Tourism Golden is making changes

There are a lot of positive initiatives in store for Tourism Golden, all tackled by a new marketing manager

Golden, B.C., is set against a stunning backdrop. — Bill Pitcher photo

Tourism Golden has faced its share of challenges over the last several years, but things are really starting to look up. This past February 2012, Joanne Sweeting was brought on board as the new marketing manager. She’s excited to be promoting Golden, which she describes as “a real town with real people, and authentic adventure.”

Tourism Golden recently completed an application to renew its status as a Destination Marketing Organization. Support from the industry within the community has encouraged Tourism Golden to apply to extend the boundary to include Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Although approval is pending, Tourism Golden is excited for the opportunity to create new partnerships.

A new Outdoor Discovery Map has also been produced and is already in print. This resource showcases activities available in and around Golden. Order a copy online to browse adventures from fishing and hiking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Also available through the link is the excellent 2012 travel planner. In addition, you can find literal maps to Golden adventure through an outdoor discovery map, as well as bike trail and snowmobile trail maps.

There are many other exciting initiatives underway at Tourism Golden. The upcoming season will see the launch of a mobile website as well as upgrades to the current site. Additionally, information boards and kiosks will be placed at key locations to help visitors navigate and discover the advantages of Golden for themselves.

Sweeting is looking forward to building relationships with the media, as well as contacts in the industry. She certainly understands the draw to the area—she’s from England and first visited the region on a day trip. Since then, she hasn’t regretted embracing the Golden lifestyle.

“We were drawn to return and eventually make Golden our home,” said Sweeting, “not only by the stunning surroundings and fantastic array of outdoor activities but also by the sense of real community that we felt instantly on that first visit.”