Building Back

British Colombia is a busy tourist destination, especially its beautiful Okanagan Valley. Nonetheless, the tourism department in the interior city of Vernon has noted a drop-off in recreational traffic due to the pandemic. They realized the value of informing locals about the benefits of vacationing at home. Tourism Vernon asked itself, “How do we re-stimulate our tourist trade, while reminding our own people of the hidden treasures in their backyard?” 

A Fresh Approach

Vernon decided it was time to rethink the traditional way of attracting visitors and reached out to MySmartJourney. The strategy began by setting up interactive points around town where anybody—tourist or local—can scan in to see and hear what’s going on and get helpful directions.

Tourism Vernon wanted to make context-specific information available to tourists (and locals) about what there is to do tonight, tomorrow, on the weekend, or right now! This creates a sense of place, extends visits, and promotes the desire to come back and do what they didn’t have time for. 

All they need is a smartphone to find everything they want to know about the city and its magnificent surroundings. Tourism Vernon is finding innovative ways to fulfill its mission.