Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/976785
30 2017 Annual Report Key Initiatives National Tourism Week Activities Tourism Winnipeg collaborated with industry stakeholders to raise the profile of tourism as a major contributor to the local economy during Canada's National Tourism Week (May 28 to June 3). Activities included a social media mixer for attractions, a mascot welcome at the airport, the annual tourism awards (recognizing service excellence in nine categories with 24 nominees and 11 finalists), a Winnipeg Free Press newspaper wrap highlighting how the Bring it Home local influencer program attracts meetings and conventions to Winnipeg, and the Celebrate Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce lunch. Visitor Experiences Outreach Tourism Winnipeg delivered 16 frontline training programs at hotels and attractions to ensure visitors have the ultimate tourism experience while in Winnipeg. Programs included on-site information training sessions, familiarization tours and weekly news bulletins. Tourism Winnipeg also conducted six presentations for international student recruiters and services clubs so that they could better promote Winnipeg's tourism attributes. Notable Sales Initiatives Tourism Winnipeg and Team Winnipeg partners hosted VIP clients at a Winnipeg Jets - Ottawa Senators game in Ottawa in order to sell Winnipeg as a meeting and convention destination. Tourism Winnipeg and Team Winnipeg partners also brought Winnipeg to the forefront during the Canadian Society of Association Executives Toronto and Ottawa chapter events. The impactful music video "Hotel Winnipeg" sung to the melody of 'Hotel California' during the Winnipeg sponsorships, brought buyers and sellers to their feet for a sing-along that put a spotlight on the city. In 2017, the number of conventions and sports and special events held in Winnipeg that came directly as a result of Tourism Winnipeg's sales activities was 45 conventions/events representing approximately 40,500 delegates/participants, 37,000 room nights and $31 million in direct spend. Successful bids Notable future events secured in 2017 include the following: 2018 Community Futures Network of Canada National Community Futures Conference 700 delegates 2019 Paramedicine Across Canada Expo 1,000 delegates 2019 Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology Annual Conference 550 delegates 2020 Student & Youth Travel Association Annual Conference 1,000 delegates Tourism Winnipeg Highlights