Tourism Fernie Update to Members & Stakeholders
Below represents a diversity of concise updates and initiatives to keep you informed and engaged. Let us know what you'd like to hear more details about by emailing us at  members@tourismfernie.com

Tourism Fernie wins Spirit of Fernie Award!!
How 'bout them apples! 

Last week we were very excited to accept the Spirit of Fernie Award at the Fernie Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce.  

This award recognizes the accomplishments of a local non-profit that have a reputation of effective management, delivering high level programs and contribute to the economic, social and/or cultural well-being of Fernie. THANK YOU FERNIE!
Small Business Grant for Impacted Businesses
The Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program provides fully-funded grants to businesses to ensure they have the support they need during and beyond COVID-19.  Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available. An additional $5,000 to $10,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses that have been hit especially hard by COVID-19. The program runs until March 31, 2021 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.

NOTE: We have been told that the criteria is too hard for many businesses.  This is being discussed heavily at the provincial level.  Businesses are still encouraged to apply even if they don't fully meet the criteria so get your application submitted and in the cue as they may be considered.

Grant Details and Online Application
Fernie MRDT Hotel Tax Update
COVID-19 has impacted the tourism sector in various ways.  One indicator to track the local impact is the 3% hotel tax. 

Fernie's January - August 2020 hotel tax revenue was down 32% from the same period in 2019, better than originally projected.
#FernieStoke Ski Shuttle

Limited exterior advertising spots are currently available on the buses! $1,300 gets your BIG ad on both buses all season long!

The revenues help keep rider fares affordable for both locals and visitors while ensuring a quality schedule.  

Book your spot by November 11th. Email shuttle@tourismfernie.com. Interior ad spots also available for $625.
Winter Campaign Updates
From publications such as Kootenay Mountain Culture, Calgary Avenue, Mountain Life Coast, Forecast, Ski Canada and IMPACT to Google, Facebook, and Instagram Fernie has it's brand and messaging across Canada.

Add our 15 & 30 sec commercial on Global TV and through its Shaw partnership. Then our new snowmobiling video! Be sure to share these!

COVID travel and safety updates are also up front and centre in our initiatives.

Winter Ad Calgary Avenue 2020
membership decal
New Members Welcome!
Join now and receive the rest of 2020 free when you join for 2021!

Fuel your success and marketing, while supporting tourism. At only $210 per year it's a pretty sweet investment.   

Fill in form or just email members@tourismfernie.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Get Yours! Fernie Masks
Fernie branded masks are in! Regular and large sizes in black/green/blue/grey for $10 each, or black masks with adjustable straps for $13. 

Drop by the Visitor Centre to purchase or email COVID@tourismfernie.com.  Want a bunch as about bulk rates and orders.
masks
TF-RCR ski coop
$40k Ski Co-op Campaign
Tourism Fernie has partnered with RCR, Destination BC and Destination Canada to push Fernie ski & stay packages for this winter season.

Launching next week the digital campaign will target AB, SK & MB skiers and snowboarders.

View Landing Page
Supporting Tourism, Learning & Small Businesses
Below represents a list of initiatives from various agencies to support you:
  • Watch any time FREE business webinars - various topics include:
    • COVID-19 and your staff
    • COVID Safety Plans
    • Difficult Customers
    • Adapting Customer Service for COVID - Diffusing challenging situations
    • Training staff virtually
  • Watch any time FREE marketing tools and webinars - various topics include:
    • Get on Google Search & Maps
    • Trip Advisor - Claiming your business
    • Google My Business
    • Getting the most from your website
    • Social Media Marketing
  • Read latest November 4th newsletter from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)
  • Business Recovery Grants - New BC grant program to support the hardest hit businesses in BC those with 50%+ decrease in revenues.  TIABC is working to make this program easier and more efficient for tourism businesses to access.
  • WorkInFernie.com initiative to help address the local labour shortage challenges
  • Fernie Ambassador Program goes online with 3 sessions in Nov & Dec. Arm your front-line staff with improved customer service skills and local tourism knowledge. Only $20.
  • Free Workshops/Conferences!
    • Tourism Fernie is planning an online marketing workshop with Conner Galway from Junction, stay tuned!
    • Tourism HR Canada Free Workshop Series for Tourism Recovery
    • Canada's Tourism Conference in November goes online for free.  Learn more.
    • Hands-On Business Guidance & Support Program through Kootenay Rockies Tourism. Learn More
  • Are you undertaking Sustainability Strategies?  Kootenay Rockies Tourism wants to know to create a baseline for the region's tourism sustainability charter. Complete their Assessment Survey.
  • Tourism Industry Assn of Canada 5-Point Recovery Plan