Our guest at this week’s meeting was Kellie Verwey, Tourism Coordinator of the Portage Regional Tourism Committee (PRTC). Kellie shared with us the results of the Tourism Economic Impact Assessment that was recently carried out in order to calculate the size and economic value of tourism in our region and to provide recommendations and strategies to support PRTC’s goal to be recognized as one of Manitoba’s most desirable tourist locations. The study revealed some amazing facts about the economic impact of Portage tourism such as; $29.6 million in GDP, 445 jobs, $6.5 million in tax revenue, 125000 hotel visitors (Sept 2022 – Aug. 2023) and 1000+ campers (on average, per day during the summer). The committee has taken all of this valuable data to capitalize on their marketing strategy, refine the tourism brand for Portage, develop resources, such as the beautiful resource guide available at the following link https://issuu.com/island.../docs/2024_visitor_guides_-_issuu This committee is doing great things to promote our beautiful city and region. Keep up the great work.