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Destination BC Directions: September 23, 2021
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Saying sayonara to summer at Goose Spit (Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck).
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REMINDER: Destination BC is Seeking Applicants for the Tourism Marketing Committee
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Destination BC is seeking five representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC), who will serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2022. The TMC requires one representative from each of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast; Kootenay Rockies; Northern BC; Thompson Okanagan; and Vancouver Island. Interested applications should have experience marketing on a global, national and/or provincial scale, and show a thorough understanding of tourism issues, sectors and opportunities. Submit your application form by October 6.
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Remember, applications close October 6.
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Refer to this guide until further notice.
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UPDATE: Industry Messaging Guide for Proof of Vaccination
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We have updated our industry messaging guide centred on the proof of vaccination requirements that came into effect September 13, 2021. The guide includes key messaging, important information, resources and FAQs for BC’s tourism industry.
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Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Earns UNESCO Biosphere Designation
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Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, an area renowned for its rich Indigenous culture, biodiversity and distinct geography, has become Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region. Located on the territories of the Coast Salish people, the region covers a 218,723-hectare swath of land and sea encompassing the entire Howe Sound watershed. Its zoning boundaries begin near Point Atkinson (Sḵ’íw̓itsut) in West Vancouver, running north to Black Tusk (T’eḵt’aḵmúy̓in tl’a In7iny̓áx̱a7en) near Whistler, and as far west as Gower Point on the Sunshine Coast. The core protected area traverses five BC Provincial Parks, one BC Provincial Conservancy, and several marine refuges.
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The region is dotted by iconic landmarks like Mt. Garibaldi, or Nch’ḵay̓ (Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society).
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Let’s celebrate the fall by exploring BC’s seasonal bounty (Destination BC/Kari Medig)!
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REMINDER: Call for Content
BC’s Bounty: A Celebration of Food and Drink Inspired by the Fall Season
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It’s the season of pies and preserves, creamy ales, and smooth red wines. It’s the season where we slow down to savour the flavours in special places. We want to encourage residents to continue supporting local by showing them unique ways in which communities across the province mark the fall season, in an effort to encourage shoulder season travel and bookings for locals and visitors alike.
We have started promoting this theme more heavily, and with fall officially underway we’re asking our industry partners to submit their fall food- and drink-related content as soon as possible – ideally, by September 30.
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Power Up! offers free access to services that can improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology.
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Destination BC Launches Power Up! Program
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Destination BC has launched Power Up!, an application-based digital mentoring program that provides 75 small- and medium-sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors and non-profits with free access to digital audit and technical services designed to improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology. Businesses can choose from a list of service areas – from digital strategy to SEO, to email marketing and all things social media – with service costs covered up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant.
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Introducing the Sea to Sky 'Spark' Program
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Destination BC, Tourism Squamish, and the Tourism Innovation Lab – in collaboration with several local partners – are seeking passionate, creative people with a new tourism idea in the Sea to Sky. The Sea to Sky “Spark” program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor, and provides a $3,000 seed grant to help develop new ideas.
Entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits based in the area are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session:
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Are you located in the Sea to Sky region and have an innovative tourism idea? We want to hear from you!
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The winners were selected by a judging panel of partner representatives and a tourism entrepreneur from outside the West Kootenay area.
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Destination BC Announces Winners of the West Kootenay “Spark” Program
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Destination BC, in collaboration with the Tourism Innovation Lab, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and other local tourism partners, has announced the winners of the “Spark” Grants and Mentorships Program in the West Kootenay. Three tourism entrepreneurs were each awarded a $3,000 grant, three-month mentorship, and additional partner support to help them develop their innovative tourism idea. The winning ideas include an annual improv-based retreat, fully customized tours of Creston Valley, and a trail or road trip showcasing the outdoor recreational gear manufacturing industry.
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Harrison Hot Springs Featured in The Metro (UK)
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Thanks to a press trip organized by Destination BC and Vancouver, Coast and Mountain partners, Harrison Hot Spring was featured in The Metro, the UK’s highest-circulation print newspaper. The story – which is running online and in print – follows the legend of the Sasquatch, enticing UK travellers to follow in its (massive) footsteps.
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Journalist Lizzie Pook discovers why Harrison Hot Springs is billed as the Bigfoot Capital of the World.
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Remember to apply before 4pm on September 24 (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Destination BC is Hiring!
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Destination BC is currently hiring for two positions:
The Executive Administrative Assistant, Corporate Development supports the Vice President of Corporate Development, and works closely with the Executive Team and Senior Leadership to coordinate, track, monitor and report on a range of corporate issues, projects and assignments.
The Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development supports the creation and implementation of long-term, integrated development strategies for areas, regions and routes across BC.
Both job application deadlines are tomorrow (September 24), so be sure to apply today!
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Report Insight: 92% of BC Residents Feel Safe Visiting Beaches and Lakes
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Destination BC’s latest BC Residents’ Public Perceptions report shows that 92% of British Columbians feel safe visiting a beach or lake, 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 summarizes the various research findings from Destination BC, suppliers, other tourism agencies and associations.
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Report Insight: 41.5% of the Global Population Has Received at Least One Dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine
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Destination BC’s latest Research Roundup reports that 41.5 out of every 100 people worldwide has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
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CO-OPERATIVE MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
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The co-op’s marketing efforts focus on the May to October period, when there is capacity for visitation (Tourism Rossland/Dave Heath).
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Visit South Kootenay Promotes Year-Round Travel to the Lower Columbia Area
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“Visit South Kootenay” supports the continued development, promotion and branding of the Lower Columbia Area – including Fruitvale, Montrose, Trail, Warfield, Rossland, and Regional District Kootenay Boundary Areas A and B – as a four-season tourism destination. The project aims to increase year-round regional visitation by driving industry collaboration and building brand equity, while also supporting Destination BC’s goal of building a powerful province-wide marketing network. It also strives to implement the strategies and tactics outlined in the Lower Columbia Strategic Plan, which was developed in collaboration with Destination BC in 2015.
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Thirty-three Indigenous and local governments will receive funding for projects that improve the safety of vulnerable road users.
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BC Communities to Receive New Cycling and Walking Pathways
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Communities across BC will soon benefit from better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure that safely connects neighbourhoods to parks, schools and town centres. A key element of BC’s recovery plan and commitment to climate action, the initiative introduces safe transportation alternatives that protect the environment and bring communities together.
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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 – Accessible Website Design
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Web accessibility allows users of all abilities to understand, use and enjoy the internet. In this week’s Content Marketing Learning Series article, you’ll learn how employing simple interfaces with frictionless and alternative user pathways can improve the overall experience of your website.
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Read this article to learn how to make your website more accessible (Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters).
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Conqora has entered into a Recognition, Cooperation and Benefits Agreement with Snuneymuxw First Nation authorizing the new ferry in Snuneymuxw Territory (@glamouraspirit_).
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High-speed Ferry Planned Between Nanaimo and Vancouver
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Toronto private equity firm Conqora Capital Partners Inc. announced plans to introduce a high-speed passenger ferry between the port of Nanaimo and Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. The ferry will be privately funded, and represents a partnership between Conqora, Nanaimo Port Authority (NPA) and the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN). More information will be released in the coming weeks.
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Air Canada and Qantas Announce Restart of Flights Between Sydney and Vancouver
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Australians were excited when Canada reopened its borders to international travellers – so excited that new flights from Australia to BC are set to commence this December. Starting December 17, Air Canada will resume its Sydney-Vancouver route; and on December 18, Qantas will not only restart its Sydney-Vancouver route, but will also upgrade the seasonal service to a year-round offering.
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Fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.
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A consultant’s report states the gondola will have minimal impact on the environment (Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain).
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Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain Plans Major Upgrades, Including New Gondola
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Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver has announced major upgrades, including $35 million for a new gondola with capacity to transport 1,000 guests per hour; 10,000 square feet of commercial space; and expanded parking. The attraction is currently in public consultations with the District of North Vancouver, and will require development permits for environmental protection and a vote by council for the commercial building.
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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 'How to Remove Barriers for People with Disabilities at Your Business' (September 27) and 'How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website' (October 5).
Note: Small Business BC is offering all webinars FREE in September, with ASL interpretation and closed captioning provided to increase accessibility options for everyone who takes part.
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Check back regularly for updated travel advisories (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Updates to Central Okanagan Travel Advisory
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The Interior Health Authority and Provincial Health Officer have amended the previous travel advisory for the Central Okanagan, which discouraged all non-essential travel to the local health area, regardless of vaccination status. The updated advisory states that non-essential travel to the Interior is discouraged until travellers are fully vaccinated.
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Support Available on the Hub for Workplace Mental Health
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Launched in April 2021, the Hub for Workplace Mental Health was developed in partnership with BC’s safety associations and the BC division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. It includes advice, articles, access to workshops and webinars, and links to online tools such as BounceBack, a free program designed to help people build skills to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. The hub's resources can also help employers and workers find ways to resolve workplace conflicts, manage stress, build resilience, and improve mental health overall.
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Workplace mental health has never been more important (go2HR website).
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Successful projects will be disbursed in early 2022 (Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck).
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Reminder: Submit Your Accessibility Project Grant Application by October 2
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Disability Alliance BC has issued a Call for Proposals for projects that promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities in BC. Funding is available between $10,000 and $40,000 per project, to a maximum of $450,000. Proposals are due by October 2.
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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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