Researchers behind northern Ontario tourism survey want more input

Researchers behind a study looking atthe recovery and development of the tourism industry in northern Ontariosay they need more feedback.Sothe inquisitive minds at Algoma University'sNORDIK Institute say the deadline for their tourism surveys has been extended to May 30.

The surveys areforvisitors and prospective visitorsto the region, as well astourism-related businesses and organizations, and asks questions about the tourism experience, the impactof the pandemic, and opportunities to grow and support the sector in northern Ontario.

"We're interested to seewhat sorts of supports would help those enterprises be able to grow, the number of customers or clients that they might have in the future," said Sean Meades, NORDIKInstitutedirector.

"And then thesurvey of visitors whether that's people from northern Ontario who decided to stay within the region last year, orpeople from outside of the region who came to northern Ontario we want to get a sense of those opportunities for further growth and development."

So far, survey responses have indicated the pandemic has had a major impact on tourism businesses throughout the north.

"The vast majority have seen a decline in revenue. They've seen cancellations or rescheduling of bookings," Meades said.

"But the vast majority are also really hopeful to reopen, which I think is a very positive sign for for the sector's future."

Meades says theyhaven't had the opportunity to look closely at the visitor survey responses yet.

"We're hopeful the results will be able to help the industry better respond to the perceptions of visitors andattract more visitors to the region in the future."

He also says they hope the survey will produce enough data to makepolicy recommendationsto the federal and provincial governments to support the growth of northern Ontario's tourism industry.

After the survey results are compiled, they will be shared with partners within the tourism industry, including groups like Destination Northern Ontario and other tourism marketing agencies within the region.

"And then we're going to have an industry forum where we share this information," Meades said. "Hopefully this can also inform future strategic planning and development within the sector."

Meades says developing the tourism industry in the north is "one of the best opportunities" the region has in terms ofdiversifying the economy.

"We have immense resources for this sector and people who have been active in it for four generations. But there's still opportunities for further growth and development. In many ways we're one of the best kept secrets within Canada."

Tap here to get to the surveys.