The Tourism Advisory Committee of the Oliver Tourism Association held a Strategic Planning session at Mount Baldy on October 24, 2014.

The session began with a review of the Purpose, Mission and Vision of the Association. The Committee revised the Vision and Mission slightly to better reflect the current role of the Tourism Association. The revised Vision Statement is:
The Oliver Tourism Association is a respected and valued community-based organization that provides all encompassing tourism services and regional destination marketing for our stakeholders.

A mini SWOT exercise was completed helping the organization identify their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities an d Threats. From that perspective, the group brainstormed goals for the next two years and then identified several priorities moving forward.

These priorities include:
Financial independence and stability
Develop and execute a signature event as a major fundraiser
Have an active and effective communications plan
Develop a Cultural Tourism Strategy by facilitating a workshop with existing cultural, arts, and heritage organizations
Increase the number of active and engaged Tourism Advisory Committee members representing a greater diversity of our tourism stakeholders

Secondary priorities identified were:
Sports and adventure tourism inventory
Salmon Interpretive Loop along river with a complimentary annual event celebrating the return of the spawning salmon
Taking advantage of the Sister City relationship with Chelan Washington to cross-promote our tourism experiences
Growing our Geocaching program
Promoting our 4 Season year round attractions and amenities
Investigate hiring a second employee to assist with destination marketing activities

The Oliver Tourism Association’s next event will be a “Brag & a Beef” at the Oliver Visitor Centre on November 20th. Members and stakeholders are invited to come out between 6:00 and 8 PM to enjoy some refreshments and hear about the accomplishments and plans for the Wine Capital of Canada.

For further information, please contact the Oliver Tourism Association’s Chair: Tony Munday at 250-485-7000 or by email tony_munday@live.com.