Metro Vancouver Destination Management Council Update

Major Events Subcommittee – July 2025 Update

In July 2025, members of the Metro Vancouver Destination Management Council’s (MVDMC) Major Events Subcommittee gathered to shape a new industry initiative: Sport Event Exchange BC (SEE BC). 

SEE BC will bring together provincial sport organizations, event rights holders, municipalities, and destination management organizations to strengthen BC’s sport hosting ecosystem on November 21 in Richmond. The forum will focus on connection, shared learning, and speed-networking to spark new partnerships and province-wide collaboration.

This work builds on the subcommittee’s ongoing efforts to grow Metro Vancouver’s Major Events sector—an important part of the area’s Destination Development Strategy. Major sporting events not only attract out-of-province visitors and international media, but also help set Metro Vancouver apart from competing destinations.

To better understand the visitor experience, subcommittee members regularly meet in person to tour world-class venues and attend live events—like the high-energy Rugby SVNS at BC Place or the inaugural season of Vancouver RISE FC at Swangard Stadium.

Hotel Working Group Update – June 2025

For a global destination like Vancouver, a lack of hotel capacity could cost billions in lost economic impact, according to a new study. To stay competitive, the Metro Vancouver Destination Development Strategy prioritizes attracting new accommodation investment. The Destination Management Council’s Hotel Working Group unites destination marketing, planning, and economic development experts to address this challenge together. 

Destination Vancouver’s economic analysis of hotel supply revealed that an additional 20,000 hotel rooms are needed by 2050 across the city and Metro Vancouver to meet projected demand. In April 2025, the Hotel Community Impact Assessment was introduced to spur new hotel development. It highlights the need for a diverse range of accommodation with a mix of price points to fit into different neighbourhoods. Hotels bring significant community benefits beyond tourism. They create jobs, support small businesses, host events, and help enliven neighbourhoods. The report’s recommendations will guide tourism partners in developing hotel policies and incentives that attract new investment while benefiting local communities.

Metro Vancouver Destination Management Council – May 2025 Meeting Update

In May 2025, the Metro Vancouver Destination Management Council (MVDMC) hosted a strategic workshop bringing together leaders in economic development, destination management, and city planning. The session focused on three key priorities from the region’s Destination Development Strategy:

• Activate the Waterways – unlocking the potential of Metro Vancouver’s coastal connections and marine assets
• Create Room to Breathe – enhancing the region’s appeal as a nature and wellness destination
• Tourism Matters – advocating for tourism’s value and securing the support needed for long-term success

Since 2021, a diverse group of tourism partners has worked together to implement the Metro Vancouver Destination Development Strategy. Recent efforts have focused on attracting new accommodation investment, growing the Major Events sector, and encouraging innovative experience development.