REVISED - Mending Old Relationships To Promote Tourism In Pembina Valley

Tourism is a growing industry, one that the Pembina Valley is kicking into high gear with a new grassroots initiative.

Winkler, Morden and the RM of Stanley have created a board for a regional tourism initiative. The initiative's goal is to encourage new tourism opportunities and create a relationship with Travel Manitoba.

Businesses and leaders from the region were invited to a workshop hosted by Travel Manitoba.

"They are trying to restructure their tourism dollars," says Karina Bueckert Director of Business and Development at Quality and Co-Chair of the tourism initiative."They wanted feedback from everyone in our area and region and see what we think should happen with our tourism dollars."

Travel Manitoba has the authority over the Province's tourism dollars, promoting communities which are members of their local tourism associations.

Winkler did not agree with the way things were run in the past says Winkler Mayor Martin Harder, but is encouraged by the new initiative.

"We've always said that is not fair. We are contributing towards the dollars for tourism for Manitoba, we have a huge tax base and when dollars are being spent in the region to promote tourism it should not unjustly leave communities out not part of their tourism association."

Harder says they want equal opportunity.

However, with Travel Manitoba looking for input on how tourism dollars should be spent, Harder hopes these are the steps towards a new chapter in cooperation.