About Cochrane Tourism

Cochrane Tourism Association (CTA) is the Destination Management Organization (DMO) for Cochrane Alberta and surrounding areas.  In partnership with the town of Cochrane, CTA is the lead organization that implements the joint Tourism Strategy.   At arm’s length from the municipality, we operate through a Partnership Program focused on promoting the places, services, products, and attractions in Cochrane, the Bow Valley, and along the Cowboy Trail.  

The work by CTA over the past 5 years on the tourism strategy has garnered interest from Travel Alberta as an emerging destination.  The area Cochrane – Sundre – Rocky Mountain House is one of the next Tourism Development Zones in the province. CTA is the lead organization working with the province on a Regional Destination Development Plan and feasibility studies to fund major projects within the zone. This will bring tourism sector development to the region growing and strengthening the visitor economy.

Our Vision

Inspire the world to visit Cochrane by providing Must-see and Must-Experience tourism products, and marketing them creatively and effectively, while highlighting Cochrane’s distinct character.

Our Mission

Increase the economic impact of tourism in Cochrane by supporting the creation of tourism products, fostering productive business relationships and creating effective, consistent marketing.

Media

Below are our latest media documents.

In The News

Featured local articles about the Cochrane Tourism Association

Cochrane Tourism promotes six ways to reduce stress

Cochrane Eagle – Howard May – Jun 11, 2023 4:00 PM Cochrane Tourism executive director Jo-Anne Oucharek said getting west-bound travellers to stop inCochrane was one of the main goals…

Future looks bright for tourism sector in Cochrane

Cochrane Now – Written by Noel Edey Monday, Apr 24, 2023, 12:10 PM It’s National Tourism Week and the local tourism sector is excited about what the future holds for the Cochrane…

Cochrane Tourism provides update to Town Council

Howard May – Cochrane Eagle – May 19, 2022, 1:00 PM The Cochrane Tourism Association (CTA) appeared before Cochrane Town council last week to bring them up to date on…

Cochrane Tourism offers new experiences to revive business

Travel and Tour World – Wednesday, June 9, 2021  An interpretive rafting trip down the Bow is one of seven new experiences offered in Cochrane this season following the swift…

Our Team

The Cochrane Tourism Association works hard to ensure we support local! We have a fantastic team of talented individuals right here in our own backyard who help bring our vision to life each and every day!

Take a moment to get acquainted with the hard-working people who embody the feeling of living in our amazing community!

Jo-Anne Oucharek

Executive Director

Cochrane Tourism Association

Jo-Anne Oucharek

Jo-Anne Oucharek, Executive Director for Cochrane Tourism, loves to share her backyard!  With 25 years of experience in business development and strategic planning, Oucharek has a passion for helping small business owners find their niche!

Tourism is just like a business and Oucharek is busy working on developing the Cochrane Experience to showcase all the amazing events, tourism businesses, and organizations in and around town.

When she is not promoting Cochrane, you will find her capturing nature in our backyard as an avid bird and wildlife photographer. natureinmybackyard.ca

Callandra Caufield

Program Development Facilitator

Cochrane Tourism Association

Callandra Caufield

Callandra has over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry and holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson River University. She will begin working on a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Sustainable and Community-Centred Tourism – in the fall of 2023 at Royal Roads University.

In her early career, Callandra worked in the Destination Management industry and owned a boutique event planning firm in the Canadian Rockies.  In 2016 she accepted the role of Operations Manager at award-winning tourism operator Alberta Food Tours Inc., where she helped expand the company province-wide, developed innovative food tourism products, and managed company-wide logistics. She joined the Cochrane Tourism team in 2022.

Callandra lives in Cochrane with her husband and two teenage children. She is an avid responsible traveler, cook, gardener, and eater, and in her free time, she teaches people how to grow their own food in an urban environment.

Jacquie Matechuk

Photographer Extraordinaire

Jacquie Matechuk Photography

Jacquie Matechuk

While it’s often said a picture’s worth a thousand words, this is the standard by which our professional photographer,  Jacquie Matechuk holds herself accountable.

Her goal is to create story-telling imagery that is both impactful and alluring; the perfect match for our gifted storytellers. Whether it’s shooting 8 seconds of crazy on a 2000lb bull or the sumptuous presentation of a world-class meal at one of our local restaurants. Her skills behind the lens have earned her six national accreditations and a Top 10 breakthrough in the 2021 World Photographic Cup, but Jacquie values commitment to her community above all.

She continues to work at promoting her fellow Cochranites and their businesses by capturing the feeling of what it is to live, work, and play in this amazing town.

Kailey Leonzio

Social Media Guru

Quirk Social

Kailey Mitchell

Kailey is a born and raised Cochranite, now raising her two beautiful girls in her hometown. Over the past decade, Kailey has worked alongside numerous Cochrane organizations through Social Media and event Management, including Cochrane & Area Events Society and Cochrane & Area Humane Society.

Joining the CTA team in 2018 was a no-brainer for Kailey! She has been working with us to increase our brand awareness through our social channels, while also showcasing our partners and our beautiful town.

Most recently, Kailey has opened The Social Spot. A space for markers, creators, and entrepreneurs to showcase their products through pop-ups, workshops, and other events. A spot where community organizations and small businesses can come together to create something incredible. The Social Spot provides opportunities for the people of Cochrane to come together to support their neighbours, friends, and colleagues.

Cochrane, Alberta is Kailey’s home and her passion. From friendly smiles to Rocky Mountain views, there is just something about this valley town that makes her heart proud and she is so happy to call this beautiful area home.

Chris Konanz

Video, Graphics & Web Guy

Blue Pixel Media

Chris Konanz

Chris from Blue Pixel Media is our trusted website builder! He has also created a number of our graphics and logos.

A skilled Graphic Artist, web developer, videographer, RPA pilot, and photographer who loves producing incredible results for his clients. He is currently providing services to local and national groups, helping them create a more dynamic digital presence.

Chris is also a GoDaddy Pro Plus Connect certified member as well as a Google Street View Trusted Photographer Certified member.

Our Board of Directors

And here is the team of amazing folks that help us to keep bringing wonderful tourism experiences to our community.

Tiffany Banman

President

Chris Heier

Vice President

Julia Lutchman

Secretary

Jody Donolly-Chimuk

Treasurer

Valerie McCracken

Director

Janet Robinson

Director

Chris Hartman

Director

Jennifer Wanner

Director

Dylan Bakker

Director