Building Stronger Visitor Services: Highlights from Spring 2026 Regional Sessions

This spring, Destination BC successfully concluded a series of in-person regional sessions across the Visitor Services Network, bringing together visitor centre teams, partners, and industry representatives from across British Columbia.

Held between mid-April and late May 2026, the sessions took place in Prince George (April 14–15), Salmon Arm (April 22–23), Nanaimo (April 28–29), Rossland (May 6–8), and Langley (May 20–21). Over the course of five meetings in six weeks, the sessions welcomed visitor centre managers and supervisors, sponsor organizations, and regional destination management organizations (RDMOs).

These gatherings created valuable opportunities for participants to connect, share knowledge, and explore solutions to common challenges—reinforcing the strength and importance of BC’s visitor services network.

A Focus on Connection and Collaboration

A central theme across all sessions was collaboration. Participants emphasized the value of coming together to build relationships, share experiences, and foster a stronger sense of community within the network.

The sessions reinforced that while visitor centres operate within individual communities, they collectively contribute to a seamless visitor experience across the province. By working together and exchanging ideas, participants demonstrated how collaboration supports consistent, high-quality service for travellers.

Discussions also highlighted the continued importance of the human touch in visitor services. Participants noted that in-person interactions at visitor centres remain a critical part of the visitor experience—providing personalized support that cannot be replicated, even as digital trip planning tools continue to evolve.

Addressing Common Challenges and Opportunities

Across all regions, participants identified several shared challenges, including staffing constraints, onboarding seasonal teams within limited timeframes, and budget pressures.

At the same time, the sessions revealed clear opportunities for growth. There was strong interest in expanding access to training, sharing best practices, and improving resource availability across the network. Participants also identified opportunities to strengthen knowledge-sharing across communities and increase involvement in destination brands and iconic routes.

These discussions reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing to support visitor centres in adapting to evolving operational needs.

Sharing Best Practices and Driving Innovation

The sessions themselves demonstrated collaboration in action. Through open discussion and peer-to-peer learning, participants exchanged practical strategies to improve operations—particularly in areas such as staff training, onboarding processes, and recruitment approaches.

By sharing real-world experiences and solutions, attendees gained insights that can be immediately applied within their own organizations, helping to strengthen service delivery across the network.

Strengthening the Network Through In-Person Engagement

Participants consistently highlighted the value of in-person gatherings, noting that these sessions foster stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and more meaningful collaboration than virtual interactions alone.

Many participants left the sessions feeling supported, energized, and more connected to neighbouring communities and visitor centres within their region. Increased awareness of available resources and practical tools was another key outcome, equipping participants with new ideas to enhance daily operations and improve the visitor experience.

Building a Stronger Future for Visitor Services in BC

Insights gathered throughout the sessions will help inform ongoing work to strengthen BC’s Visitor Services Network.

By sharing best practices and improving access to training and resources, the network is better positioned to deliver consistent, high-quality service across the province.

Overall feedback was highly positive, with participants feeling heard, valued, and interested in continued opportunities for practical, hands-on learning.

Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s regional sessions demonstrates the critical role of connection and collaboration in supporting visitor services across BC.

By bringing together professionals from across the province, these sessions not only strengthened relationships within the network but also reinforced a shared commitment to delivering exceptional visitor experiences—ensuring travellers feel welcomed, supported, and inspired wherever their journey takes them.