Tourism Development Officer

Minimum Qualifications

- Undergraduate Degree in Tourism, Business, Economic Development, or related field
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in tourism development related experience
- Expertise in destination management and sustainable tourism practices
- Experience in a municipal setting with working knowledge of Planning processes and Council protocols.
- Ability to actively engage product providers and leisure assets, experience developing shoulder season and cultural tourism programs
- Proven marketing and communications skills, proficient in content development and tourism media activities
- Understanding of tourism management strategies, programs and policies (eg short term rentals, sustainability plans, agri-tourism development)
- Excellent writing, verbal and analytical skills- Strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and meet competing deadlines
- Ability to interact well with, and respond to inquiries from all levels including Council, businesses, product providers and other staff- Ability to develop and nurture productive business relationships with internal and external partners working collaboratively to resolve problems
- Passionate about problem solving and looking at the bigger picture
- Proven ability and genuine desire to work as part of a team, devotion to delivering quality work
- Ability to work outside of normal working hours including evenings and weekends- Valid G driver’s licence and an acceptable driver abstract

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Assets

- Background in small business development with a strong understanding of relationship management
- Understanding of County of Brant tourism offerings

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Duties

- Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive tourism strategy that supports sustainable management of natural and cultural resources.
- Ensure the strategy promotes long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability, benefitting both visitors and local communities.
- Develop corporate policies and programs that effectively implement the tourism strategy.
- Establish guidelines for sustainable operations that support local businesses and promote environmentally responsible tourism practices.
- Identify opportunities to diversify tourism products to attract visitors year-round, including cultural events, culinary experiences, and adventure activities.
- Contribute to the creation of new tourism products that enhance the County’s competitiveness and reduce seasonality impacts.
- Oversee the operations of the tourism information center and manage the visitor ambassador program.
- Represent the County at meetings and partnerships with Regional Tourism Organizations, industry associations, and local stakeholders.
- Ensure the region’s tourism goals align with broader regional and national strategies.
- Develop innovative strategies to increase overnight accommodations in the County of Brant.
- Collaborate with Arts, Culture, and Heritage departments to implement tourism initiatives that celebrate and preserve the region’s cultural and historical assets.
- Develop cultural tourism products that appeal to culturally curious travellers while ensuring the protection of these assets.
- Support the Communications and Marketing Division in creating content that promotes the County of Brant’s unique selling proposition.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with tourism partners, local businesses, and government entities to support tourism business attraction, retention, and growth.
- Foster collaboration that drives product development and marketing opportunities aligned with sustainability goals.
- Coordinate marketing campaigns and ensure timely production and distribution of marketing collateral.
- Represent the destination at trade shows and events, including consumer, travel trade, and sport events, to enhance visibility and business opportunities.
- Assist tourism stakeholders with advertising programs that align with the Brant Tourism brand.
- Ensure that advertising campaigns reflect the County of Brant’s commitment to sustainability and highlight unique local experiences.

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REPORTS TO: Director of Economic Development and Tourism
LOCATION: nitial Placement - Wincey Mills, Paris
35 hours per week