FEASIBILITY STUDIES, BUSINESS PLANS AND MODELS
ATTRACTIONS
Attractions that influence visitation to a destination require special attention to their concept, matching of target markets with visitor experiences, organizational structure and business case for proceeding. EPG has developed particular expertise with these types of projects. Examples include:
Feasibility Study and Business Plan for a Maritime Discovery Centre – the Aquatarium, Brockville, ON
Working for the City of Brockville, we worked on the concept for this new ‘anchor’ attraction on the St. Lawrence River, currently under construction as part of a broader commercial and residential development on the city’s waterfront. Our work included market, revenue and operating cost analysis, economic impact assessment and a business model for the facility. Scheduled to open in 2014, our work helped acquire significant federal and provincial support for this attraction.
Market and Feasibility Study for an Aerial Adventure Park in Nova Scotia
High level business plan for Casa Loma, Toronto
Concept plan for a Naval Heritage Centre Attraction, Queen’s Landing, Nova Scotia
Concept and Business Planning for Le Pays de la Sagouine, New Brunswick
Preliminary feasibility study and business case for a proposed International Garden Rendezvous for Ontario in 2017
Economic impact analysis of the Metro Toronto Zoo
HERITAGE FACILITIES
EPG has assisted a number of heritage organizations develop strategies and business plans to grow their audiences and increase revenues. Some examples are:
A Strategic Plan for Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia
EPG’s 2002 Strategic Plan for Pier 21 laid the foundation for the facility becoming the Canadian Museum of Immigration, part of Canada’s National Museum network. The strategy proposed a broadening of the thematic scope to become relevant to a larger range of audiences, and enhancements to the overall business model. A later project for Pier 21 looked at the potential economic impact of the facility with an enhanced and expanded visitor experience.
Concept development and feasibility for the Antique Boat Museum, Gananoque Campus, ON
Attendance and Economic Impact Analysis for Battle of the Atlantic Place, Halifax
High level strategic review and business plan for Casa Loma heritage attraction, Toronto
Business planning for the Halifax Citadel Regimental Association, Nova Scotia
Concept and program review for Grand Pré National Historic Site, Nova Scotia
Strategic plan for Historic Sherbrooke Village, Nova Scotia
Concept plan and market study for Random Passage Film Site, Newfoundland and Labrador
RESORTS
Our resort work has included:
Market analysis for several resorts in Cuba
Market and feasibility analysis for resort and recreational real estate projects in Ontario and Quebec
Business plans for expansion and redevelopment of various resorts in Atlantic Canada
CRUISE SHIPS and SIGHTSEEING TOUR BOATS
Projects involving boating are a notable area of specialty for EPG given Gord Phillips’ expertise and interest in this sector. EPG’s projects in this area have included:
S.S. Norisle – the Return of a Great Lakes Steamship, Concept Plan, Market and Feasibility Study
The S.S. Norisle operated as the ferry between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island until the mid-1970s. Interest from steamship enthusiasts prompted a proposal to refit the vessel into a heritage cruise ship that would operate on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. We led a team of consultants that developed detailed itineraries, assessed the market potential, explored regulatory issues and estimated revenues and expenses.
Developing Shore Excursion for Great Lakes Cruises, A Workbook
R.M.S. Segwun – start-up and initial operations of this restored steamship operating on the Muskoka Lakes
Market studies and business plans for sightseeing cruise operations in various Ontario and Atlantic Canada locations
TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES
In challenging situations, tourism organizations and businesses are being forced to rethink their approach to doing business, their priorities and their sources of revenue and funding. EPG has worked with many tourism organizations and businesses in developing new business models and strategic plans.
- Direction Ontario is an organization dedicated to promoting Francophone tourism in Ontario. EPG has worked for Direction Ontario since 2010 including an assessment of strategic opportunities, business plan and ongoing implementation assistance.
- Ontario’s Parkbus is a non-profit initiative providing express bus service to key outdoor destinations in Ontario. EPG prepared a strategic plan for Parkbus in 2012 and is assisting with annual strategic reviews.
- Business plan and structure for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership at its inception in the late 1990s.
- Plans for community and regional DMOs in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario looking at opportunities for revenue generation, particularly hotel levies/destination marketing fees.
- Rideau Heritage Route Tourism Association strategic planning and product development workshop and Board planning session.