Harrison Mills is filled with attractive tourism spots that highlight this area's recreation, history and beauty. It's an area unique in many ways, but without its own marketing strategy, the community suffers from a "blurred identity," says Summer Dhillon, principal of Slap Marketing and Communications.
She's set out to change that, through the help of a Destination B.C. grant. It's a community matched funding grant, designed to help communities market themselves to become more viable tourism destinations.
With bed and breakfasts, an inn and plenty of camping opportunities in the area, the potential for tourism growth is in place. But visits don't just happen.
Dhillon hopes to raise the funds to create a brand for Harrison Mills, and create awareness of the area's diverse opportunities at the same time.
"We need to come together in the community to create a brand," she said. "Harrison Mills doesn't have any formal representation in any way."
To help reach their goal of matching the grant, two Harrison Mills organizations have joined together. They've created Harrison Mills Day, this Sunday, Oct. 6. Together, Kilby Historic Site to the pristine Sandpiper Golf Course hope to put themselves on the tourism map.
Sandpiper is donating 100% of their net profit and Kilby is donating 50% of their admission rates for the day to help match a grant given to them to help market the area.
Sandpiper will be having a special on green fees, hot dogs, prizes and more. Kilby, open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, will be holding a special heritage walking tour at 2 p.m. This will be one of the last weekends to visit Kilby before they close for the season. They've also recently announced the Halloween event has been cancelled for the year due to lack of funds.
Dhillon said she's looking forward to seeing the area grow through increased visits, and knows that branding is a first big step.
"This is to create awareness and to raise funds," she said. "It's a start."
Destination BC is a crown corporation wholly owned by the provincial government. It has a mandate to help market the province as a tourism destination, enhance public awareness of tourism, and provide advice and recommendations on tourism related matters.
For more information, visit www.prettyestateresort.com or www.kilby.ca.
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