Case Study: Moon Gate Guest House

Q: What inspired you to create a new product or enhance your existing one?

A: We wanted to create a new experience to encompass the fusion of nature in winter, Métis culture and our warm hospitality where guests can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them. Summer is a busy time here so creating a winter experience was an opportunity to increase visitors and revenue.

Q: How did you know when it is time to grow or evolve your tourism experience/product?

A: Clear indicators are feedback from guests and the number of bookings in the season. It's a new experience, just launched last winter, so it will take some time to raise awareness. We anticipate that by year three, we should have a good idea of what we’re doing right and what needs to change.

Q: Were there any major challenges that you faced in the development process? If yes, what were they and how did you overcome the issue?

A: Our biggest challenge at the time of development was a snowshoe supplier. We couldn't find one with enough product locally so we had to purchase out of province. This took a bit of time to source which caused a delay in our launch. We had the same issue with the Moon Gate mug that we gift each guest. They had to be sourced out of province.

Q: Do you have key partners or community connections for this product/expansion. Can you explain?

A: The biggest partnership is between Michel and me. We thrive on creating together. For the Métis feast, sourcing food locally is one of our priorities so partnering with a local bison farmer was high on our list. For Michel's storytelling, he found local authors to glean information about his culture. His mother is also a key influencer in the culinary part of the experience. She taught him to cook at a very young age, using game, local vegetables and herbs.

Q: Did you consider economic impacts for your local community in the development process?

A: As part of our storytelling, we include the history of where our feet are planted in Treaty 3 Territory, the Mennonite culture, the gems in the community and refer guests to other businesses in the area. Once the experience grows, we will look at community projects and causes that we can donate a percentage of sales toward. We shop local as much as possible, investing revenues back into our community.

Q: What did you do to prepare to launch the new or diversified offer? Promotion? Marketing? Staff Training?

A: During the pilot experience, we invited special guests to take part and offer feedback. Travel Manitoba also came on a familiarization trip to help us build collateral for marketing this year. We also worked with a graphic designer to develop marketing pieces for social media and a poster.

Q: Did you measure the success of your new product or diversified product? If so, what did you measure and how did you define success?

A: Our success completely depends upon how effective we are at letting people know about this new experience. The uptake is moderate at this point but we're ready to hit the ground running when guests book. Key metrics we are looking at besides bookings are enquiries, engagement on social media and hits on our website. We will define success by how many bookings we have each season.

Q: Does your business have accessibility, diversity/inclusion or sustainability practices or policies in place? If so, can you describe them?

A: Yes, Moon Gate and most of the experience is wheelchair accessible, excluding the snowshoeing. We are LGBTQ+2 and BIPOC friendly and welcome everyone. We have green policies in place which include no bottled water, a compost system and recycling. We are geothermally heated/cooled and have a solar supplement. When gathering wild edibles and teas we teach sustainable principles and respect for the earth, air, fire and water. We are also Clean It Right certified which offers a guest piece of mind that Moon Gate follows the highest standards.

Q: Are you Indigenous owned? If so, what recommendations do you have for other Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a new product or experience?

A: Moon Gate is 100% Indigenous owned. It’s important to consider if the experience you want to add is a fit for your brand. Think through what you are planning, check out other experiences, look at whatever you are attempting as if you're the client and ask yourself, “would this be something that I would be interested in”? When launching, try a soft launch with friends to see how it flows and flesh out the missing parts and change what doesn't work.