MBiz Breakfast - Our Manitoba Advantage: The Bright Future of Tourism - SOLD OUT!
2023-10-25 12:30 - 14:30 UTC | Delta Hotels Winnipeg | Grand Ballroom
Our Manitoba Advantage: The Bright Future of Tourism

Tourism in Manitoba is a key economic driver. In 2019, tourism supported nearly 13,000 direct jobs and contributed more than $625 million in tax revenues and carried an industry that saw 10.5 million visitors that spent $1.6 billion and contributed $1.4 billion to Manitoba's GDP.

Then COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill.

By the end of 2020, consumer spending was down 44 per cent, the number of people travelling plummeted and the tourism industry's contribution to provincial GDP was down by half to just $624 million.

But the future is bright as people are flying again and visitor spending rebounded to $1.8 billion in 2022 and projections indicate Manitoba will return to 2019 visitor spending levels by 2024.

Driving this Manitoba advantage is an updated tourism strategy created in partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Travel Manitoba, and the Government of Manitoba.

On October 25, hear from industry leaders Colin Ferguson (Travel Manitoba), Karly McRae (Lakehouse Properties and Clear Lake Country), Nick Hays (Winnipeg Airport Authority), and Holly Courchene (Indigenous Tourism Manitoba) as they discuss the industry's continued path toward recovery and the road to $2.5 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030.

The future of tourism is bright.

About the Panel

Colin Ferguson, President & CEO, Travel Manitoba

Colin Ferguson joined Travel Manitoba as President and CEO in early 2011. Since then, he?s had the opportunity to travel to all corners of the province experiencing all that makes Manitoba an ideal travel destination. Well known in Winnipeg?s advertising and marketing community, prior to joining Travel Manitoba, he was partner in Ferguson Walker Marketing Communications and earlier, Senior Partner and General Manager of Palmer Jarvis Advertising/Palmer Jarvis DDB, working with local, provincial and national clients. He has also been active in the not-for-profit sector, as one of the founding directors of Partners in the Park, now Assiniboine Park Conservancy; president of the Children?s Hospital Research Foundation; and strategic planning and marketing lead for Winnipeg?s hosting of the 1999 Pan Am Games.

Holly Courchene, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba

As the CEO of ITM, Holly Courchene is tasked with leading the growth and development of the Indigenous tourism industry in Manitoba. In collaboration with TMB and ITAC, Holly will lead the implementation of the Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Strategy, which focuses on the development of sustainable market-ready

and export-ready Indigenous tourism products, as well as increasing the demand for Manitoba?s Indigenous tourism experiences.

Holly was born and raised in Peguis First Nation where she owned and operated multiple successful businesses. She understands the barriers and complexities of owning a business both on and off the reserve and brings that first-hand knowledge to tourism operators in Manitoba.

Through her previous work as the Manitoba Regional Coordinator at ITAC from 2019 to 2022, she guided many Indigenous entrepreneurs and community-owned tourism enterprises to strengthen their offerings into market and export-ready products.

Holly?s connections and leadership within the region are proven and she is a true advocate for Indigenous tourism in Manitoba.

Karly McRae, Owner & Managing Partner, Lakehouse Properties

Karly McRae is the Owner and Managing Partner of Lakehouse Properties in Riding Mountain National Park. A hospitality lifestyle brand focused on creating a unique guest experience through intentionally designed guest rooms, an emphasis on outdoor adventure, sustainability, and authentic experiences.

Comprising two accommodation properties, a restaurant, caf and historic event facility, these properties have undergone an extensive renovation and rebrand and are leading the charge for the recent renewed growth in tourism and economic development in Riding Mountain National Park.

Serving as the co-founder and President of the Clear Lake Country Destination Marketing Organization, Karly has worked hard to push her community into the tourism spotlight with captivating, emotional brand content and a tireless volunteer spirit.

Karly holds a degree in Political Science, and has applied that knowledge to create advocacy for the tourism industry locally, provincially and nationally.

Nick Hays, President & CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Nick Hays was named President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority in 2022. The community-based, non-share capital corporation exists to connect communities and is responsible for managing, operating, maintaining, and investing in Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Hays grew up in the United Kingdom near Europe?s largest air museum. This front-row seat to aviation history helped spark Hays? passion for flight. His career in the air transportation and logistics industries has spanned 11 countries on three continents, including 11 years with Cathay Pacific Airways and its parent company. Hays now calls Canada home with his wife and two young children.

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