With the sudden drop in the Canadian dollar, a plan to attract more Canadian consumers has taken on new meaning.
The International Falls Chamber of Commerce and the area Convention and Visitors Bureau began work this summer on a lodging and retail coupons book idea to attract Canadian consumers. At the time, the Canadian dollar was strong against U.S. dollar and the idea was to attract visitors from Canada and to keep them here overnight.
The coupon book is to be publicized this week in Canada, as the loonie fell hard against the dollar in the global financial crisis. The coupon book became a timely tool to help bring about savings to make up the difference with the dollar.
The 10-percent off lodging coupons would include participating hotels and lodges, along with other retail, restaurant and entertainment specials.
“Our coupon plan is set to launch Nov. 15, when an advertisement with our coupon hits the Winnipeg Free Press TV guide and travel section,” said Pete Schultz, director, CVB. “Seven local operations have decided to join in.”
Schultz said the coupon books would also be advertised outside of the Winnipeg market. He said the CVB and the chamber plan to cross promote the coupons with other savings booklets for area retailers and restaurants. A discount lodging coupon will be available at the CVB.
Jenny Dougherty, a CVB board member, said the goal of the CVB is to put heads on beds, and even though the chamber and the retail committee have other goals, they encourage efforts to get overnight guests.
“Then they shop more and can take back more when they stay overnight,” Dougherty said.
The CVB is also preparing area promotional calendars and is advertising in seasonal publications.
