Cochranites want to see their town become a hot-spot tourist destination. This is the result of the Cochrane Tourism Association (CTA) – who are on the heels of releasing the results of their spring survey, which drew responses from more than 500 people and will lead to next steps of how to market the foothills town. “This was a key part of the process ... we now have some insights as to what the residents feel is important,” explained Kelly Sinclair of KS Communications for the CTA, adding that the working group is now moving forward under the premise: “How do we market Cochrane as a tourism destination ... branding is the DNA, the song-sheet that holds everything together.” Sinclair was careful to clarify that branding does not mean changing the CTA or Town of Cochrane logo – which will remain “How The West Is Now.” It’s about messaging and marketing what Cochrane has to offer to build on a tourist audience attracted to what Cochrane already has to offer. The survey revealed that 93 per cent of respondents feel there is value in building the tourism industry in Cochrane, namely as it ties to positive economic benefits. The top three aspects of Cochrane respondents felt worthy to showcase include: outdoor spaces (78 per cent); public events and festivals (71 per cent); and western heritage (60 per cent). Top adjectives that came to mind among respondents included “quaint,” “beautiful,” “friendly,” as well as “mountains.” The key attractions for tourists, as highlighted by respondents, included location, natural beauty, pathways, friendly and events. A wish list that has emerged from survey results includes an arts centre, free splash park, bike trails and parks, music festivals, culinary events, indoor activities for families and youth and river activities. “This branding project is really important to help elevate Cochrane from a tourism perspective. We want to build an authentic brand that is based on the exciting things we have to do here, which benefit the locals as well,” said Jo-Anne Oucharek, CTA executive director in a recent press release. A branding working group consisting of 11 volunteers will spend the next couple of months formulating a branding strategy. Visit cochrane-tourism.ca to learn more.
