Here's a small sampling of assignments completed by The Economic Planning Group in recent years
Tourism Strategic Planning Projects
EPG has prepared many tourism strategies and plans for municipalities, destination regions and provinces. Some have focused on market development and others on tourism product development for the destination while some have been comprehensive tourism strategies covering all aspects of tourism. Examples include:
- Tourism Marketing Strategy Framework for the Municipality of the District of Chester, Nova Scotia
- A Special People, A Special Place - The Future of Tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador,
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador - Accommodation Needs Study for Mainland Nova Scotia,
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency - Marketing Strategy Review for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Tourism Strategies for municipalities and regions in Ontario including Sault Ste. Marie, Prescott, Haldimand-Norfolk and Grey-Bruce
- Tourism Strategy for West Prince, Prince Edward Island
- Emerging Markets for Tourism in Nova Scotia,
Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
Tourism Sector Strategies
Strategic plans for sectors of the tourism industry have also been an area of focus, with work ranging from wine and culinary tourism to trails. Examples include:
- Nova Scotia Culinary Tourism and Agri-Tourism Sector Study,
Taste of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage - Ontario Wine and Culinary Tourism Strategy,
Wine Council of Ontario and Ontario Ministry of Tourism - A Trails for Tourism Strategy for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- A Business Case Study for Trail Development and Use for the Algoma and Area Region of Ontario
- Marine Tourism Strategy for Nova Scotia
- Golf Tourism Strategy for New Brunswick
Business Case Documentation for Tourism Projects and Programs
A particular area of EPG’s expertise is documenting the business case for investment in tourism projects or programs. This work is usually done on behalf of government agencies or clients who are seeking financial support from government and need to assess the benefits of their project. Projects include:
- Making the Case for Tourism - A Tool Kit,
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Investment Development Office - A Business Case for Tourism in Nova Scotia
- Business Case Analysis for the expansion and new development of a major provincial museum complex
- A Business Case for Pier 21 Capital Development Program
Heritage Projects
EPG has assisted a number of heritage organizations develop strategies and business plans to grow their audiences and increase revenues.
- A Strategic Plan for Pier 21, Halifax, Pier 21
- A Strategic Plan for Historic Sherbrooke Village, Nova Scotia
- Concept Development and Feasibility Study for the Antique Boat Museum,
Gananoque Campus, Ontario - Operational reviews, expansion plans, market studies and business plans for:
- Kings Landing, New Brunswick
- Halifax Citadel Regimental Association, Halifax
- Grand Pré National Historic Site, Nova Scotia
- Casa Loma, Toronto
- Ontario Place, Toronto
- Random Passage Film Site, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Wildwater Kingdom Water Park, Toronto
- Concept and Feasibility Study for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre being planned for central Nova Scotia (with Leslie H. Patten & Associates)
- Nova Scotia Heritage Interpretation Strategy (member of the consulting team)
Tourism Attraction Projects
Attractions that influence visitation to a destination require special attention to their concept, matching of target markets with visitor experiences, market development and organizational structure. EPG has developed particular expertise with these types of projects.
- Feasibility Study and Business Plan for A Maritime Discovery Centre, City of Brockville, Ontario
This project recently received commitments of over $11 million in capital support from the federal and provincial governments. - Naval Heritage Centre Attraction, Queens Landing, Halifax
- Several projects for Le Pays de la Sagouine, New Brunswick designed to assist in enhancing the appeal of this cultural attraction.
Professional Development Programs, Manuals and Toolkits
EPG has developed and delivered seminars and workshops on aspects of the tourism industry, particularly Working with the Travel Trade and packaging. Project experience includes:
- Establishing and Operating A...Business Development Guides for Eleven Types of Tourism Businesses,
Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage - Developing Shore Excursions for Great Lakes Cruises, A Workbook,
Ontario Ministry of Tourism - Making the Case for Tourism - A Tool Kit, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Investment Development Office
- TradeSmart – The Travel Trade Certification Program. Developed by EPG on behalf of the Province of New Brunswick, this program including a series of workshops and a business certification program.
- Packaging Manual and workshops for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Parks Canada
Tourism Market Readiness and Quality Assurance Projects
Another area of expertise is in tourism market readiness and quality assurance projects:
- Best Practices for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Tourism Industry,
Canadian Tourism Commission - Best Management Practices for Tourism Businesses in Atlantic Canada – A Workbook
- Best Practices Tour for Adventure Travel Operators in Canada
- Market Readiness Tool Kit for Tourism Businesses
- Canada Select Accommodation Rating Program – original consumer research, concept and business plan
Business Model Development for Tourism industry Organizations
In today’s challenging tourism marketplace, tourism industry organizations are being forced to rethink their approach to doing business, their priorities and their sources of funding. EPG has been working with a number of destination marketing organizations in developing new business models.
- A New Business Model for the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence Seaway Tourism Marketing Partnership
- A New Business Model for Tourism Industry Organization in Central, Eastern and Northern Nova Scotia
- Discovery Trail Tourism Association Funding Model, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Business Plan and Structure for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
- Studies for community DMOs in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario looking at opportunities for hotel levys/destination marketing fees
Resorts and other Accommodations
We have worked with a number of resorts and accommodations on concept development, feasibility analysis and business planning.
- Market analysis for several resorts in Cuba
- Market and feasibility analysis for a major resort and recreational real estate project at Mont Ste. Anne, Quebec
- Business plans for expansion and redevelopment of several resorts in Atlantic Canada
- Market and feasibility studies for resorts in the Niagara and Muskoka regions of Ontario
- A Business Plan for Spas Ontario, an association of premier spas in the province
Other Projects
- Economic Impact Analysis for Tourism Projects - Many of our market and feasibility analysis projects include economic impact analysis, not only of the projects themselves but also of the spin-off tourism spending benefits they will generate. We use economic impact models to assess projects and have also worked on teams developing these models.
- Market Development and Business Planning for sightseeing and overnight cruise ship operations in various Ontario and Atlantic Canada locations
- Casino win analysis for several projects in Ontario, and projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the US mid-west and a central American country
For more information about these and other projects please contact us by email