Manitoulin Tourism Association December 2009 Newsletter

The Manitoulin Tourism (MTA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting Manitoulin Island and Area Tourism. It is in it’s 57th year of service and continues to work hand in hand with all groups, organizations, and government agencies.
The MTA is a reservation agent for the Owen Sound Transportation Commission (OSTC) and the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, and leases the property and covers the liability insurance for the property owners of the Cup and Saucer Biosphere Foundation. The MTA also continues to offer the Mississagi Lighthouse attraction for the west end of our Island by maintaining a lease with the Coast Guard.
The MTA also maintains partnerships with the Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT), the Owen Sound Transporation Commission (OSTC), the Georgain Bay Coastal Route (GBCR), Georgian Bay Destination Development Partnership (GBDDP), and the Rainbow Country Travel Association (RCTA).
Through statistical analysis it has been determined that 70% of all income generated on Manitoulin comes from tourism. It is the goal of the MTA to continue to increase business to our members and the industry as a whole.

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Featured Events of the Month

• The annual Journey to Bethlehem will be happening on December 4 @ 6:30pm, December 5 @ 5:30pm. For more information contact Mary Jo 377-6655.

• Little Current Holy Trinity Anglican Church Christmas supper, Friday December 4 at 6 pm. $15 per plate adults, $8 per plate for children 10 and under. For tickets call Carol Leech 368-3251

• St. Bernard's annual snowflake Christmas Tea and Bazaar Saturday December 5 from 11:30-1pm. Adults $6 Children 6-12 $4 and under 6 free

• The Anglican Church women's annual Christmas luncheon and bazaar on December 5 at 11am-2pm at the Lyons Memorial Church in Gore Bay–there will be a cookie walk and craft items for sale. $7.50 per person $3.50 for children 5-6.

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The benefits of being a MTA member….

The MTA staffs and operates the Manitoulin Welcome Center in Little Current which serves 30,000-35,000 visitors each season from May to October. Staff are instructed and trained to promote the members’ establishments when assisting customers, and will contact members when their brochures are running low.
Each brochure and pamphlet is prominently displayed on membership racks in the Welcome Centre. Although the MTA serves as a main depot for areas to stock brochures, they are also sent weekly to the Chi-Cheemaun, Tobermory, and South Bay Mouth terminal buildings, Manitowaning, Mindemoya, Gore Bay, and the Sudbury Welcome Centre . Many members also stock their offices brochures from our centre and help promote the area.

The MTA also provides brochures in direct mailing packages sent to people planning to travel in the area–with each package tailored to the individual request.

Food service members are also invited to send their menus to the Welcome Center for placement on the ever so popular “Island Eateries” board, and can also look forward to seeing their events posted by staff n the “What’s Doin” on the Manitoulin Travel Associations bulletin board which is located in the lobby of the Welcome Centre and constantly updated.

As a member one can also look forward to having their contact information listed on the MTA website, as well as receive discounts on Ad spaces owned by the MTA located at the Welcome Centre, the arena in Little Current, and the Spider Bay Marina. Each member is able to also sit in on board meetings and committees to add their voice to decisions made on behalf of the industry.

Aside from the reasons mentioned above, being a member of the MTA says you not only support excellent service standards, but that you also support your community.

It is said that a whopping 70% of all income earned on Manitoulin Island is generated through tourism ventures. By purchasing a membership–which supplements costs to keep the Welcome Centre running as well as staff employees–you are helping Manitoulin continue to be a thriving and growing community.
Memberships can be purchased by contacting 705-368-3021

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New Executive as of November 2009

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Looking for cost effective advertising….?

There are still signs spots for SALE!!!

Do you have a business that you would like advertised year round in a prime location? There are still sign spot vacancies available for purchase for any business owner. MTA members will receive a discount of 15% off at one location and 10% off the price if they purchase more than one sign block in the same location.

Signs are available for purchase at the following locations;

Manitoulin Welcome Center

Spider Bay Marina Location

Little Current Howland Recreation Center Location

please call Sheila @ 368-3021 for more info

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Trade Shows are here!!!

The Manitoulin Tourism Association is once again offering a cooperative marketing program to promote Manitoulin Island and area as an attractive travel destination at the Sport and Travel Shows in Southern Ontario and the United States.
This marketing program remains to be one of the most effective ways to promote our area. The extensive costs involved and the amount of work to attend these shows for individual businesses is outrageous. To this, we are once again offering a cooperative effort to save you money and time! The shows have all been attended in the past and proven to produce excellent results in attracting travelers in our area.
We are offering to our membership that we will attend at least five (5) shows as a collective group for the very low cost of $120.00 per show. This will mean that your brochures will be at the shows under the Manitoulin Island banner and promoted by our excellent, friendly staff attending that show. YOUR BUSINESS CAN BENEFIT WITH ATTENDANCE AT 5 SHOWS FOR THE LOW COST OF $600.00.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the MTA office at 705-368-3021 or mta@manitoulin.net

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Water Testing

The MTA created a depot at the Welcome Centre for water samples to be collected and sent via courier–our local Jeff’s Taxi–to the lab in Garson. This has removed the financial burden of the courier service from our members. These sampls are time and temperature sensitive. Every Tuesday, the manager of the Welcome Centre will pick up water samples at designated stops while en route to the Welcome Centre. This has proved to be a very successful service.

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Manitoulin Facts

The Little Current Swing Bridge carries Highway 6 across a narrow channel separating Manitoulin Island from the much smaller Goat Island forming the only land access.
Construction on the bridge foundations was commenced in 1912 by the Algoma Eastern Railway, and the bridge itself was constructed in 1913. Originally a railway-only bridge, the bridge stayed in the open position at all times except when a train needed to pass.
Passenger Traffic to the island was available only by ferry until 1946, when the bridge was improved to allow both rail and vehicle traffic.

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Do you have a great idea, or story about Manitoulin you would like to share?? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please keep us updated with any community events you might have.

Do you have feedback for us?? Email marketing.mta@gmail.com.