Jacques Lacourse at the region's booth at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Power Sports Show. PHOTO BY NICOLE BAMFORD.
It may only be late October but the Near North Trail Association is already working on attracting more visitors to the north this winter.
The organization traveled to the Greater Toronto region to take part in the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Power Sports Show, which took place at the Toronto International Centre on the weekend.
The show attracts enthusiasts from as far away as Quebec, Manitoba and the United States.
“They are looking for information on their machines, but also where to spend their disposable, recreational income. We want to make sure that this region is the region of choice,” said Jacques Lacourse, the Assistant General Manager at the Clarion Pinewood Park resort, who was accompanied by colleague Nicole Bamford at the event.
The local region known by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is known as District 11 and covers from Kearny in the South, to Temagami in the North, Mattawa in the East and French River in the West.
Being involved in the hospitality business in North Bay, Lacourse realizes the event was a chance not just to attract visitors to use the trail system but also to help bring those visitors into hotels in the region.
“Tourism is a priority growth area, and North Bay sits at only 55% occupancy on average meaning that there are about 400 rooms per day sitting empty in North Bay,” stated Lacourse.
“We must take every opportunity to showcase the region and make sure that we are top of mind when visitors are choosing where they want to spend their money. It's vital to keep our presence high at consumer shows like this one to influence their spending decision. We are proud to have been able to represent District 11, the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, HOST North Bay and District and the Communities in the region to carry that message to the show, and by the reaction we received from the attendees, the area should be seeing a great amount of sledders and ATVers over this upcoming season and beyond.”
