Promoting Alberta as a must-see tourism destination is the focus of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Jack Hayden’s mission to London, England for the World Travel Market (WTM), November 7-10.
    In its 32nd year, the WTM attracts senior representatives from more than 180 countries and regions and more than 2,600 international media outlets each year.
    “Building greater awareness of Alberta as a world-class destination is the first step towards growing our $5 billion tourism industry,” said Hayden. “Travel Alberta is working with the Canadian Tourism Commission and Alberta-based operators to increase our market share of the world’s travellers.”
    In 2009, Alberta’s top five overseas tourism markets were the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Netherlands and Japan. More than 380,000 visits from these markets generated $410 million for Alberta’s economy.
    “The competition for tourists is fierce, and the marketplace is crowded.  Alberta needs to stand out and capture the imagination of potential visitors,” added Hayden. “This is an ideal opportunity to showcase Travel Alberta’s new brand and to make a strong impact on tourism operators and media from around the globe.”
    Travel Alberta’s new brand highlights the unique and authentic experiences visitors can enjoy in Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes. A new promotional campaign encourages visitors to “remember to breathe” and is a result of consultation with industry stakeholders across the province and in Alberta’s top international markets. To learn more about Travel Alberta’s new brand, visit www.Industry.TravelAlberta.com.
    The estimated cost of the trip including travel, accommodations and meals for Hayden is $12,500.

    At the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, October 31, business manager Guy Latour presented a draft of the membership and facility rental fees for the new Community Facility.
    Memberships are broken down into adult, youth, senior, and family. The family pass would include parents and two children. An extra charge would be applied if more dependants are added.
    The memberships are further broken down to one time use, 10 days, one month, three month, six month, and year long passes.
    A year long pass in 2012 would cost $338.00 for an adult, $220.00 for youth, $200.00 for senior, and $600.00 for families with $107.50 added for each extra dependant.
    Payment options would be provided to assist users who don’t want to pay the entire cost up front.
    “The good news is that our software can debit your credit card monthly for that fee,” said business manager Guy Latour. “It’s really helpful for a lot of people, especially families.”
    With an annual pass, users will get access to the fitness centre, running track, field house, programs run by the Community Facility, and the library.
    However, a Community Facility membership does not  grant access to the Aquaplex. Users wishing to work out and then swim could purchase a membership to both facilities with a 35 per cent discount. An adult multi-facility pass would cost $439.40, $286 for youth, $260 for seniors, and families would pay $780 with $139.80 for further dependents.
    “We’re excited about the new facility and we think these are fair rates and will give everybody access to the facility,” said Latour.
    The costs for each membership would increase over three years. Initially in 2012, prices will be well below the average membership fees for comparable facilities. By year three, prices will increase to be close to the average.
    In year three an annual membership would cost $434 for adults, $287.50 for youth and seniors, and $812.50 for families. Multi-facility passes would be $564.20 for adults, $373.80 for youth and seniors, and no more than $1,000 for families.
    For leagues and other functions wishing to rent the field house, the prices were drafted as well.
    Private functions (such as a trade show) would pay $1000.00 per day or $151.75 per hour. Local functions would cost $800 per day or $100 per hour. Non profit adult functions (such as a sports league) $780 per day or $75 per hour. Non profit youth groups would pay $750 per day or $60 per hour.
    Non profit organizations wishing to rent the hall would pay $1,632 for a weekend, $720 for a day, or $120 per hour.
    For a private function, such as a wedding, the cost would be $2,000 for a weekend, $900 per day, or $150 per hour.
    Additional fees would be added for use of the terrace, kitchen, and bar service.
    The Community Facility is hoping to attract a large number of weddings every year. "It’s going to be the premier location in southern Alberta for weddings,” said Latour.
    Another aim of the Community Facility is to balance the books. “The great thing is when looking at the budget is that the facility will pay for itself,” said Latour. "Especially compared to others in the region.”
    The numbers contained herein are merely the drafted figures for the Community Facility. The Drumheller town council has yet to approve them, but will be making a decision come Monday, November 7.