For Sherwood Park businesses, tourism can begin with something as simple as a visitor stopping for lunch, browsing a shop or staying overnight after an event.

Those purchases help explain why Strathcona County is giving tourism a larger role in its economic future.

The County’s economy already draws strength from industry, agriculture, retail and small businesses.

Tourism offers another way to build on that foundation by bringing more customers to the experiences and services already available here.

At the centre of that effort is Go Strathco, an initiative connected to the County’s long-term tourism strategy.

It promotes the area’s natural landscapes, events and local experiences while helping businesses reach people beyond their usual customer base.

For an independent operator, being discovered can be as important as having something worth discovering.

The initiative’s Go Guide, digital campaigns, social media channels and dedicated tourism website bring local offerings into a broader promotional effort.

That shared approach can give smaller businesses exposure they might struggle to achieve individually.

The benefit extends beyond the attraction that first brings someone here.

A traveller attending an event may also book accommodation, eat at a restaurant and spend time in nearby stores.

As that spending moves through the community, it can support existing businesses and encourage entrepreneurs to consider new experiences and services.

For residents, the tourism push is also a reminder that familiar surroundings have value to people visiting for the first time.

Local businesses and community experiences are central to the story Strathcona County is inviting visitors to explore.