By Gary Dyck
The Week to be a Tourist
May 5, 2022
By Gary Dyck
For those ready to get out of the house, this weekend and the week of May 8th is the time to do it! The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is providing a 50% rebate when you visit any star attraction (including the Mennonite Heritage Village – MHV). They are also granting up to $100 back when you stay at any participating hotel. This fantastic program is running from May 6th-16th.
In addition, the Steinbach Chamber is inviting you to post your pictures visiting local tourism businesses on Facebook or Instagram, tagging the Steinbach Chamber as a part of their Backyard Tourist contest. Every post shared will give you a chance to win 1 of 2 incredible local tourism prize packs valued at $150 each!
Why are the business chambers in our community doing this?
Steinbach Chamber’s response: “Tourism provides opportunity for economic activity for our community, drawing visitors to experience our great region! This contributes to overall community wellness and visibility of Steinbach to people both within and outside our region. Significantly, tourism celebrates our heritage and leverages our diversity contributing to a welcoming community – one to visit or call ‘home’.”
The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce answer: “To say that TRIP 2021 was a success would be a huge understatement, because thanks to almost 25,000 Manitobans who took advantage of the rebate, this recovery program had a massive impact on Manitoba’s beleaguered tourism industry,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “With this new round of TRIP rebates, we’re encouraging Manitobans to get out there this spring to tour our beautiful province while supporting our valuable recreational assets.”
In 2021, TRIP returned $2.2 million in rebates to Manitobans who embarked on adventures, road trips and staycations, filling hotel rooms, taking advantage of specially-designed stay-and-play packages, and bolstering attraction visitation throughout the province. The tracked activity resulted in a total of $5.5 million in direct spending at recreational properties.
“Tracked spending aside, surveyed TRIP participants told us they spent an average of $510 on their trip, for total estimated spending of $11.2 million, representing roughly a 5-to-1 return on investment. This program made a huge difference to tourism in Manitoba and we’re excited to be able to do it again,” says Davidson.”
For more information, visit www.tripmb.ca, www.mhv.ca, and the Steinbach Chamber website. This is a one-time opportunity to get MHV admission with a 50% rebate on general admission. Hope to see you the week of May 8th! Enjoy our Mother’s Day buffet this Sunday and then ‘walk it off’ and hear some good stories from mom as you tour our historic buildings and beautiful grounds.
Our Spring Gala is back! Get the first look at MHV’s new exhibit at the exhibit premiere during our Spring Gala fundraiser on June 4 at 5pm with banquet at 6pm. Spring Gala tickets are $85 (partially receiptable). Get yours today by phone (204-326-9661) or online (www.mhv.ca). We also offer table sponsorships for businesses at $600 a table.
Upcoming Events:
MHV’s galleries and Village Books & Gifts are now open daily. Our grounds and Livery Barn Restaurant open Friday, April 29th! See our website and social media for the daily specials.
Manitoba Day May 7, although officially May 12th we are celebrating it on Saturday with free admission! Come enjoy our beautiful grounds together. Find the schedule for the day on our website.
Mother’s Day Buffet, May 8, 11:30am to 2:30pm. Treat mom with a Mennonite feast at the Livery Barn Restaurant! See our event page for more details!
Spring Gala, June 4, exhibit opens at 5pm, banquet at 6pm. Experience an evening of live music based on the theme of leaving, delicious food, and the unveiling of our newest exhibit, “Leaving Canada: The Mennonite Migration to Mexico”. This fundraising event will support the renovation of the Chortitz housebarn. Tickets are partially receiptible. Call 204-326-9661 or get your tickets online today!