Greg Oates, VP of MMGY NEXTFactor and Victoria Clarke, executive director at Discover Saint John at the New Brunswick Museum in Saint John, N.B. on December 10th, 2019. (Tamara Steele/CHSJ News)
A company which has reviewed hundreds of locations has now done the same for the Port City.
Discover Saint John had MMGY NEXTFactor evaluate the city as a destination.
MMGY Next Factor works with tourism groups like Discover Saint John and governments to align tourism and economic development to grow stronger communities.
In a survey, Greg Oates, VP of MMGY NEXTFactor, says they found local stakeholders and residents really believe in the local tourism economy.
“Everyone is invested in it and wants to work together to improve the visitor experience and make sure it benefits as many local residents as possible,” Oates said.
According to Oates, tourism today is much more than “heads in beds” but about selling the energy and vibe that is Saint Awesome.
Oates notes the importance of digital conversion for every destination seeking visitors and he singled out TripAdvisor and a shift away from hotel bookings and reviews.
“It’s much more of an activity feed where they are highlighting different activities and tours and experiences which you can actually book on the device in the destination in real-time,” Oates said.
Oates says sustainability is another new trend in tourism where destinations show visitors what they are doing to save the world.
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