News Updates
- TRIP team assists Port Alice
- February 3, 2010
Port Alice will soon receive a visit by a team of field researchers from Vancouver Island University and North Island College to assist them in moving forward with tourism development strategies. Keir Gervais, Director of Operations for Port Alice initiated the contact with TRIP and is working with Nicole Vaugeois to determine how the team can be of the most assistance when they arrive. Keir indicates that "Council and staff have made some steps towards supporting tourism. Like many communities, we focus on beautifying the community, we have a small Tourist Information Centre, we have dedicated locations where ‘tourist' information is posted, etc. The natural amenities are obvious. Or are they? Have or are we doing an effective job of profiling/exposing/tapping into what is around us? I look forward to the TRIP's observation in this regard."
The team will visit the community for one week during the students reading break from Feb 21-26th. While they are still planning their itinerary, the team will focus on a) engaging the community in dialogue about tourism development in general to assist them in determining its potential role, b) developing an inventory of natural and cultural amenities that could support tourism activity, and c) providing some recommendations on strategies to help them move forward.
Wendy Scott and Kelsey Milne from Vancouver Island University are playing a key role in coordinating the activities and students. They are both fourth year students in the Bachelor of Tourism Management program and have already gained a lot of experience doing field research in rural communities. "These opportunities allow us to learn and apply our knowledge at the same time" says Scott - "we look forward to working with the people in Port Alice".
The team will share their insights with the community before they leave in a public presentation and their report will be provided shortly after they finish their work. These types of participatory rural appraisals have been completed by TRIP in Taylor, Mackenzie, Likely, Wells, and Gold River in recent years. Communities provide support by arranging accommodations and helping identify stakeholders and areas where they need assistance. As well, direct costs for travel are covered and where possible, stipends to cover student meals are helpful. If this sort of activity is of interest to your community, contact the TRIP project coordinator to discuss your needs. Assistance is dependent on time of year and capacity of students, but we try to accommodate all communities and so far, have been able to.
