By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter) with files from Lara Fominoff (@Fomsy1)

William Slenders announced as new Executive Director of the LDMO

Jan 8, 2018 | 3:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Destination Management Organization, a newly formed organization focused on the growth of tourism in Lethbridge, announced on Monday (Jan. 8) they’ve hired their first Executive Director William Slenders.

Mayor Chris Spearman, the LDMO Board Chair, says they’re pleased to have William here in Lethbridge.

“His knowledge, skills and vision fit very well with our expectations. Guided by the Lethbridge Destination Management Plan, William will engage and collaborate with the city’s tourism community to identify opportunities, to lead a shared vision of its tourism future and create a strategy to reach it,” Spearman added.

Slenders has a background in southern Alberta, with significant experience working with diverse cultural groups, industry and marketing programs.

He served as the Destination Marketing Manager for Newell Regional Tourism Association in Brooks, and as a Market Researcher with Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

2h ago

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

“I was able to bring in a lot of diverse programming as well as marketing programs for the region during that time. One of the biggest ones we brought in was a lot of kiosks, and the utilization of digital technologies. That was one of the first times we tried to use high impact digital strategy in high traffic locations to really get locals experiencing everything the Newell Region has to offer,” Slenders said.

Slenders was asked was the first task for him is now, and he believes it’s to try and build on the cooperation and coordination of all the tourism stakeholders in Lethbridge.

“Obviously there’s a lot of shoes to fill here, there’s a lot of things to look after and make sure nothing falls through the cracks,” he continued. “It’s imperative that we have good cooperation with stakeholders as the budget begins to transform and community groups begin working together.”

The LDMO, approved by City Council in May 2017, is mandated to provide direction and proactive leadership that promotes, and fosters growth related to the visitor experience in Lethbridge.

One of the biggest challenges, according to Slenders, is really looking at the diversity that the City of Lethbridge has to offer.

“It’s a diverse place, and there’s lots of programming that can still be developed so we’re going to be working with a lot of new and existing stakeholders. We have to build on those opportunities to make Lethbridge an incredible destination inside of southern Alberta. Short term we’re going to be focused more on building those opportunities within Lethbridge to get more export ready as a city,” Slenders said.

He also wouldn’t rule out reaching out to other cities in southern Alberta or elsewhere to promote the city, adding there’s plenty of programs already within their tourism and sports facilities, but that’s something for the future.

The LDMO encourages residents, champions of business and community groups to become involved and to contact Slenders to see what opportunities exist for partnership, coordination and development.

A meet and greet is planned for industry stakeholders in February.

When it comes to how to market the city through different forms of media, Slenders finished by saying it really depends on the medium.

“With a diverse group of stake holders, it’s tough to get through all the lines of communication. We’re certainly going to look at it, and I’d love to see a Lethbridge media ad going national to try and bring more people into our community.”