to the northwest and are stopping in Terrace, But the challenge is get- ling them to stay a day or two. This is now the job of the Terrace Tourism Council, a- co-operative effort on the part of the Terrace and Dis- trict Chamber of Commerce and the city using money from the federal Human Resources - Development Canada department, Maria. McGowan works for the council out of the chamber office an Hwy16, She organizes advertising, responds to lourism queries and attends trades shows — all with the goal of enticing lourists up north. That sheet of statistics in- dicates growth in tourism since 1996, from 8,216 visitors -stopping at the tourist infocentre that year to 17,157 in 1998, McGowan views expand- ing the numbers of people staying here for one or more days as fertile ground for the tourism council, “There’s a feeling the northwest has been a bit negiected,”’ said McGowan of provincial ~—_tourisan promotion. ‘‘We are off the beaten path,” Yet it’s that perspective which may boost traveller traffic here as tourists and tour operators look for dif- ferent opportunities. *"We just can’t look at Terrace by. itself as a destination. We have to look at Prince Rupert and Kitimat! and the region. It has to be a co-operative effort,” said McGowan. As well, the tourism coun- cil is relying on modern technology to spread the word, Check out www, terracetourism.bc.ca to see what tourists view when the check out the region, “We're getting a lot of hils rights now as this is the time of year people make their plans,"’ said McGowan. Print ads, prepared by Io- cal graphic artist’ James Sprenger, appearing — in tourist publications are also making an impact. The ads appear with a 1- 800 sumber and that’s con- nected right to a phone on McGowan’s desk, A new vealure this year is a travel guide being pro- duced by James Sprenger. McGowan particularly ‘feels “soft adventure’’ will be a big player in the area. That’s: defined as hiking, biking, cauoeing, fishing and so on as opposed to the exireine outdoor adventures such as rock climbing or paragliding. McGowan has plenty of Opportunity to market soft adventure at trade shows down south, ‘*That's what we can sell here. It’s casily sold,” she says of soft adventures. Projecting ahead, McGowan sees potential in capturing tourists on cruise Ships docking in Prince Rupert. And she anticipates a con- tinued growth in tourism centered arouad native cul- ture. Membership holds firm MEMBERSHIP in the Ter- race and District Chamber of Commerce is remaining strong despite a recession. Chamber manager Bobbie Phillips said membership is presently at 380 members, near peak levels, Although some members dropped out, 43 new ones signed up in 1998. The steady membership numbers also supports the analysis of city officials who said a dectine in total business licences in from about 1,320 tw 1,240 mainly indicated the dis- appearance of out-of-town building contractors due to Sagging construction starls rather than an erosion of the city’s core stable — of businesses, - About 25 per cent of busi- ness licence holders are (250) 635-3748 . Info@webnerth.be.ca wew.wedonanth.bc.ca We make the ‘Nef" work for you { Winners of the Terace & District Chamber of Commerce 1998 “Rookle of the Year” Web North Marketing and Design — Commercial Internet Consulting Established, Professional and Pat of Your Community. WER SNORTH be 1998 © chamber inembers, Phillips said, adding that’s an ex- tremely strong level. “The pundits say if you have 10 per cent penetration you're doing really well,” she added. And despite decidedly tougher times, the business organization’s annual trades fair April 23-25 sold out be- fore the end of January. G@ Your Decor Terrace Carpet Centre Ltd. STORE FOR YOUR FLOOR 3202 Munroe Street, Terrace Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 2 years. 635-2976 ' 635-3393 | es Proud member of the ~ Chamber of Commerce for] . oe 2 la a ‘ ‘5 # & ae gaat “Lakelse Avenue, “jefrace:! : 13 years. Northern photo : We wauld like to thank our customers for their [i _gontinued patronage. Chamber member for 6 yrs « |rutiv 44736 Lakelse Avenue, Terrace = 638-1888 SAFEWAY } | ™sckA¥s Funeral SERVICE LTD. & FOOD & DRUG TERRACE CREMATORIUM Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. : Proud me aie hare of 4655 Lakelse Avenue, Terrace 4626 Davis, Terrace 1-800-723-3929 635-2444 THAT'S MARIA MCGOWAN of the Terrace Tourism Council with a small kermode bear. Advertising to entice tourists to the area uses the kermode bear as & marketing toal. Relatively new, the tourism council has embarked upon a widespread awareness campaign aimed at a wide variety of tourists. On time and on budget Home renovations * New home constructio Commercial construction Certified Blue Max® rigid foam/concrete: installation BC-certified builder Member: New Home Warranty program Chamber Member for 1 Year BARTON CONSTRUCTION LTD. GENERAL CONTRACTOR Building a Reputation for Quality Tel/fax 635-6244 | Nyce Lady Dress -& Bridal Shop Proud member of the | Chamber of Commerce for’ ‘d years: a 112-4710 Lazelle: Ave., Terrace | ~~ 635-8118 ' /KALUM TIRE SERVICE 4808 Hwy. 16 © 635-4902 Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 9 years. Kermode Friendship Society Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 5 years. 3313 Kalum St., Terrace 635-4906 Proud member of the 4621 Keith Ave., Terrace 638-4600 FINNING Chamber of Commerce for 21 years. Soh Sele ayy Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 13 years. 45628 QUEENSWAY DR. 638-8137 Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 4 years. Hwy. 16 East, RO, Box 1088, Terrace 635-9676 * MR MIKES | > GRIER EL Home of the Famous Mikeburger Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 2 years. 4736 Lakelse Avenue, Terrace 635-3077 ‘CLOSE UP f BUSINESS SERVICES Printer & Publisher Home of Close Up Magazine Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, 4535 Greig Ave., Terrace 635-7840 Banque de développement du Conada BDC Business Development Bonk of Conoda Proud member of the 3233 Emerson St, Terrace 615-5300 Chamber of Commerce for 21 years. ‘SANDMAN INN Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 3 years. 4828 Hwy. 16 West, Terrace 635-9151 Proud member of the Chamber of Commerce for 16 years. 4740 Lakelse Ave., Terrace