Although we like to think we're unique in the world, there is another Sunshine Coast on the planet. Last Saturday, the general manager of Tourism Sunshine Coast from Queensland, Australia got to experience firsthand the beauty of the Sunshine Coast, Canada.
While his first impression left a little to be desired (a one-sailing wait for the 9:30 a.m. ferry out of Horseshoe Bay), the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the sight of Gibsons Harbour under sunny blue skies helped to compensate for the wait.
Fitzgerald came here with Kevan Ridgway, president of Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region (VCMTR), as well as Jennifer Huitema, communications director for VCMTR.
The three tourism people were excited about the opportunities to share markets. And while at first glance our Coast would seem to have little in common with a sub-tropical destination, that's not the case, according to Fitzgerald.
The Australian region boasts 100 kms of some of the continent's best beaches. The pictures are breathtaking. The main differences consist of climate and topography. Sunshine Coast Aussie-style is home to rolling green hills and warmer temperatures.
Ridgway said the communication between the two Coasts began when the B.C. area realized the similarity in the branding (logos) between the two. Huitema would like to see a twinning of an Australian and B.C. community.
"Mooloolaba (one hour and 15 minutes from Brisbane by car) compares somewhat favourably with Gibsons," Fitzgerald said.
The bed and breakfast organization on our Coast is anxious to develop an Internet link with the Australian accommodations. Judy Spears, president of the local group, was on hand, along with past president Jeanette Panagapka to meet Fitzgerald and discuss ways to connect to the market in Australia.
While Australian tourists account for less than one per cent of visitors to B.C. they, along with other international travellers, account for 12 per cent of the expenditures in our province. Because of the distance between the Land Down Under and us, the average stay of an Aussie tourist is three weeks. We appeal to the active Australian visitor because of our kayaking, biking and cycling venues.
Ridgway sees many opportunities for our Coast in the eco-tourism market. One area he thinks could be improved is proper trail marking for cycling on the Coast. He compares our area with Oregon, which shows cycle trips all the way down their coast. "We need to do something similar here," he said.
Fitzgerald spent Saturday touring the Coast, including a tour of Skookumchuck Narrows.
If you'd like to know more about the Sunshine Coast down south, go to www.sunshinecoast.org where "anytime is vacation time."
