Sooke Region 2010: coming into its own

Published in MapleLine Magazine: May 5, 2010

Fax/copy/email services in Sooke for tourists: MapleLine Business Centre >>

by Neil Flynn, Chair, Sooke Region Tourism Association

The Sooke Region is coming into its own as a first-class tourism destination. We have the natural beauty and outdoor sport opportunities of rugged seaside and untamed forest. We offer the fun of in-town activities as well as B&B stays in lovely locations. Indeed, the town of Sooke and the surrounding area are becoming hot spots on the maps of travellers near and far.

In February this year we showcased Sooke to the world at the BC Streets display at the O|Zone entertainment venue, as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Many volunteers and significant support from the District of Sooke made this exciting presentation possible.

In late April we participated in the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show, also with the display that was first created for the O|Zone. We’ll be front and center again in July and early August at the annual Sooke Fine Arts Show that draws visitors from East Sooke to Port Renfrew and other parts of the Island and mainland.

We are friendly in Sooke, and it shows. Our many artists, musicians and writers in the area bring visitors for a variety of items to buy and events to take part in. Last year our Wild by Nature marketing theme has been put into effect in print and web marketing. Our website at www.sooke-portrenfrew.com is positive evidence about the importance of banding together to promote this region. The Sooke Region Tourism Association (SRTA) services all tourism stakeholders, including those offering accommodation; restaurants and coffee shops; artists, crafters, writers and booksellers; festivals; grocery stores; general retail; business services and consultants; and others.

The presence of visitors in our region and the economic benefits which spin from that are positive for every resident of the area.

What’s not to do in the Sooke region? Beaches, hiking and trails, and a range of camping opportunities. Boating, fishing and crabbing. Whale watching. Bird watching. Nature’s bounty is all around us. Our moderate climate allows for unhindered eco-tourism possibilities. The Sooke Fine Arts Show brings people here every year, and then they also enjoy our local restaurants, business and retail services in the area, and the Sooke Region Museum. Stunning vacation homes and renowned resorts abound.

We have a picturesque landscape and wonderful people. The Sooke Region, only 35 minutes from Victoria, is a coastal gem, worthy of support and growth as we pull out of the recent recession and begin building upon the potential of this region to new heights.

MapleLine Business Centre - Fax, scan and copy while you wait. 6707 West Coast Road (in Sooke town centre), Sooke, BC. Phone: 250-642-7729 or toll-free 1-877-595-6925. info@maplelinebusinesscentre.com

This article was published on page 6 in the print edition of MapleLine Magazine (Summer 2010 issue ~ May to July 2010).