A report prepared by tourism consultant Roger Brooks of the Seattle-based firm Destination Development Inc. In order to get the most out of this presentation, we recommend that you review all three parts, as pertinent information is interspersed throughout.
Includes remarks regarding Annapolis Royal and environs, Bridgetown, as well as Roger's closing comments.
36. Only 4% of visitor stay at B&B’s. You can remove resistance by
offering “come in and take a no obligation look.”
37. Add a brochure holder outside
the door with the invitation to
take a look.
B&B rules:
Private baths?
Internet access?
24 hour access?
In room amenities?
38. This is very creative. Add an interpretive display telling about this
“work of art.”
39. Ever open? If so, invite us back! Tell us WHEN you will be open.
61. Suggestion: Make it a sign rather
than an ad. “Tours 3 times daily.
Starting right here. 10:00 - 1:00 -
3:00”
Then include one small paragraph
of what participants can expect.
Include the cost.
62. We wanted to borrow these folks’ front porch. Looks so inviting!
63. The park is stunning and a “must visit” - anchor - site.
64. The interpretive panels and stories (in the museum) are fascinating,
but some primary elements are totally missing...
78. Suggestions:
Have one panel for locals
One panel for events
One with brochure
distribution
One panel with primary
attractions
Avoid the bulletin board look
79. This is just not that appealing for
visitors - or even local residents.
89. Does anybody care?
Suggestion: Move the visitor
center out of here into a much
more desirable location - in the
heart of Annapolis Royal.
Even other visitors left
disappointed.
90. Suggestion: The power company should be embarrassed by this. It
should be a showcase, not an eyesore. Alert the press.
121. Overall a little disappointing. This could be a terrific attraction given
more interpretive signage - even voice over information. Technology
could make this a great attraction.
122. Where does this go? Suggestion: Add signage. Connect the dots.
127. Pros:
• Good photography
• Explains the history of the site
Suggestions:
• No real information about the rooms, who
lived there, what life was like, etc.
• Add specifics
• Tell stories or interesting facts
128. Pros:
• Great descriptions
• Pleasing layout
• Good photographs
• Plenty of information
Suggestions:
• Organize by location, not
alphabetically
• Make sure it sets the event apart
from similar events in the province
129. Pros:
• Nicely produced
• Excellent map
• Descriptions are very interesting
• Story teasers are good
Suggestions:
• Consider color
• Put contact, organizational info on back
130. Pros:
• Beautiful brochure
• Excellent photos
• Nice map
Suggestions:
• Put contact info on back
• Include educational opportunities (if avail.)
131. Pros:
• Great job promoting 3 museums, genealogy
• Nicely written
• Great job of selling the experience
Suggestions:
• Sell the experience first, then the location
142. Our secret shoppers all picked The Digby Pines. They had no idea
about the ownership. A terrific, exceptional staff here.
143. The province should make sure
investment in the resort is a
top priority. This is a draw in
and of itself.
144.
145. Pros:
• Good map
• Descriptions are enticing
Suggestions:
• Use more experiential photos
• Better quality photos
• One outstanding photo on the cover
• Avoid script text on brochures
146.
147. Pros:
• Towns are highlighted in a special
section
• Good, brief descriptions
• Activities by season - excellent
• Excellent photography
Suggestions:
• Far too large of an area - can it be
divided up somehow?
• Add maps of each region
• Include key on map of towns,
attractions
• Hotel listings lack information
• Don’t just promote members
• Include everyone that meets a
minimum standard of quality
148. Pros:
• A good idea and a good map
Suggestions:
• Format is awkward
• Same map on both sides. Why?
• Put ads in numerical order
149. Pros:
• Same as last map - but includes shops,
restaurants and lodging
Suggestions:
• Develop these with a directory format
152. 1. Work on retail beautification efforts.
2. Develop 24/7 visitor information kiosks throughout the area.
3. Work on retail signage and beautification.
4. Look at your gateways and make sure they are in the best
location to make the first, best impression.
5. Tell stories, don’t just display artifacts.
6. Create a wayfinding system to your primary attractions and
amenities.
154. 1. Create the “Hidden Gems of Nova Scotia’s Digby-Annapolis
Shore.
2. Develop detailed itineraries.
3. Start with Pick Your Season, then Pick Your Passion.
4. Promote your anchor tenants: The Best of the Annapolis Shore
5. Develop better maps and make them available.
6. Jettison the generic in your marketing efforts.
7. Develop a photo and experience driven website.
8. Stay open later on weekends during the peak seasons.
155. Create detailed itineraries
By type of activity:
•History & culture
•Arts & entertainment
•The environment
•Sports & recreation
•Shopping & dining
•Events
By type of travel:
•Motorcycle
•Bicycle
•Private auto, RV
•Tour bus
Itineraries:
• Half day, full day, multi-day
156.
157. If I lived in Halifax or was visiting the province why would we visit
the Digby/Annapolis Shore?
• The lodging makes you an overnight stay
• The primary activities would include:
- Clements Park for families
- Annapolis Royal for the history
- Balancing Rock for the hiker
- Birding, whale watching (Digby Neck & Islands) for the
environmentalist
- Golf
• The complimentary activities:
- Shopping, dining - Annapolis Royal, Digby (scallops)
- Art - Bear River
- Day trip - The Digby Neck & Islands