tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post8278582983072254763..comments2024-03-28T10:54:01.002-07:00Comments on tofino news: BNN Report on HotelsRalph Tielemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17768748527906727937noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-13939508618446630762013-08-01T22:40:44.795-07:002013-08-01T22:40:44.795-07:00I so agree 10:05, not to mention the poor attitude...I so agree 10:05, not to mention the poor attitudes that go along with the high prices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-6041089312523583402013-07-31T10:05:45.536-07:002013-07-31T10:05:45.536-07:00On my last beach walk I came across a message on t...On my last beach walk I came across a message on the beach that says it all. Instead of the usual "I love Tofino" or something similar it said "Tofino is too expensive". I actually have to agree with that statement. I do appreciate that businsses here have to make their money in a relatively short season but I think that Tofino is getting to be unaffordable for a lot of people. Seems that Tofino just wants to cater to the small percentage of independly wealthy tourists - quick and easy money. Eventually this particular group will move on to greener pastures, to a new trendy spot with better weather. By then Tofino will have scared away the average tourist with it's outrageous prices for accommodation, food and entertainment.<br />The greed of this town will hurt tourism guaranteed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-18034277997361122282013-07-28T09:05:51.567-07:002013-07-28T09:05:51.567-07:00Maps... It's true we have too many of them.
...Maps... It's true we have too many of them. <br /><br />But each map represents a different enterprising individual out to make some money. All you have to do to make a map is get some advertisers and join the chamber. Then the chamber supports you and hands out your map. Because of the way the chamber works, they cannot favor one map over another just as they can't favor one Whale Watching venture over another.<br /><br />Maps are quick, easy cash after the first year is over and you've sold most of the spots. Look at the businesses that chose to be on all the maps, not to miss out. Huge waste of money. You look at a map with 50 ad spots, $400 bucks- an ad, that's $20,000 and all you have to do is get them printed. And if you design it yourself, the costs are even cheaper.<br /><br />Have you seen how ugly some of the maps are? Or how they would make a nice souvenir but are horrendously useless to use in a real life scenario. Some of those maps have so much labeled that you can't find something even if you know where it is.Those are the people who really like the ad revenue...<br /><br />To say that the District should consolidate and have one map is like saying that the District should combine all the restaurants so people don't have to choose, just in case they choose the wrong one.<br /><br />Anyway, everyone is entitled to make a map. And it looks like everyone has. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-11683381496207689722013-07-23T14:04:06.486-07:002013-07-23T14:04:06.486-07:00Two things; there are too many maps. Business own...Two things; there are too many maps. Business owners are to choose one? This is silly and costly, what if you choose the wrong one! The district should endorse one and coordinate so there is a focus, poor tourist are walking around with a handful of maps and may just walk into a wall. Second, market why tofino is a great place to visit not how great a place it is to live in, this only makes people envious and envy doesn't sell. Tourism tofino is for tofino not ukee, again focus on the prize and help out . the many small businesse that are struggling to make it work in an over regulated and over priced rental market. Ok that was three for all you critics out thereAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-34066200658990976312013-07-23T10:38:50.574-07:002013-07-23T10:38:50.574-07:00When you invite Journalist and so called "Foo...When you invite Journalist and so called "Foodies" to YourTofino, why do they all stay at the same Inn ?<br />When I watch their segment on TV, they are talking about "the Maid who comes in at night and turns on the Bose sound system in your room" and "heated floors, my own rain jacket and Britta water filter" & "a press on the Button and a flatscreen TV pops out of the cabinet" blah blah Amazing Luxury, blah blah Exquisite Cuisine, blah blah 7 course tasting menu.<br /><br />Do you really think this represents Tofino and attracts Tourism in this Economy?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-91458283469338284902013-07-23T07:18:45.608-07:002013-07-23T07:18:45.608-07:00Why is Tourism Tofino promoting Ucluelet on their ...Why is Tourism Tofino promoting Ucluelet on their website ?? This is stupid.Nice new sign promoting Ucluelet at the junction. It is much cheaper to get a room or campsite in Ucluelet. Who is responsible for this ? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-48634873417641505182013-07-22T09:46:15.420-07:002013-07-22T09:46:15.420-07:00May 22, Twitter quote :
* @INfilm: ... Tourism To...May 22, Twitter quote :<br />* @INfilm: ... Tourism Tofino has also generously contributed $1,000 to our #filmvancouverisland campaign. Thank you!... <br /><br />* @tourism_tofino: ... @infilm Our pleasure - such a great project!<br /><br />#filmvancouverisland = Help us grow Film & New Media on Vancouver Island!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-14884789713556745162013-07-18T09:00:01.841-07:002013-07-18T09:00:01.841-07:00all the videos are great IF they were produced by ...all the videos are great IF they were produced by the chamber of commerce to try and get people to live here. They have no value for tourism and I cant find the link to the tourism marketing plan? Any help? Plan your marketing then market your plan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-64043310498410515572013-07-18T08:46:16.601-07:002013-07-18T08:46:16.601-07:001.Why hasn't the directors position been fille...1.Why hasn't the directors position been filled?<br />2.Who was interviewed for the current managers position? who did the hiring? What was their past relationship with the person who did the hiring?<br />3.Why was there no public posting for this job?<br />4.Current position was supposed to be temporary. why the delay?<br />5. heard the numbers for old downtown visitors centre vs. van and they are down drastically. What is the solution?<br />6. Why doesn't a Destination Marketing Organization have a qualified person with marketing experience?<br />7. How much was paid for the Travel type Quiz and why is there nothing being done with the info or mailing list?<br />8. How much per a year does the van lease cost? Bet you could have bought one by now. Who signed the deal with low milage so you had to tow it around? Are there past relations with the owner of the van and the person signing the lease?<br />9. How much did all those videos cost? Where else are they being used? Why are they about locals living here and not about why tourists visit here?<br />10. close the downtown visitor's centre and then put your wife's store in it? I could go on and on.....something is not right here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-41558982620992549152013-07-17T17:42:57.191-07:002013-07-17T17:42:57.191-07:00I didn't see answers to the questions posed by...I didn't see answers to the questions posed by all the anon. postings. I instead saw the standard bafflegab that is used to justify any organization's existence and shut down commentary from the community. For the amount of money being talked about, I'd expect much more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-13843381455424378352013-07-17T13:23:03.104-07:002013-07-17T13:23:03.104-07:00 Good observation.You have proven that even anonym... Good observation.You have proven that even anonymous comments have some value.Ralph Tielemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17768748527906727937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-28341851835732103042013-07-17T11:36:18.497-07:002013-07-17T11:36:18.497-07:00It's funny how everyone is so vocal about what...It's funny how everyone is so vocal about what a bad job Tourism Tofino is doing until somebody from the organization addresses these concerns and now.... silence. How about instead of being an internet troll you all take her up on her offer of speaking with her directly to address your concerns? Feels uncomfortable all of a sudden when not hidden behind your computer screen, I bet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-52128533149900118672013-07-16T16:57:15.068-07:002013-07-16T16:57:15.068-07:00Some passionate discussion about the tourism secto...Some passionate discussion about the tourism sector and Tourism Tofino - great to see. Here are a few facts that shed some light on who Tourism Tofino is and what we do to supplement the information that is publicly available at all times:<br /> <br />*Tourism Tofino is a destination marketing organization (DMO). Our marketing programs and projects are mostly funded by the 2% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) and our board of directors comprises 5 fixed-roof accommodation providers, 4 non-accommodation businesses, and 4 non-voting representatives from the Tofino Business Association, Parks Canada, the District of Tofino, and the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. The Tourism Tofino board meets monthly at 9am on the fourth Wednesday of the month.<br /> <br />*Tourism Tofino responded within an hour of the cheaphotels.com survey report being released, arranging and recording an interview with CBC Radio's On the Island show that aired yesterday morning. The interview addressed the flawed survey methodology which focuses on a limited number of hotels and does not fairly represent the affordability and variety of accommodations available in Tofino. I also gave a similar interview to the Westerly News this week.<br /> <br />*We are mid-way through a 3 year business plan and strategic marketing plan developed by an industry-savvy board with stakeholder input that we review, amend and update annually to ensure we are meeting our overarching mandates of increasing brand awareness, and increasing overnight visitation to Tofino. Both of these metrics are measurable and achieved through a specific set of goals and objectives. Detailed examples of Tourism Tofino goals and accomplishments are presented to the community at the AGM and through ongoing updates via stakeholder communiqués.<br /> <br />*These plans are publicly available, as are our financial statements, reviewed annually with a thorough Review Engagement conducted by MNP, vetted and approved by the Tourism Tofino board, the Chamber of Commerce, the membership at the AGM, and the District of Tofino.<br /> <br />*A members-only back end area of the Tourism Tofino website will soon be available so that our formal plans, goals, objectives and measurement criteria may be viewed online. We welcome constructive, helpful input and feedback from our 300+ stakeholders. As indicated in last week's Tourism Tofino Stakeholder Newletter (emailed to all stakeholders), Tofino businesses are now displayed more prominently on the website than members from Ucluelet, which has enjoyed a significant boost in traffic since January of this year.<br /> <br />Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns. We'd appreciate non-anonymous postings so we can follow up with specific concerns you might have. Contact me directly at any time at 250-725-3416 or kirsten@tourismtofino.comKirsten Soder, General Manager, Tourism Tofinonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-24782739078171308812013-07-16T16:36:01.359-07:002013-07-16T16:36:01.359-07:00The board of directors don't care what the mem... The board of directors don't care what the members think. I think I am one of many who don't join and it has made no difference to my business other than to keep a whole bunch of cash in my pocket. <br />The way the chamber and TT are run is a joke. It is commonly known that they'll be nice to you until you fail to pay your membership and then you don't exist.<br />I'm certainly WAY better off not being associated with it. <br /><br />Speaking of marketing, what is the point of marketing to groups that will spend little or no money in town once they have arrived? They seem to be expert at that. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-56145015481421453442013-07-16T12:31:35.875-07:002013-07-16T12:31:35.875-07:00Lots for energy... I like to see more reviews as i...Lots for energy... I like to see more reviews as in asking members how effective do you feel we are at marketing Tofino?<br /><br />I can see Tourism Tofino and the BOD shaking at the thought but lets ask the members what they really thing and publish that information for all to see. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-46130214458940518812013-07-15T19:14:59.260-07:002013-07-15T19:14:59.260-07:00Based on what? The collapse of the economy or your...Based on what? The collapse of the economy or your own opinion? What does this have to do with the article Ralph posted anyhow? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-57988458806177175212013-07-15T13:59:34.708-07:002013-07-15T13:59:34.708-07:0012:26 PM....... I believe all those maps are priva... 12:26 PM....... I believe all those maps are privately operated advertising businesses......you have the right to choose which ones you will or will not pay to carry your message. You also have the right to choose to use TV, radio, newspaper ads, business cards, phamplets or brochures, apps, twitter, facebook, have a roadside sign, put lettering on your front window.... (the list is endless).....or to not advertise your business at all. As a business operator, it is your responsibility to find the best "bang for the buck" for your specific business.<br /> It's always been my experience that successful businesses get their best advertising from word of mouth referrals from satisfied customers. <br /> Stop whining and get to work. Serve your customers, give them a fair price, product, and service, even give a bit more value than your competition.....and your business will look after itself.<br /> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-33399628733209428662013-07-15T12:26:38.503-07:002013-07-15T12:26:38.503-07:00Why are they handing out 4 different Tofino Maps ?...Why are they handing out 4 different Tofino Maps ????.... my business is only listed on 1 map! <br />I would need to spend another $500 - $600 a year to get listed on the other 3 confusing maps they are handing out. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-58926416980470229262013-07-15T10:04:45.555-07:002013-07-15T10:04:45.555-07:00 Tourism marketing is certainly a hot topic and ha... Tourism marketing is certainly a hot topic and has been for some time.Long before this blog there was controversy over moving the info centre from the Municipal Hall to Cox Bay.Thank you all for your input.Ralph Tielemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17768748527906727937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-30743744261730527062013-07-15T09:18:54.406-07:002013-07-15T09:18:54.406-07:00First problem....you have a destination MARKETING ...First problem....you have a destination MARKETING organization run by someone with zero marketing experience. Look at the ads. Quantity of ads means nothing. There is no continuity in the ads and it's as if they do not have a marketing plan or are choosing not to follow a plan. Rookie marketing 101 mistakes. Make your ad $ count and get a professional person who understands marketing and advertising. Sure you can make a public suggestion and watch your journalist's visits disappear.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-80158572115483751422013-07-15T09:17:30.116-07:002013-07-15T09:17:30.116-07:00Do the accomodations providers from Ucluelet, who ...Do the accomodations providers from Ucluelet, who advertise on the Tourism Tofino website, contribute to the 2% Hotel tax fund?<br />This is just plain WRONG!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-29265158104281767692013-07-15T09:02:56.547-07:002013-07-15T09:02:56.547-07:00As per usual the critics are being attacked as &qu... As per usual the critics are being attacked as "haters".Instead of attacking valid criticism why not fix the problem ? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-91933104966374166032013-07-15T08:31:13.487-07:002013-07-15T08:31:13.487-07:00An actual constructive comment with thoughtful fee...An actual constructive comment with thoughtful feedback/suggestions on how to improve! such a novelty! It may blow your anonymity to send an email or pick up a phone and speak to a Tofino Tourism board member or the director instead, but it might actually register and go someplace outside of this small group of 'haters' who can't see that we are actually surviving in a tourism economy that still sees huge drops in tourism going down in other towns in BC. They must be doing something right. But I still have to advertise and market my small business. Just like everyone No one else is going to! I like the budget website page idea. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-22212832370287563062013-07-14T22:26:34.350-07:002013-07-14T22:26:34.350-07:00How about a " Tofino on a Budget " page ...How about a " Tofino on a Budget " page on the website highlighting some of the less expensive places to stay and eat ? Trek Inn , Hostel , Coop deli , Garys etc.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6058014606755196991.post-53488498880661734362013-07-14T22:18:31.120-07:002013-07-14T22:18:31.120-07:00What people aren't saying here is that Tofino ...What people aren't saying here is that Tofino has priced itself out of the market to a large degree.once that impression is out there it is very difficult for any marketing agency to overcome. Same thing happened in Whistler and they never recovered. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com