Morganne Riddell has been in the role of manager of Tourism Nanaimo's visitor centre since early 2023. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

visitor centre

Tourism Nanaimo opens relocated visitor centre

Mar 12, 2024 | 1:02 PM

NANAIMO — A new visitor information centre location is designed to engage with more tourists in Nanaimo instead of those just passing through.

After vacating its location on the Nanaimo Parkway at the base of Northfield Rd. late last year, Tourism Nanaimo’s new visitor centre location is now open in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre opposite the Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Visitor centre manager Morgane Riddell said a big factor in making the move is engaging with more out-of-town visitors.

“We’re getting to know our neighbours, we’re talking to Hullo ferries, we’re talking to all of the hotels, we’re making sure that they know we’re here and that we’re really focusing on promoting Nanaimo, promoting all of these great shops and restaurants that we have.”

A review led by Tourism Nanaimo concluded a majority of tourists to the Northfield visitor centre were people looking for information on other Vancouver Island communities.

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The prior location, outfitted with ample parking, was a popular rest stop for people in RV’s and travel trailers heading up or down Vancouver Island, Riddell said.

“That’s not to say we didn’t have people who stopped who wanted to know about Nanaimo because we did, but we want to increase that. We want to make sure that people know that they can stop in Nanaimo and have just as good of a time as they do in Victoria or Tofino.”

Riddell said most people who visit Nanaimo gravitate to the downtown/waterfront area, which should lead to increased visitation to their new visitor info centre.

Occupying an enlarged, purpose-built space allows for additional Tourism Nanaimo merchandise and local branding opportunities to be incorporated in the weeks ahead, Riddell noted.

“There’s a lot going on here, we’re really excited about it,” she said.

In-person assistance for directions, brochures and maps are all available at the centre, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On-site complimentary parking is available at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre parkade in stalls labelled VICC Retail Only.

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes