1. Goal By May 1 a familiarization (FAM) bus tour leaves for a 2-3 day circuit that will include 60% of the Heart of the Continent participating communities and associated public land management agencies. Tour will include leaders and tourism centre staff and will tour participating venues and attend related events.

2. Objectives Atikokan will take the lead in organizing a familiarization bus tour of HOC communities and public lands –Identify participants from each area (3-4) –Each visited Community must be prepared to welcome and address bus audience –Each community/land group must tell about their local attractions and assets and relation to adjacent public land.

3. Regional Benefits of Tour Promotes the Brand (HOC) First Hand Exposure to Sites/people Expands Number of Ambassadors Incentive for local showpiece upgrade Improved visitor experience Production of a training, awareness video for those not participating in tour

4. Local Stakeholders Community Leaders (Mayor, Council,CAO) AEDC staff and Board Quetico Staff and Zone Manager Provincial Govt Dev & Tourism Agencies Chamber of Commerce Related businesses in and out of town Media (local and regional) DeptFAIT (federal trade promotion)

5. Action Steps Investigate Intern (Nov) Prepare Proposal to local decision makers Form local planning group (Nov) Conduct Research (Dec-Jan) –Route -Venues/Itinerary -Schedule

6. Action Steps Identify and recruit champions (Nov-Jan) Sign-off by other Communities (Jan) Detailed Planning (Feb) –Who,what,when –Media and federal/border support –Filming and training guide Bus Leaves (May)

7. INDICATORS OF SUCESS Support from HOCP Congress (done) Local Endorsement (1 month) Champions found in each area (8-10) Funding Commitments in Place (100%) Full Participation (seats full)