About Us & Co-ops | Travel-ING On

The Travel-ING On Tourism Cooperative was federally incorporated in the summer of 2024. Our purpose is to connect travellers and explorers with the businesses and organizations that provide them with experiences, services and to engage them in Alberta's history and community stories.

Our first marketing tool will be an award-winning, map-based travel & heritage mobile app where app users will be able to see what is around them using the near me feature, see what each region offers through community menus, or, by using the search function find specific products and services or create tours of specific things such as museums, big icons and so much more.

We are currently raising money through sponsorships (see page footer), the pre-sale of Premium Advertising Packages, and through out Project Fundraising Auctions.

While the download will be free, Lifetime Members will be eligible for specials, discounts and other offers provided exclusively to them by our business members.

Why Co-ops are Different

Co-ops are different from other business structures because their members own them. As owners, members can participate in the democratic process to guide the direction of the business, and, depending on its success, may be eligible for patronage dividends.

Why We Chose a Cooperative Business Structure

You may be familiar with retail cooperatives. UFA and Federated Co-op are two examples. Members purchase a membership and, dependent on the amount they purchase from the co-op, and its success, receive an annual patronage dividend.

The Travel-ING On Tourism Cooperative follows a similiar structure. It is a marketing co-op where members share a common goal; to provide - or receive - travel information that engages people in communties. We bring both groups together under the cooperative umbrella.

The cooperative's initial marketing tool is the Travel-ING On Mobile App. This is a re-brand of the former History Check app which was created by Sheila Willis to serve the small businesses & hertiage organizations across Albverta, particularly those in rural areas. The cooperative business structure adds an element to that initial goal by placing the ownership of the app into the hands of those it it was meant to serve.

What Does it Mean to Be an Owner?

As owners, our members will have a voice in decisions that affect the business. This includes input in future app development, marketing tactics, and financial decisions for future budgetary requirements and the distribution of any annual dividents to members.

Simply put, those in the travel & heritage industry have the opportunity to guide the future marketing and other aspects of the combined industries.

To Learn More About Cooperatives

While we were investigating the idea of forming a cooperative we found the following websites & organizations very helpful.

Cooperative's First (Lots of tutorials here!)

Alberta Community & Cooperative Association

Common Q & A

What does it cost to become a member?
There is a one-time fee of $25 to become a Lifetime Member. Advertising costs are extra.

Will I get a patronage dividend?
Partronage dividends are dependent on the success of the business and, if available, are paid to those who use the services of the coop. Members will make decisions about dividends, based on the financial statement, at the AGM.

Who can become a member?
Membership is open to any individual, business or other entity who is interested in, or is a stakeholder in, the travel and heritage industries.