Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/134953
establish priorities, enhance organizational effectiveness and accountability, define metrics, and draw on teamwork and expertise—all with the goal to generate increased tourism activities. The planning process included research on best practices, industry trends, input and analysis from tourism industry partners, along with private and public stakeholders. This information was used to ensure the information gathering process was inclusive of the industry's diverse interests. In August of 2010, Tourism Winnipeg held an industry forum to identify relevant issues that drive Winnipeg's tourism economy and to share ideas that would help Tourism Winnipeg develop a successful multi-year tourism framework for the city of Winnipeg. Participants took part in two strategic planning sessions, and through collaboration, identified the top strengths, weaknesses and actions that would contribute to an enhanced tourism economy in Winnipeg. The framework for the Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg was built from the results of this strategic planning session. A summary of the top strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were identified during the sessions included: Strengths Attractions – new and existing Opportunities Collaboration and knowledge sharing within industry Cultural diversity Promote unique value propositions Increased infrastructure investment Use of social media and technology Location and proximity to others Tourism ambassadors Marketing partnerships such as Team Winnipeg and Winnipeg Tour Connection Wayfinding Weaknesses Inadequate tourism funding for destination marketing organizations and tourist attractions/events Threats Geographic isolation Perceptions of Winnipeg Lack of a branded image for Winnipeg Retaining youth Limited size of convention centre Weather/climate Tourism infrastructure to support visitations, hours of operation, signage, transportation, etc. Tourism training Challenges The challenges inherent in providing a unified and rewarding visitor experience are diverse. To address these challenges, Tourism Winnipeg created a wide-reaching, strategy-specific Master Tourism Plan to maximize tourism expenditures and initiatives. Over the next five years, Tourism Winnipeg will bring together traditional and non-traditional tourism partners to creatively A Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg | 2011-2015 | 2013 UPDATE and collaboratively elevate Winnipeg as a tourist destination. Strategic panels will be held to explore branding, define unique selling propositions and core experiences, and explore sophisticated market segmentation. The Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg is the starting point of a journey to expand Winnipeg's tourism economy. The Master Tourism Plan is a living document that will be implemented in stages. 5