Stettler has been recognized as a member of a regional tourism group Alberta Sweet 16 that has been honoured with a provincial award.
Central Alberta Tourism Committee, under the marketing campaign “Alberta Sweet 16” won the 2009 provincial Alto Award for Marketing Partnership in Banff on Oct. 26.
“This group does a pretty good job of marketing and promoting events in the Stettler area and other communities,” said Keith Ryder, executive director of Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development.
“So this helps visitors plan their weekends, day trips or vacations.”
The marketing campaign is centered on its website (www.albertasweet16.com), which promotes local events and attractions through a user-friendly year-round calendar.
From the May long weekend to September long weekend, Alberta Sweet 16 promotes a feature event, along with all the other great activities that are going on each weekend in central Alberta.
“We are thrilled to win this award,” said Dean Schweder, who chairs the tourism committee
“It is great to be recognized for the excellent marketing partnership that we have in central Alberta.”
“This year we had 10 municipalities who came together and pooled resources in order to further promote all the awesome attractions and events we have right here in our own backyard.”
Tourism is the fourth largest industry in Alberta and generates over $5 billion in revenues each year, said Schweder.
“Therefore, it is crucial that central Alberta remains competitive in this industry and that we continue to send the message that our area is a wonderful tourism destination.”
The 10 committee members include the following municipalities and tourism organizations; Innisfail, Lacombe, Ponoka, Red Deer (Tourism Red Deer), Red Deer County, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler, Sylvan Lake, and Wetaskiwin.