|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Winter surfing at North Beach in Naikoon Provincial Park | Northern BC Tourism/Marcus Paladino
|
|
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Update
|
|
|
We are working closely with Provincial and Federal agencies, Destination Canada and industry partners to actively monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, and the impact on travellers and our industry. Please refer to our website, which is being continually updated as new information becomes available.
|
|
Valley of Fort St.John along the Alaska Highway | Destination BC/Andrew Strain
|
|
Rural Communities to Benefit From Tourism Investments
|
|
On February 5, 2020, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture announced $1 million in funding to help rural communities affected by mill closures develop tourism opportunities. Provided through Destination BC, the five regional destination marketing organizations (RDMOs) will each receive $200,000 to support strategic planning and destination development in affected communities. The RDMOs will work with the communities and government to determine what tourism investments will have the greatest impact.
|
|
|
|
|
View the complete accessibility legislation consultation summary report online.
|
|
|
Strong Support for Accessibility Legislation
|
|
The results of the public consultation on accessibility show strong support for government to develop legislation to make BC more inclusive and accessible. The feedback will help inform the development of new accessibility legislation, which will complement the federal Accessible Canada Act. Destination BC actively supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services and activities—here's how.
|
|
|
|
|
Accessible kayaking | Power To Be
|
|
Update Your HelloBC.com Listing with Accessibility Attributes
|
|
You can now update your business listing on HelloBC.com by selecting attributes from four accessibility categories—mobility, visual requirements, deaf and hard of hearing requirements, and general. Check off those that are applicable to your business to ensure BC visitors can identify inclusive venues and experiences. Thank you for supporting our journey towards building a truly accessible BC.
|
|
|
|
|
2019-20 British Columbia Effect Campaign
|
|
The BC Effect Partnerships
|
|
Destination BC’s Global Brand campaign, The British Columbia Effect, inspires global travellers by highlighting the wellbeing and transformation found by spending time in BC’s vast nature. Launched in our key international markets, marketing activities include content partnerships with outlets such as USA Today, where readers are encouraged to break away from everyday demands and "experience a new level of calm—naturally".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coffee break in Empire Coffee in Nelson, BC | Destination BC/Kari Medig
|
|
New Tools Added to the Learning Centre
|
| Destination BC's Learning Centre is celebrating one year since its launch and some fantastic results to date! Explore the newest tools to be added: Influencer Marketing 101 and Digital Teams, Who Does What, and carve out some time to dive deep into this extensive online resource. With eight distinct areas focused on helping you grow your skills and tourism business, you are sure to leave feeling inspired having learned something new! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Sea to Sky Gondola opened on February 14, 2020 | Destination BC/ Clare Mason
|
|
Welcome Back, Sea to Sky Gondola!
|
|
Congratulations to the entire Sea to Sky Gondola team on a fantastic opening day. The sun and the community, including Minister Beare and local tourism partners, came out to show their support. We are delighted to see the gondola back up and running, connecting people to the nature and beauty of Squamish.
|
|
|
|
|
The industry resource for Indigenous Tourism in BC.
|
|
ITBC Launches Corporate Website
|
|
Indigenous Tourism BC's (ITBC) new website is a great resource for Indigenous businesses, communities, entrepreneurs, and those supporting the Indigenous tourism industry. Find information on experience development, training, funding access, marketing programs, partnerships, current industry research, and more—expertly designed to help grow and promote a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry in BC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dawson Creek Airport at sunset | Rodney Booth
|
|
Increased Air Capacity to Northern BC
|
|
WestJet has announced daily flights from Calgary to Dawson Creek starting in April—excellent news for the North! The new non-stop daily service between Dawson Creek and Calgary will begin on April 26, 2020, better connecting Dawson Creek and surrounding areas to the world. Convenient year-round travel routes like this are critical to enhancing tourism opportunities in the region.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-stop flights Vancouver to Istanbul will begin this year.
|
|
New Route: Vancouver to Istanbul
|
|
Congratulations Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on your new airline partner and route to the historic destination of Istanbul. Turkish Airlines will begin the direct service from Istanbul Airport (IST) to YVR on June 9, 2020, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, offering a great new connection to our province!
|
|
|
|
|
Surfing in Tofino and skiing at Mount Washington.
|
|
Winter Group Press Trips in Full Swing
|
|
Our winter group press trip series is well underway, bringing together top-tier media from our key markets to #exploreBC and research stories. From a "Ski to Surf" trip on Vancouver Island to a "Push Yourself on the Powder Highway" trip at Revelstoke Mountain Resort and RED Mountain Resort, our team has been working hard to spread awareness of BC as a must-visit-now destination.
|
|
|
|
|
Helloworld TV Australia team | Tom Ryan
|
|
|
Helloworld TV Australia filmed in Vancouver and Whistler in late January focusing on non-ski experiences for their new TV show, to air in the next few months to coincide with the launch of their new Winter in Canada brochure. Stay tuned to hear when the show airs!
|
|
|
|
|
Aerial shot of Salt Spring Island.
|
|
BC in Wanderlust Magazine
|
|
Following a visit to the Gulf Islands in April 2019, UK journalist Anthony Lambert produced a 12-page feature in Wanderlust Magazine, one of the UK’s top travel magazines that focuses on authentic experiences in lesser-known destinations. His beautiful feature shares the best adventures and activities on each island, as well as tips on where to stay, eat, explore, and how to get around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019: Another Banner Year for BC Tourism
|
|
We're celebrating another record-breaking year for International Visitor Arrivals to BC! Full year arrivals to the province are up 2.6%, led by India (up 32.7%), and Mexico (up 9.5%), with total overnight arrivals from Europe up 3.6% in 2019, compared to 2018. In December 2019, International Visitor Arrivals were up 2.1% compared to December 2018.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Community of Accessible Employers.
|
|
How to Become an Accessible Employer
|
|
Formed in 2013, the Presidents Group is a network of 25 change-driven BC business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. Their website is a great resource for businesses looking to create accessible and inclusive employment opportunities. Join the community of accessible employers today and get started on your journey to building a better workplace for all.
|
|
|
|
|
Krista Bax will officially start as CEO on April 1, 2020.
|
|
|
go2HR—BC's tourism human resource association—has announced the appointment of Krista Bax to the role of CEO. Krista is poised to lead go2HR on an exciting new path forward after the organization underwent significant changes last year. Krista will make her first appearance at the BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria. She will officially start on April 1, 2020, taking over from Arlene Keis, who has been at the helm for more than 17 years.
|
|
|
|
|
Find a community forum near you.
|
|
Support Indigenous Participation in BC's Tourism Industry
|
|
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training are gathering feedback to address the employment needs and challenges within the Indigenous tourism industry. Join one of the four remaining community regional forums taking place in BC to share knowledge and expertise to help develop the Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Strategy.
|
|
|
|
|
Share your thoughts by March 20, 2020.
|
|
Engage in BC's Coastal Ferry Consultation
|
|
The Province is launching the next phase in its process to develop a vision for British Columbia’s coastal ferry services, and is inviting British Columbians to share their views. We encourage all tourism partners to engage in the short survey before March 20, 2020. Information gathered will be used to develop a provincial vision to guide the evolution of BC’s coastal ferry service.
|
|
|
|
|
The Kelowna Visitor Centre can accommodate travellers with mobility needs.
|
|
TOTA Mobility Access Guide 2020
|
|
This year, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association will be creating its first Mobility Access Guide to provide information on accessible venues and events. Tourism businesses in the region are encouraged to get involved so that individuals who have mobility access needs can identify accommodating places and plan their trips to the Thompson Okanagan with confidence.
|
|
|
|
|
Learn more about BC's Interim Business Property Tax Relief program.
|
|
Tax Relief Available for Small Businesses
|
|
A new Interim Business Property Tax Relief program will allow local governments to provide immediate property tax relief for the 2020 tax year. This relief will apply to small businesses and non-profits, as well as arts and culture organizations, that are struggling with high lease costs as a result of years of rapidly increasing property values.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BC's Tourism Industry Conference, March 4-6
|
|
Register today to learn from inspiring industry experts during this three-day conference, exploring key issues, challenges, and best practices in BC tourism.
|
|
|
The BC Hospitality Summit, April 6-7
|
|
Secure early bird prices for BC’s largest annual gathering of hospitality businesses when you buy your tickets before March 1, and join us in Kelowna in April.
|
|
|
Cruise360 Conference, May 12-18
|
|
Delegates and exhibitors are encouraged to register for Cruise360, which is back in Vancouver in May. The largest and only official conference of the cruise industry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
