Tourism Thunder Bay Launches Seven Days With The Giant for 2009
by Scott A. Sumner
www.thunderbaybusiness.ca
After a very successful Seven Days With The Giant Contest in 2008 generated over 25,000 entries Paul Pepe, GM of Tourism and his staff decided to do it again in 2009. “ The Sleeping Giant is part of who we are and building a stronger Superior by Nature Brand. Outdoor travel is
the number 1 travel motivator for North America and during tough economic times outdoor travelers still visit,” said Paul Pepe. “ Our Seven Days With The Giant contest was great last year really industry groundbreaking. We want to make it a part of our annual marketing
campaign. Our look is outdoor by nature.”
Paul Pepe, GM of Tourism, John Wynn of Gear Up For Outdoors and
Councillor Rebecca Johnson, City of Thunder Bay
Councillor Rebecca Johnson, City of Thunder Bay was on hand at the official launch of the campaign. “ I am pleased to be here as I sit on NOSTA as a representative and have a great interest in tourism. We do need to talk about the region of NW Ontario as a whole when we discuss tourism,” said Rebecca Johnson. “ Tourism has an $183 million annual impact on Thunder Bay. We are refocusing on tourism and what is important for tourism. We also need the region for tourism. It is a impact on 1400 businesses and 2000 employees in this city. Superior by Nature is important for us to be able to expand and reach the world.”
John Wynn of Gear Up For Outdoors is very involved in the campaign. “ I am proud to be in Thunder Bay. Kayaking, cycling, canoeing, backpacking and camping are great activities in Thunder Bay. Our Gear Up For Outdoors web site accounts for 35 to 40% of our business
from around the world. We had a banner on the website last year for the contest and had people from all the world click.”
“ It would not be possible to do this campaign without our partners including Ontario Parks with whom we have a fantastic relationship, Parks Canada, the Valhalla Inn, Wilderness North, Gear Up For Outdoors, Nikon, NOSTA and many others. This year our prize is return airfare for
4 from anywhere in North America including accommodations and meals eg: Hoito. The contest is evolutionary and fluid as we can add more partners as we move forward,” said Paul Pepe. “ This year we have three secondary prizes of two nights in the city in the fall winter and
spring. We will be at events in Calgary and the midwest US to talk more about the contest. The goal is to position ourselves as one of Canada’s great outdoor cities. We include some urban activities as well. The entries last year came from all over North America and Europe. All the
winners have to do is bring themselves.The www.mytbay.ca was an integral pat of our campaign with all local imagery.”
