Investor Profile: Rob Thorburn
In 2004, one of Ontario's oldest tourist attractions was named Canada's New Business of the Year. At that year’s National Awards for Tourism Excellence, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures' owner Rob Thorburn was acclaimed as an entrepreneur whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created a successful business in the tourism sector.Rob says his story is fairly typical – investment executive wants lifestyle change, finds struggling business in sector he loves, rebuilds business, and keeps dreaming.
“I believe this region is on its way to being one of the world’s leading destinations,” he said. “So I’ve been dreaming, and working, for the past 14 years to build up a solid business to be ready.”
Visitors have been coming to the Scenic Caves for decades, but today’s attraction bears little resemblance to the product of yesterday. In the last three years, Thorburn has made a significant investment in new attractions, and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is now a four-season adventure destination. There’s the new Nordic Centre, Ontario's largest suspension bridge, and an EcoAdventure Tour complete with a canopy walk and zip lines high atop the Niagara Escarpment.
“I love working with others to build this region and its capacity for tourism opportunities,” he said. “We take the same approach to our business, making sure that the caves are in and of themselves a cluster of tourism importance.”
Mr. Thorburn says the region is the perfect location for new investments.
“Georgian Bay has tremendously talented people available in marketing, financial management, and administration. There are people here who can help you grow your business and make it stronger,” said the 67-year-old self-proclaimed “chief dreamer".
“Georgian Bay is to be an icon for the world, on par with Tuscany, the Loire Valley, and other destinations. We’re on our way.”
For more information on tourism investment opportunities throughout Ontario, please visit: www.investinontario.com/tourism/regionalinvest.asp.