After infamous rebrand, REAL asks City of Regina to take over tourism duties

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) has asked the City of Regina to take tourism responsibilities off its hands following an infamous website rebrand earlier this year, a decision the city says will be discussed by council during a meeting on Nov. 8.

The controversial rebrand was met with worldwide criticism, after several slogans sexualized the city’s name, playing with the fact that it rhymes with vagina.

In a release from the City of Regina, City Manager Niki Anderson said if city council agrees with REAL’s request, administration is prepared to accept responsibility.

“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,” she said.

Wayne Morsky, chair for the REAL board of directors said the transition would be best for tourism in Regina.

Regina City Council will consider the request on Nov. 8, which was unanimously approved by the REAL board of Directors on Oct. 5.

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If the proposal is approved, the transition from REAL to the City of Regina would be complete by Dec. 31. A decision will have to be made as to whether it rolls into city hall or become its own organization.

Some councillors feel it might be the right thing to do. 

“I think it’s a sensible request on their part. I think the trickier part is where if anywhere does it go if not there,” said Dan LeBlanc. "It really flows from the whole Experience Regina fiasco. The George Cuff report after, as I read it, says one of the contributing causes of the marketing flub to put it mildly was REAL had too much in its plate and maybe one of those things was tourism.

REAL feels it needs to focus on running its operations and facilities.

“It gives us a chance to kind of refresh what we’re doing with Tourism Regina and ultimately we want to create campaigns that give civic pride,” said coun. Cheryl Stadnichuk. 

Before REAL, tourism responsibilities were handled by Economic Development Regina (EDR).