REAL board asks city to take over operation of Tourism Regina

The City of Regina is poised to take control of Tourism Regina.

A media release from the city Friday said council is set to consider a request from Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) to end that organization’s oversight of Tourism Regina by Dec. 31.

The request, which the release said was unanimously approved by REAL’s board of directors on Oct. 5, will be discussed at a council meeting on Wednesday. City administration also is recommending that council take over Tourism Regina’s operation.

Oversight of the tourism organization has been in question since a controversy erupted over its rebranding in March. Shortly after the Experience Regina brand was unveiled, people started complaining about slogans like “Show us your Regina” and “The city that rhymes with fun.”

REAL reversed the rebranding decision in April, and a consultant was engaged to examine what was termed “The Incident.” The report suggested that REAL had a lot on its plate even before it took on the oversight of Tourism Regina and said the situation was an organizational failure.

“The amenities and operations of REAL are core to the success of the visitor economy,” Wayne Morsky, the chair of the REAL board of directors, said in Friday’s release. “However, it is the position of the Board of Directors that the transition of Tourism Regina from within REAL is the best path forward to ensure the success of both organizations and the overall growth of tourism in Regina.”

City manager Niki Anderson said in the release that administration was ready if the move was approved by council.

“Tourism Regina plays an essential role in the vibrancy and economic prosperity of our community,” Anderson said. “Should City Council agree with REAL’s request, City Administration is prepared to accept responsibility for Regina’s destination marketing portfolio.

“The combination of communications and marketing expertise from both organizations would help facilitate a smooth transition and, longer-term, provide synergies to refresh and revitalize the work of Tourism Regina.”

The city said Tourism Regina’s staff had been notified about REAL’s request and administration’s recommendation that the city take over operation. Until council considers the request, the release said REAL “will continue to ensure Tourism Regina delivers on its mandate to drive the visitor economy.”