Okotoks’ tourism sector has strengths to build on and room to grow, according to a new report.
The Town is developing a tourism strategy and action plan, called Shape the Future of Okotoks Tourism, to grow the local tourist economy.
Okotoks is in the Foothills Tourism Development Zone that is poised for major growth, according to Travel Alberta.
As work on the Town's strategy gets underway, a report that looks at the existing tourism sector, and at opportunities for growth, was presented to Okotoks council on Jan. 13.
The Current State of Tourism in Okotoks report found that Okotoks lacks a major attraction to regularly draw a large number of visitors, and that it is in a competitive region for tourism dollars.
The report found there are about 150 fewer hotel rooms in Okotoks compared to a similar-sized community, with possible reasons being low mid-week demand and proximity to accommodations in Calgary.
Opportunities for growth include Okotoks becoming a gateway for regional attractions such as agritourism, natural attractions or Ingenious experiences.
Strengths identified in the report include numerous annual events, sports teams and sports tourism, the river valley and the historic downtown area.
Next steps in the Town’s strategy include the development of an action plan, with broader community engagement taking place early this year.
Limited data exists about the number of visitors to Okotoks, and a voluntary survey done in 2016 showed that many visitors came from within the region.
In 2019, 97 per cent of visitors to the Foothills Tourism Development Zone were domestic, primarily from nearby regions, and two-thirds came from Calgary.
Travel Alberta wants to double Alberta’s tourism economy by 2035, with a focus on expanding tourism in rural areas.
