March 21, 2018 - Tourism Thunder Bay launched a new, responsive website today that is accessible, seamlessly integrated with social media and smart phone use, and easier to navigate to meet the needs of today's traveler.

The site showcases Thunder Bay through visually stunning imagery and videos, as well as an extensive tourism business directory.

Travelers will now have quick access to information and resources from start to finish. The site provides all of the information needed to plan a trip, from activities and excursions to getting around the City, and finalizing trip plans with access to accommodations and flight bookings.

"Engaging with visitors and citizens is a top priority for City Council, and this new website is the first phase of an overall website renewal project," said Councillor Shelby Ch'ng, Chair of Council's Community Communications Committee.

The site includes new areas designed to meet the needs of industry partners, travel media, and sport and convention planners. It also features fun and engaging contests and facts about Thunder Bay and the region.

"The new enhanced digital presence is the single most essential tool in today's tourism landscape and will help visitors find the information they need quickly and efficiently from any device," said Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism Thunder Bay.

"Locals are encouraged to explore the site as well and use it to plan their own Thunder Bay-cation, share the site with friends and family from outside our area, and use it as a tool when hosting visitors in our city," he added.

The City of Thunder Bay`s overall website renewal project includes the development of a new City website (launching in late June), a new Tourism website, and moving to a newly hosted system. It has been 10 years since the last website renewal was done.

"This new website will help us more effectively engage with residents and visitors alike, with a uniquely personalized experience," said Karen Lewis, Director of Corporate Strategic Services, which implemented the overall website renewal project with the City's Corporate Information Technology Division.

"We recognize that needs have changed since our last website renewal ten years ago, and we need to change too."

The City has partnered with eSolutions Group to develop and host the new site. eSolutions Group was the successful proponent following an RFP process. They specialize in municipal websites and have experience with over 300 municipalities across North America.

Extensive public consultations were done in the fall with the public and industry partners and the site was developed using website best practice design.

To explore the new tourism site, visit: www.visitthunderbay.com

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Contact: Paul Pepe, Manager - Tourism Thunder Bay, 625-3880