While many of us are still basking in the after-glow of an amazing Winter Olympic Games experience, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) is working hard to capitalize on that Olympic glow and positive energy the Games brought to our province.
The CTC recently conducted a poll with Lonely Planet's Twitter audience to explore impressions of Canada post-Olympics. The top finding: 73 per cent of the poll's 735 respondents said, when it comes to having it all -from vast wilderness escapes, cosmopolitan cities, hospitality and an all-round friendly population -Canada tops the chart above all other countries. The poll also indicated Canada was the hottest upcoming vacation destination as a result of the Games.
To keep this momentum going, more than 30 Olympians and celebrities, including skier Alexandre Bilodeau, figure skater Joannie Rochette, Glee's Cory Monteith, vocalist Keshia Chanté and chef Michael Smith, have banded together to become Canada's local tourism ambassadors.
Through quotes, videos and photos, they are sharing their gold medal itineraries with Canadians on the CTC's website, LOCALSKNOW.ca - including their favourite vacation spots.
All Canadians are invited to find inspiration and vote on their top gold medal getaway for a chance to win a flight package and create a winning getaway of their own.
One favourite for Brad Smoliak, accomplished research chef and consultant chef for the Games, was Rockwater Secret Cove Resort here on the Sunshine Coast.
Smoliak said he loved the tent suites, renting kayaks for the day to look for whales and other wildlife, then wrapping it up back on shore with a massage. "Listening to the ocean while you're getting a massage is amazing," he said. "I think everyone has to visit this place once. Put it on your bucket list!"
It's a glowing endorsement for just one of the many fine resorts and amenities we have here on the Sunshine Coast.
I have to applaud the CTC for taking on this project. The Olympics offered us a chance to showcase to the world all that B.C. has to offer, and now that the Olympics are over, it's up to all of us to keep the positive momentum going and continue to promote this part of the world. Tourism is a huge component of the economy, especially here on the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Tourism Association certainly recognizes this. They worked overtime during the Olympics to promote the Sunshine Coast, through the Taste of Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast media event before the Games and their active involvement with the display and tourism booth at B.C. Street at the Richmond O-Zone. I visited the display one weekend during the Olympics and was impressed with what our tourism association had put together.
Add to that this CTC initiative, and the sky's the limit for further post-Olympic opportunities. And while you're checking out all the cool videos and photos on the CTC website, be sure to give a vote to Rockwater. It would be great to see a Sunshine Coast winner, wouldn't it?
