Chatham-Kent's draft Tourism Management Plan has been unveiled, with a preliminary strategy to attract visitors to the area.
Consultant Brain Trust believes CK's black history narrative, angling and convention potential can all attract tourists. It adds, while CK's website is fine, a standalone tourism destination portal should be created.
Linda Patterson of the Ontario Geneological Society Kent Branch, says the strategy should be a collaborative effort. "You look at what Erieau and Mitchell's Bay have done for themselves, there's so much potential for the Chatham-Kent area. We should share in all that's out there."
The draft plan was discussed at a recent meeting in Chatham's Retro Suites Hotel. Former Chatham councillor Anne Gilbert was also in attendance. She says this is an issue the municipality should grab by the horns, because the return on investment for tourism is huge. "Once people recognize an area for a particular tourism niche, they will invest. Along the way, you become an interesting place."
Brain Trust officials add Chatham-Kent needs to "walk before they run," developing their infrastructure and assets before advertising them. Over 1.2 million visitors came to Chatham-Kent in 2012.