Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue Heron Adventures

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Forward Motion

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

22 episodes

1 day ago

Welcome to Forward Motion, the official podcast of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This is your go-to destination for insightful conversations, expert perspectives, and inspiring stories that drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward.

Each episode, Andrew Siegwart sits down with industry leaders, policymakers, business owners, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of tourism in Ontario. We’ll explore key trends, innovative strategies, and the challenges and opportunities facing our sector—from sustainability and workforce development to marketing, accessibility, and the latest government policies.

Whether you're a tourism operator, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the industry, Forward Motion keeps you informed and inspired. Our goal is to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that make Ontario a world-class destination.

Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward.

Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!

All content for Forward Motion is the property of Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of tourism, share success stories, and highlight the voices driving positive change. Because in this industry, staying ahead means always moving forward.

Hit Follow or Subscribe on your podcast app now and be part of the conversation. The future of Ontario tourism starts here!

Places & Travel

Society & Culture,

Government

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Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue Heron Adventures

Forward Motion

32 minutes 33 seconds

6 months ago

Tobermory's Tourism Treasure: Ashley Salen's Blue Heron Adventures

Andrew Siegwart sits down with Ashley Salem, operator of Blue Heron Cruises and co-owner of Sweetwater Bay in Tobermory, Ontario. Ashley shares her deep-rooted connection to the region, having spent summers in the area since childhood and working in tourism since 1999. Blue Heron Cruises offers glass-bottom boat tours, sunset cruises, and a new diving and snorkeling experience in the Fathom Five National Marine Park. This year, they're launching Blue Heron Adventures, providing tours for various skill levels around the area's 20+ shipwrecks. Sweetwater Bay, a recent addition to their portfolio, offers six high-end suites on the Bruce Trail, featuring a restaurant, pool, vegetable garden, and lavender maze. The property provides a unique accommodation experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Ashley discusses the evolution of Tobermory's tourism, highlighting the impact of social media, reservation systems, and the area's natural beauty. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, staff training, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. Andrew and Ashley cover the challenges of managing multiple tourism businesses, recruiting staff, and catering to diverse visitor demographics. Ashley's advice for travellers: make reservations early and explore the Bruce Trail to discover hidden gems. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.