VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Some are calling the Rocky Mountaineer Alberta Train to Whistler during the Olympics a ‘marketing opportunity of a lifetime.’
Sandy Best with the The Lake Louise Ski Area says the our provincial government turned down an offer to run a train like this because of the costs. “At the end of the day, all of the world’s media and decision makers for travel are getting on an Albertan train to ride to a B.C. venue. And after they have enjoyed Whistler don’t get me wrong, its a killer mountain - awesome - can’t take away what they are doing, but the first thing they see in the morning and the last thing they see at night is Alberta.”
He also has been promoting tourism every step of the way. “The president of Mexicana Airlines is onboard. I would have to cut my right leg off, sell my children, do something insane, just to get 15 minutes with him. Here he is on the train, he is enjoying the scenery, Alberta food, Alberta hospitality; I get a chance to get to know him.”
Despite this, Best says the government of Alberta was criticized for spending the money to run this $7 million luxury train. For more information, take a look here.
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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies
Alberta spent $14 million promoting itself at the Vancouver Olympics, but officials say the money was well spent and predict it will attract enough business to the province to recoup the full amount several times over.
Cindy Ady, minister of tourism, parks and recreation, said Tuesday that the money the province spent on the three-year promotional campaign will be more than recouped through new business and tourism deals for Alberta. Read the full story
Rocky Mountaineer is changing its schedule starting in April, bringing a steadier flow of tourists through Kamloops.
James Terry, the rail tour company’s executive vice-president and chief operations officer, will discuss the change this evening in a presentation to the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association’s AGM. The meeting takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Plaza Heritage Hotel, 405 Victoria St. Read the full story
Alberta has reserved a luxury train during the Vancouver Olympics as part of a $7- million marketing plan meant to woo tourists and business executives.
The province has exclusively booked the Rocky Mountaineer for runs between Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., between Feb 12 and 28. Read the full story
This year, skip the Christmas sweater and give them a unique gift they’ll really remember - a stunning rail journey between Vancouver and Whistler.
Until January 5, 2010, BC and Washington Residents pay only $109 per adult round trip when booking four or more guests. Read the full story
Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new logo, website, train design and route names ~
Rocky Mountaineer is gearing up to celebrate 20 successful years in business and will relaunch its brand, strengthening its position as one of the world’s best travel experiences. Consistently committed to innovation and excellence, Rocky Mountaineer’s new logo and branding will be implemented throughout the entire company, starting with the recently released 2010 brochure and newly launched, user-friendly website Read the full story
