Tantalizing their tastebuds on oysters, crab and salmon prepared by chef James Street, more than 400 guests now know a lot more about the Comox Valley.

But not just about our plentiful bounty of delicious seafood.

Comox Valley Ambassadors - from left Chuck Fast Comox Airport, Chantal Sharpe West Jet, Karen Bonell Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Ellie Meertins, Kathy Penner, and Roger McKinnon Old House Village Suites.

That's the word from Lara Greasley, marketing and communications manager with Invest Comox Valley, following a three-day blitz of Edmonton and its hinterland to showcase this region of 62,000 residents.

The exposure to the Comox Valley was further enhanced with WestJet launching three-times-a-week non-stop service Dec. 4 from Edmonton to the Comox Valley Airport.

"We had good exposure from the media with our WestJet coverage and that we have a strong economy with good business and tourism opportunities," she said.

"We wanted to raise the profile of direct flights (here) and we definitely accomplished that. Our delegates had positive feedback from the connections they made."

Greasley was part of a contingent of 45 stakeholders that flew with WestJet to Nisku, about 20 minutes south of the City of Champions, to promote the Valley's tourism and business potential to Edmonton businesses as well as economic development groups.

With a previous blitz five years ago featuring WestJet and Calgary, Greasley said participants already knew Alberta had a thriving economy, including business and real estate.

The Valley's shellfish growers had an opportunity to promote their products, appearing live on Edmonton City-TV's breakfast television.

Cowtown's influence on this region has been noticeable, said Greasley. More than 600,000 people have flown in from Alberta via the home of the Calgary Stampede, many purchasing second homes in the area. Moreover, retail sales jumped 21 per cent thanks to the added Alberta traffic.

If the Edmonton and area business and tourism community did not know about Comox Valley, they do now, acknowledged Greasley.

To open the road trip to Edmonton, Greasley said three economic development officers gave a regional overview of their areas to the stakeholders.

"They learned Edmonton is booming … Edmonton is no longer the poor cousin to Calgary."

With each stakeholder setting up a trade booth to promote goods and services, there was plenty of networking. Mount Washington Alpine Resort promoted its skiing potential, while Crown Isle did the same with its golfing experience.

A local realtor even managed to sell a property there, said Greasley, while Re/Max's Dave Procter rented a limousine and visited Edmonton and area Re/Max realtors and brought them to the Comox Valley reception featuring 225 kilograms of shellfish and fresh salmon flown in for the occasion to the Executive Royal Inn.

"For the reception, we wanted to go big, or go home," noted Greasley. "Our room for the reception reflected our economy.

"We had about a pound of seafood per person that James and his assistant Jenna prepared. We wanted this event to be memorable and it was.

"Those people who have been on other blitzes before said that this has been the best blitz," added Greasley.

She also pointed out buying a home here is not out of the question, despite real estate prices jumping 77 per cent since 2001. It's still cheaper here than Vancouver or Victoria and about on par with Edmonton.

Tourism promoted by blitz

At the Seafood Extravaganza & Trade Show Bob Cameron of Edmonton (middle) was the lucky winner of a deluxe travel package in the Comox Valley, including return airfare with WestJet. Presenting the prize is Dale Tinevez West Jet Vice-President of Airports and Meaghan Cursons Manager of Comox Valley Tourism

Residents of the City of Champions could soon be calling the Comox Valley their playground if relationships forged during a three-day Edmonton blitz come to fruition.

"It's a no-brainer," enthused Meaghan Cursons, manager with Comox Valley Tourism. "We'd like to tap that market … once you draw people here, then other things unfold."

Cursons learned a lot about Alberta's capital during a trip east, spending time with Edmonton Tourism personnel. Edmonton is known for its championship teams, but also can brag it is home to many arts and cultural festivals.

With WestJet flying directly to the Comox Valley on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, there's a new market for tourism to be exploited by both communities, she said.

Rather than take the 12-hour drive - not including a 90-minute ferry ride - it's a quick flight of fewer than 90 minutes between Alberta and the Comox Valley.

"From alpine to ocean it creates a contrast to Alberta," said Cursons. "We can provide a winter solace for (Edmontonians). This is an advantage for us and our airport, which we are working closely with. We're promoting as much tourism (as possible) in both directions."

Cursons said her counterparts from Edmonton and its hinterland are allies in promoting what each has to offer for tourists interested in travelling in either direction.