Rocky Mountaineer trains and Gray Line West motorcoaches travel through many communities in BC and Alberta.  Armstrong Group is committed to supporting these communities – by supporting regional economic development, promoting regional tourism, and using local businesses and suppliers whenever possible.  It just makes dollars and sense to work together!

Bringing Business to Town

When Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and Gray Line West bring guests to communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta, these guests contribute to local economies by dining in restaurants, purchasing gifts, experiencing activities and attractions and riding in taxis.  And, of course, local hotels enjoy the business. In Kamloops alone, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations generates close to 45,000 room nights over a seven-month period.

Armstrong Group also employs many people in the communities to meet the needs of the guests or to service our trains and motorcoaches.  This includes cooks, cleaning staff, mechanics and line staff.  And there are also many people who are employed by local companies that provide services to Armstrong Group, such as caterers, florists, dry cleaners and more.

Read about some of the local businesses who are thriving because of their business association with Armstrong Group including:

Tags - a local catering company in Jasper, Alberta		La Cucina - a take-out and delivery Italian food company in Quesnel, BC		Personal Touch Chocolates - handmade chocolates from Kamloops, BC

Bringing Tourists to Town

Many of our guests who overnight or pass through communities along the train routes are dazzled by the beauty of British Columbia and Alberta.  Often guests will return on subsequent vacations for longer visits, resulting in a significant economic impact for the region.  This is encouraged by our employees who highlight the features and recreational opportunities of the areas along our routes.

Even before guests begin their journey, they are invited to learn more about the region and communities along their route by reading descriptions of the communities that are highlighted on our websites.  As part of their travel planning process, visitors can get information about many of the communities along the routes including:  Vancouver, Kamloops, Quesnel, Banff, Jasper, and
Calgary.

And by working with regional, national and international travel and news media, Armstrong Group promotes tourism in British Columbia and Alberta in newspapers, in magazines, on-line and on television.  Every year, millions of people around the world see pictures or read articles about travelling through Canada’s western provinces.  The media coverage amounts to millions of dollars worth of “free” advertising each year. 

Publications and live commentary that are featured onboard the Rocky Mountaineer trains include extensive articles relating to the towns and communities and regions the guests travel through. 

Armstrong Group’s efforts to promote regional tourism were recently recognized with the President’s Award from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association.