Tourism Medicine Hat rolling out the welcome mat for travellers

Anderson says Tourism Medicine Hat has increased advertising in both reach and scope back to pre-pandemic levels and they look to attract dollars and travellers that largely stayed home the past two summers

“More time and focus and deliberate effort outside the province now as well,” he says. “With marketing buys in Saskatchewan, likely B.C and we’ve already begun buying in Montana as well.”

He says new destination guides, expected to be out later this month, are going to be available in those nearby locations, as well as all the way east to Manitoba and throughout a number of the northern United States.

When travellers get here, there’s no shortage of experiences in the city and out.

The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival May 26-29 is one of the new highlights of the southeastern Alberta summer, joining established favourites like Medicine Hat JazzFest in June and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede in July. Both are returning to pre-pandemic operations.

If people miss those events there is plenty for travellers to experience on any given day.

Medalta is always a draw and the Miywasin Story Tour, coffee tours, bakery tours, and brewery and distillery tours are always available. Lovers of nature can always find things to do in Elkwater and Cypress Hills.

Anderson says Medicine Hat’s position on the Trans-Canada Highway makes it a popular stop for those passing through. Long-haul trips by eastern Canada and eastern U.S. travellers are an important piece of the local market that has been missed.

Some of those travellers will want a place to get some shut-eye.

The Medicine Hat Accommodation Association and other local hotels are doing their part to get people to stay for at least one night. The MHAA has a variety of packages that attract people, including a very popular golf one.

“In 2021 we broke records bringing in people from Edmonton and Saskatchewan,” says vice president Sandra Jamieson. “We’re on par with that and we want to see it grow even more.”

She says the shopping package is also popular, encouraging people to spend with local companies and businesses.

The packages offer savings that Jamieson says, in turn, give people extra money for gas, and a little encouragement to travel.

Anderson admits the rising price of gas has he and his team approaching their summer optimism with a bit of caution.

Even with that in mind, the experiences available in southeastern Alberta and the lure of the open road have Anderson excited about what the summer holds.

“It’s a positive outlook for travel in Canada and particularly in Alberta and southern Alberta. There’s no reason why Medicine Hat won’t see some of the same things.”

He notes that Hatters can play a role in getting people to the area, encouraging family and friends to get a first-hand look at what is here.

“We just want to remind our residents to get excited about and to consider being proud about (the area) because that’s a huge part of our market and makes a real difference to our community,” he says.

by Chris Brown

Tourism Medicine Hat rolling out the welcome mat for travellers

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