Tourism Winnipeg

2012 marketing and partnership opportunities and launched a Winnipeg Best ambassador training program in partnership with the Manitoba Tourism Education Council. Tourism Winnipeg hosted familiarization tours for front line industry partners to educate with first-hand experience of local attractions. FINANCIAL RESOURCES Tourism Winnipeg will leverage all of its resources in every manner to increase efficiencies and effectiveness. » Funding and Investment Tourism Winnipeg, a division of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., is core funded by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg by way of an apportionment of the Accommodation Tax. » Financial Incentives The Special Event Tourism Fund (SETF) was established by the City of Winnipeg to provide financial assistance in attracting major national and international conventions, as well as sports and special events to Winnipeg. The fund improves Winnipeg's competitive position when bidding against other destinations. In 2011 and 2012, Tourism Winnipeg received funding based upon an apportionment of the Accommodation Tax. Year-to-date 2012, the Special Event Tourism Fund committed a total of $2.95 million to 57 meetings, conventions and events spanning 2009 to 2016. These events cumulatively represent more than $41.5 million in direct expenditures for Winnipeg. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tourism Winnipeg desires to achieve peak performance and improved efficiency as an organization to ensure it operates at an optimal level. » Destination Marketing Accreditation Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) offers a Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) designation for tourism organizations that adhere to a stringent and complex set of guidelines, established policies and best practices. » Corporate Responsibility Tourism Winnipeg is committed to integrating corporate responsibility principals and practices into all aspects of the organization's activities. The organization seeks to improve its performance and contribute to a better world through environmental responsibility, best business practices, community support and adherence to the organization's corporate values. » Professional Development Tourism Winnipeg seeks to cultivate highly-skilled employees by providing a nurturing environment that supports professional development. In 2011, Tourism Winnipeg achieved DMAP designation by meeting the performance standards established by DMAI. Tourism Winnipeg is the seventh Canadian organization to receive accreditation and 125th overall. In 2011, Tourism Winnipeg supported charitable programs, such as Canadian Cancer Society, Downtown BIZ's CEO Sleep-out, Manitoba Lung Association, Salvation Army, Siloam Mission and Winnipeg Harvest. In 2012, Tourism Winnipeg continued to support these programs, as well as The Winnipeg Foundation's "Nourishing Potential" program. In 2011, Tourism Winnipeg provided professional development for staff in the areas of destination management, marketing, advertising development, e-marketing and social media. In 2012, the president received Purdue University's Certified Destination Management Executive designation, while the senior vice president enrolled in the Certified Destination Management Executive program, and the marketing manager enrolled on Destination Marketing Association's 30 under 30 program. Tourism staff participated in monthly familiarization tours of popular Winnipeg attractions to gain first-hand knowledge. CONCLUSION Tourism Winnipeg is committed to implementing and facilitating the Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg, a long-term plan for the city designed to strengthen Winnipeg's tourism economy. Drinks with friends: Canadian Tourism Commission 44 A Master Tourism Plan for Winnipeg | 2011-2015 | 2013 UPDATE

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