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Alberta Tourism Operations

Branch Mandate:

The Tourism Development Branch of Alberta Economic Development is committed to facilitating the profitability and sustainability of existing tourism operators, as well as the entry of new operators into the tourism sector. We encourage the development of new destinations and tourism products through positioning land for tourism development, providing assistance with the regulatory processes, encouraging a supportive policy environment, and actively promoting tourism investment in Alberta.

Business Priorities

AED's Tourism Development Branch is focused on the following business priorities:

  1. Tourism Business Development and Investment

    Tourism Business Development:

    • Provide business information and advisory services to clients who are developing new or expanded tourism products, such as: hotels, resorts, golf courses, guest ranches, ski hills, ecotourism and tourism related events.
    • Offer financial advice and facilitate client/entrepreneur access to capital.
    • Guide clients through the regulatory processes involved in tourism development projects.
    • Work with other government departments in an advocacy role to represent the interests of the tourism industry in key policy areas such as improved air access, highway signage and product development.
    • Provide advice on tourism-related economic impact assessments.

    2. For more information, contact:

    • Moe Rehemtulla, Director, Tourism Business Development and Investment
    • Bill Hodgins, Senior Tourism Business Development Coordinator

    Tourism Investment:

    • Work with investors, developers, and the financial community to encourage and facilitate investor interest and involvement in Alberta's tourism industry.
    • Assessment and linking of investor interests and financial resources with appropriate tourism investment opportunities.
    • Maintain a database of domestic and foreign investor leads and key contacts. Organized site visits to review investment opportunities based on investor requirements and resources.
    • Generate investor interest through investment attraction activities, such as the annual Tourism Investment Symposium, the Tourism Investment website and participation at key industry investment conferences and events.
    • Proactively work with Alberta Economic Development's International Offices in Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Munich, Mexico City, Taipei, Seoul and London to distribute information on tourism investment opportunities in Alberta, with the goal of attracting foreign investment.
    • Links to the Business Immigration Program within Alberta Economic Development.

    For more information, contact:


  2. Resource Management and Development

    • Work with federal and municipal jurisdictions and Alberta provincial departments to promote tourism as an appropriate use of public and private land.
    • Work with industry stakeholders to develop and represent tourism positions during land and resource management policy, planning and implementation processes.
    • Identify and position crown land for future tourism development, including promoting the designation of land for tourism development.
    • Provide industry with information on leasing of crown land for tourism developments through the Alberta Tourism and Recreational Leasing process.
    • Work with provincial land managers, municipalities and trail groups to encourage trail and recreational corridor development.
    • Consult with Parks Canada on items of importance to Alberta's tourism industry.

    For more information, contact:


  3. Destination Development and Product Enhancement

    • Work with Alberta municipal, not-for-profit, private sector and Aboriginal partners to identify, develop and position new tourism product lines and destinations.
    • Supply expertise and information to tourism sector partners to support the development of new and expanded tourism products.
    • Partner with the Canadian Tourism Commission, other provinces and territories on product development research and convey the results to our clients.
    • Provide secretariat support to the Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council and coordinate planning activities with other provincial/federal departments to support aboriginal tourism development in Alberta.
    • Work with Parks Canada, Alberta Parks and Protected Areas, and Alberta Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources to encourage appropriate, quality tourism experiences at these important Alberta destinations.

    For more information, contact:


    Or, contact us online by completing our online form:

Updated: June 2006
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