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Destination BC Directions: August 26, 2021
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Chasing sunset at the historic Cassiar Cannery in Port Edward (Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson).
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Richard previously served as Destination BC’s Acting President and CEO, and Vice President of Corporate Development.
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Richard Porges Appointed President & CEO of Destination BC
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On behalf of Destination BC’s Board of Directors, and the entire team, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Richard Porges as the organization’s permanent President and CEO. Through an extensive global search, the Board sought a candidate with leadership, government and tourism sector relationships, and strategic skills to support BC’s tourism industry through some of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced. Hundreds of potential candidates from all corners of the globe were reviewed, and Richard emerged as the best fit for the job. Please join us in congratulating Richard on his well-deserved new role!
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Industry Messaging Guidance for US Visitors – UPDATE
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Destination BC has updated our “Industry Messaging Guidance for US Visitors” document with new resources from the Public Health Agency of Canada. There’s also key messaging, information on entry requirements – including the need for a negative molecular test – and a comprehensive FAQ. The guide will be further updated once provincial vaccine passport details become available. Please check back for new information.
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Destination BC has launched it first cross-border marketing campaign in 17 months.
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Destination BC Launches First US Marketing Campaign since March 2020
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This week, Destination BC will be re-entering the US market, following a long 17-month hiatus in alignment with the closure of the Canada-US border for non-essential travel that began in March 2020. Between now and November 12, Washington residents will be encouraged to escape to another world beyond their borders and backyard to discover new sights, sounds, and tastes close to home, but far from what they know.
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You’ll leave the Tourism Digital Academy with the confidence and knowledge to put your digital marketing plan into action.
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Sign Up Today for Destination BC’s Tourism Digital Academy Program
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The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level. Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that includes building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
Applications for the next two intakes (October 4 and October 11) are now open! Space is limited and past intakes filled up quickly. Don’t miss this free opportunity to take your marketing skills to the next level!
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Guidance for BC’s Tourism Industry on the Provincial State of Emergency
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In response to BC’s provincial state of emergency regarding wildfires, Destination BC has prepared Emergency Messaging Guidance to help the tourism industry navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions.
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Invest in Iconics – Elevating BC's Epic Journeys
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There are many destination experiences around the world described as “epic journeys” or “must-see” adventures, such as Australia’s Great Ocean Road, Norway’s fjords, Iceland’s glaciers, and Patagonia’s dramatic mountain peaks. BC has all this and more, and we want our province included in these “epic journeys' lists. Getting there is the essence of the Invest in Iconics Strategy.
Together with ITBC, industry partners, stakeholders and residents across the province, we want to create iconic brands, and then market these unique routes and places so they stand out amongst the many 'bucket-list' destinations considered by travellers.
To learn more about the Invest in Iconics Strategy, visit DestinationBC.ca/Iconics, or contact us at [email protected].
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Report Insight: 45% of Residents are Planning an Overnight Trip in BC in the Next Four Weeks
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This week’s BC Residents' Public Perceptions report shows that 45% of BC residents intend to travel to other parts of the province for an overnight trip in the next four weeks – up +3 points from two weeks prior.
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This report is released approximately every two weeks to track opinions and intentions, and watch how results trend over time.
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This report summarize the various research findings from Destination BC, suppliers, other tourism agencies and associations.
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BC Occupancy Rate Increases 71.6% Compared to 2020
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Good news from this week's COVID-19 Research Roundup report: BC’s occupancy rate has increased 21.8 points (71.6%) compared to the same period in 2020.
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Destination BC is now summarizing weekly travel in BC in a one-page snapshot. Key insights include visitation to BC, accommodation performance, air performance, and BC residents’ readiness to travel and welcome visitors to their community.
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Snapshot of BC Travel is a weekly publication that provides an at-a-glance overview of tourism industry performance for BC.
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CO-OPERATIVE MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
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“Space for You in the Similkameen” targets visitors from the Lower Mainland and close in-markets of the Okanagan corridor (Destination BC/Hubert Kang).
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“Space for You in the Similkameen” Campaign Promotes BC's Similkameen Route
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The Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS) represents municipal and regional governments, including the Town of Princeton, the Village of Keremeos, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District areas B, G and H. These partners collaborate through the Co-op Marketing Program to promote the area as a four-season destination for empty-nester couples and families seeking wide open spaces in rural BC. The “Space for You in the Similkameen” campaign targets visitors from the Lower Mainland and close in-markets of the Okanagan corridor, and highlights the Similkameen Route as an alternative to Highways 1 and 5.
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Proof of vaccination will be required to enter indoor ticketed sporting events, restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and other indoor organized events.
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BC Launches Proof of Vaccination to Curb the Spread of COVID-19
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Starting September 13, proof of vaccination will be required in BC for people attending certain social and recreational events. Individuals will need to show proof of one dose to enter these settings. By October 24, people will need to show proof of full vaccination with both doses.
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Masks Now Mandatory in Indoor Public Spaces
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The provincial health officer has introduced an order mandating masks in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. The order is intended to slow transmission of COVID-19 in BC in advance of the fall and respiratory illness season.
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The temporary order will be reassessed as the BC vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain social and recreational settings.
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Our Learning Centre provides access to resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
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Destination BC’s Content Marketing Learning Series – Email Marketing Best Practices
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Email marketing is proven to be one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to turn prospects into new bookings. In this week’s Learning Centre spotlight, we explore simple actions and best practices to excel at email marketing.
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Prepare to become a pro at email marketing (Unsplash/Maxim Ilyahov).
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Destination BC’s Maya Lange, Board Member Randy Wright, Other Tourism Industry Members Recognized in Business in Vancouver’s BC 500
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Maya Lange, Destination BC’s Vice President of Global Marketing; Randy Wright, member of Destination BC’s Board of Directors and President of Harbour Air Group; and several other tourism industry members were named among the 500 most influential business leaders in BC in Business in Vancouver’s BC 500. These individuals are visionaries, innova tors and trailblazers who are recognized for having a notable impact on BC’s communities, industries and economy.
Industry partners who made the list include:
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Paula Amos - Indigenous Tourism BC
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Bridgitte Anderson- Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
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Peter Armstrong - Armstrong Group
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Ken Beattie - BC Craft Brewers Guild
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Geoff Buchheister - Whistler Blackcomb
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Ken Cretney - BC Pavilion Corp.
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Greg D'Avignon - Business Council of British Columbia
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Ingrid Jarrett - BC Hotel Association
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Walt Judas - TIABC
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Maya Lange - Destination BC
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Robyn McVicker - Vancouver Airport Authority
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Sandra Oldfield - #BCWineChat
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Miles Prodan - Wine Growers of BC
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Ian Tostenson - BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
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Randy Wright - Harbour Air Group, Destination BC’s Board of Directors
Congratulations to all the industry members recognized in this prestigious list!
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SKY Helicopters Supports Local Wildfire Crews
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SKY Helicopters, a Vancouver-based tour operator, has pivoted to support the BC Wildfire Service with pilots and helicopters on standby and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. The company is a member of the Westlund Group, which is also donating to the Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Fires Appeal Fund. All eligible donations to the fund will be matched by the provincial government until December 31.
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SKY Helicopters aircraft and crews have been assisting the BC Wildfire Service since July.
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The Canadian Tourism Awards will take place December 1 at The Westin Ottawa, and will also be broadcast online.
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Nominations are Open for TIAC’s Canadian Tourism Awards
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Presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the Canadian Tourism Awards recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and reward people, places, organizations and events that provide travellers with above-and-beyond experiences. This year, any tourism-related product or service that occurred between June 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021 is eligible. Submit your nomination by September 7.
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Keith Henry, ITAC President and CEO, is a Finalist in Newsweek’s Future of Travel Awards
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Keith Henry, president and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), has been named a finalist in the Visionaries category of Newsweek’s Future of Travel Awards. Finalists include travel leaders who have created new initiatives, or adapted previous ones, to better align the travel industry and move the dial on responsible and sustainable tourism.
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Newsweek's Future of Travel Awards highlights people who are creating a travel industry that's more adaptable, sustainable, responsible, innovative and inclusive.
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While Canada is moving forward with these measures, US border restrictions remain in place for non-essential travel at this time.
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Canadian Marine Border Reopens to Commercial Ferry Operators
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The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced resumption of service at small marine reporting sites, airports of entry and ferry terminals over the following days and weeks. Fully vaccinated travellers must submit their mandatory information, including digital proof of vaccination, using ArriveCAN (app or online) within 72 hours of arriving at the border, or when entering Canada by marine mode.
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Upcoming Webinars from Small Business BC
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Small Business BC provides practical business webinars and online education to develop business skills and strategy.
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Destination BC has partnered with Small Business BC to offer free access for tourism business stakeholders across the province to online education supporting COVID-19 recovery. Upcoming webinars include 'Workplace Accessibility Grant Info Session' (September 9) and 'Get Started with Email Marketing' (September 21). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Disability Alliance BC Issues Call for Proposals for Projects Promoting Greater Accessibility & Inclusivity
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Disability Alliance BC has issued a Call for Proposals for projects promoting greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC. Projects must focus on accessible employment; emergency planning and response; arts, culture and tourism; sports and recreation; education and learning; or community participation. Proposals are due by October 2.
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Funding between $10,000 and $40,000 per project will be disbursed to a maximum of $450,000 (Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck).
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Appointment to the BCHA Board is an opportunity to support industry through the next chapter of recovery (Fairmont Empress).
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BC Hotel Association Issues Call for Nominations for Board of Directors
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The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) is seeking leaders with a commitment to the accommodation community to sit on its Board of Directors. Board members are champions of the industry who assume a critical leadership role, develop strategies, and make impactful decisions that support the future of tourism and its ongoing success. Nominations are due by August 30.
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Funding Available for Business Strategy or Research Projects
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Have a business strategy or research project in mind? Mitacs connects student interns with organizations to provide expertise on everything from operations to finance, marketing and intellectual property. Learn how you can access funds from Mitacs to support your project (to a maximum of $7,500) at a free webinar co-hosted by Mitacs and Talent MATCH on September 22 at 1pm (PST).
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Mitacs interns provide expertise to help businesses develop and implement innovation.
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Under the mandatory vaccination policy, testing will not be offered as an alternative.
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Air Canada Introduces Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Employees and New Hires
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Air Canada has introduced a new health and safety policy to protect employees and customers from COVID-19. The airline is making it mandatory for all employees to be fully vaccinated, and to report their vaccination status starting October 30. And, new hires must show proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.
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Destination BC COVID-19 Communications
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Here's how to stay connected on the latest from Destination BC:
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If you have questions that can't be answered through the various resources on our website and official channels, please send them to [email protected] and we will work to address them.
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