In June, the Battlefords Tourism and Convention Association decided to launch a pilot project with the intention of convincing tourists to extend their visits to the Battlefords or come back again, rather than putting all the focus on getting them here from far away locations.
The Community Ambassador Program, which runs July through August, aims to make tourists' stays in the Battlefords more welcoming.
"When you're sitting at your campground and you're having hot dogs, or whatever, and you're suddenly approached by some local people and there's that little bit of extra bit of hospitality, I think it's an impressive thing to see and that kind of lasting impression is what we want to place in people's minds," said Ryan Bater, tourism development manager with the BTCA. "When [tourists] go home they'll say good things about our community and maybe encourage their friends and loved ones to maybe visit here as well."
The team of ambassadors, introduced to the media Aug. 15, is made up of Vanessa Spelliscy, Tyson Mackrell, Annika Lessing and Sam Burns. All four wear 19th century-style clothing, giving an authentic feel when they approach campers. The two boys wear RCMP uniforms, which Spelliscy says is a hit with the campers.
"We get great reactions from the operators of the campgrounds, the operators of the provincial park," said Bater. "The hotel operators, they're getting great feedback from the people that are there. That little extra touch of hospitality's going a long way."
Among the tourists benefitting from the program was Joan Grimley. She, along with her camping group, came to the Battlefords from Saskatoon. It's the third time they've camped here.
"It makes it more interesting when you know what's available. What they've told you about that you've probably missed on your own. So, it is nice to have them come around, it really is," said Grimley.
Spelliscy, who is a teacher in Regina but is spending her summer as an ambassador, said she feels like the tourists are appreciative of the help the program provides.
The group is also surveying tourists. Asking where they're from, how long they're staying and the intent of their visit. The plan is, at the end of the summer, to put together a report with that information for the tourism board who will then give insight as to how big of a draw there is and how to better promote the Battlefords.
"The idea was, simply, to make the Battlefords a better host community to the visitors that come here," said Bater.
