Tourism in Northern Ontario is poised for a post-pandemic comeback, but first researchers want to hear about the sector’s associated strengths and challenges – directly from consumers and providers.
In the Algoma District, researchers with NORDIK Institute and Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie are conducting surveys throughout the area to learn more about what’s needed to support tourism recovery efforts following the COVID pandemic.
The effort is called the Northern Ontario Tourism Development and Recovery Strategy in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The surveys aim to glean information about the tourism experience, the impacts of the pandemic, and opportunities to support and grow the sector.
Visitors and prospective visitors are can access their survey here.
Tourism-related business and organizations can fill out their survey here.
Participants have until April 30 to complete the surveys.
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“This research will play an important role in not only understanding how the pandemic has impacted the tourism industry, but also point to the opportunities for building the tourism industry across Northern Ontario,” principal investigator Dr. Nusrate Aziz said in a news release.
“Tourism presents a major opportunity for economic diversification, both before and after the pandemic, and we hope this research will help tourism operators attract more visitors and grow the importance of tourism within the regional economy.”
The surveys were developed with input from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Country Tourism, Destination Northern Ontario and other industry stakeholders.
“After the survey data is collected and analysed, we will be sharing the results in a forum with tourism-related stakeholders to identify ways that it can support the sector’s growth,” NORDIK’s director of research, Sean Meades, said in the release.
