THE RURBAN FRINGE

There’s a Tourism App for That

With the release of the new iPhone and iPad GeoRoamer Boomtown applications, Alberta travellers can now create a personalized audio tour of one of the province’s most unique historical attractions, the Boomtown Trail.
A scenic touring route between Edmonton and Calgary, the Boomtown Trail is made up of communities that sprang up nearly a century ago, [...]

Are You Marketing Your Local History?

It’s summer, tourist season, and when you’re not showing family and friends around your region, you just might be out exploring it yourself.
People love local history.   And while the means of attracting visitors to places may have changed, the main attraction typically has not … it’s the stories, characters and history that create and help shape a particular place.
Local [...]

On the Irish Fringe

I couldn’t resist sharing some further, related photos from a recent trip abroad and, while visiting Ireland, also couldn’t get away from noting that the most thriving Irish communities were those that were diversified in their economic activities … demonstrating that no matter where you live, economic self-sufficiency and growth must come from within.
Approximately 40% of [...]

Vagabond Tours: An Irish Success Story

There’s nothing I love better than a small business success story … and while touring Ireland with Vagabond, this small – but growing - adventure travel company quickly proved why it’s worth its weight in gold.

While most travellers remember the sights and scenery encountered while on vacation, not many can say they’ve driven through them!  That’s the [...]

2011 GRT Conference Learnings

It’s all about the people, people!
After having the opportunity to attend and present at this year’s Growing Rural Tourism conference in Camrose, Alberta, I was humbled to meet lots of good people who are doing great things in rural Alberta … and beyond. 
For me, the theme of the conference was definitely about relationships … from John [...]

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