Bathurst mayor Paolo Fongemie wants regional tourism office

Bathurst Mayor Paolo Fongemie has asked for his council's support in approving a regional tourism office that would combine the resources of municipalities from Allardville to Belledune and create a regional tourism strategy.

"There was a tourism forum that happened last winter and local tourism operators and the municipalities all joined together to make a working document," said Fongemie.

"That would force us to look at what we're currently doing for tourism, make sure we're not duplicating services, make sure we have a full strategy in regards to positioning and branding for our region."

Several people at Bathurst's tourist information centre on Monday were unaware of activities in the region. Most were passing through, on their way to the Acadian Peninsula or Moncton.

'Big shift needed'

"There's stuff to do in all seasons but right now we're not in the game and we've got to make a big shift," said Fongemie.

Right now we're not in the game and we've got to make a big shift.- Paolo Fongemie, Bathurst mayor

The first-term mayor is hopeful the other municipalities and local service districts in the region will follow his lead, and support the proposed office.

"We're ready to absorb it into our tax base," he said.

"We certainly hope the provincial government will be there also to help with funding."

Bathurst centre remains

Bathurst's information centre will remain, according to Fongemie.

The strategy will build on already-existing local businesses and festivals like Bathurst Hospitality Days, Phantom Biker Bash, Blues de la Baie, and Festivals des Rameurs, several events which all take place in July in the Chaleur region.

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A training element will also be introduced for both hospitality and tourism workers, and others seemingly unrelated to the sector.

"We'll be helping also to train all the employees working in gas stations and restaurants, stores, to help them know more about the region. We heard a story about a tourist stopping at a gas station with good clam chowder," said Fongemie.

When people drop in, it's by accident- Bathurst mayor Paolo Fongemie

Fongemie would not confirm whether any current City of Bathurst employees would be laid off or moved to new positions.

Bathurst is in the process of hiring a corporate communications manager — a new position for the city.

"We're not there online. We have no presence on social media, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. We have no presence there at all, not only for the City of Bathurst but for our region. So when people drop in, it's by accident," said Fongemie.