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Destination BC Directions: November 4, 2021
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The aurora borealis dances across the sky over Prince George (Northern BC Tourism/Kristopher Foot).
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Destination BC Renews Funding for Over 100 Community Visitor Centres
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Destination BC is supporting the valuable contributions of BC’s community-based Visitor Centres by renewing a three-year commitment to base funding throughout the province. The agreement includes a funding increase to a minimum amount of $15,000.
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On average, BC's community Visitor Centres serve over 2.9 million visitors (Tourism Vancouver Island/Jordan Dyck).
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The program is presented by Destination BC, in collaboration with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Community Futures, and the Tourism Innovation Lab.
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Introducing the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “Spark” Program
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The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program launched on October 27, with ambitions to “spark” new tourism ideas in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. The program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provides a $3,000 seed grant to help develop innovative tourism ideas. Entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits based in the area are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session:
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Destination BC Partners with National Geographic Traveller and Trailfinders (UK) to Support Global Brand Campaign
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Destination BC’s UK team has partnered with National Geographic Traveller, in support of key account Trailfinders, to create print and digital advertising aligned with our global brand campaign, running in September and November 2021. The content is focused on two of Trailfinders’ dedicated BC itineraries, providing inspiration and a clear path-to-purchase for UK travellers.
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This program is free to members of BC’s tourism industry.
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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 seeking to elevate 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 will help build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
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Destination BC’s Imran Gill Appointed to Acting Director, Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services
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We are pleased to announce that Imran Gill has accepted the role of Acting Director, Industry Partnerships and Visitor Services – a position he will hold until March 31, 2022. Imran has spent over a decade working in leadership roles in economic development, tourism promotion, public assembly facilities, and major events, and has an impressive background in strategic leadership, program management, public relations, issues management and digital marketing. Prior to joining Destination BC as a Manager, Destination Development, he held the position of Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications for Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
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The application deadline is November 10 (Comox Valley/Jordan Dyck).
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Job Alert: Senior Social Media and Content Specialist
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Destination BC is seeking a Senior Social Media and Content Specialist to lead a team in bringing the organization's global social media strategy to life through paid and organic tactics. This individual should have a passion for digital storytelling and finding creative ways to reach and connect with target audiences. The application deadline is November 10.
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BC Resident Concern Over Welcoming Visitors from Other Provinces Drops
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Our latest BC Residents’ Public Perceptions report shows that 65% of BC residents are concerned over welcoming visitors from other provinces – a drop of -5 points from the previous wave.
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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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International Air Travel Demand to Canada has Increased 233% Year-Over-Year
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Our latest Research Roundup report reveals that international air travel demand to Canada has increased 233% compared to the same period in 2020.
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Destination Canada Global Tourism Watch Reports Available on Destination BC Research Dashboard
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Destination Canada’s Global Tourism Watch COVID – Special Survey Wave 4 report has been posted to Destination BC’s research dashboard. Four of these reports are currently available, with the most recent presenting results by market origin. The research was conducted in November 2020, and provides details on travel intent and consideration, travel barriers, COVID-19 considerations, domestic trip characteristics, booking preferences, and attitudes around sustainable travel.
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Destination Canada’s Global Tourism Watch reports are posted to Destination BC’s research dashboard.
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CO-OPERATIVE MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
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Trails, water-based activities and First Nations experiences await visitors to Port Alberni.
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#ExplorePortAlberni Spotlights Regional Trails, Water Activities and First Nations Experiences
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The Alberni Valley Tourism Association is working with local stakeholders and partners, including the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, to create awareness of the Port Alberni area as a multi-season travel destination. Building on momentum created over the last few years through the Co-op Program, the association encourages visitors to #ExplorePortAlberni by highlighting elements that challenge perceptions of the community as merely a fuel stop en route to the west coast of Vancouver Island. #ExplorePortAlberni focuses on trails and water-based activities, while also highlighting First Nations experiences that connect visitors to the land.
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Consideration will be given to adding more airports as conditions evolve (Tourism Kelowna).
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Transport Canada to Ease Restrictions on International Flight Arrivals
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Transport Canada is expanding the scope of its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that currently directs international passenger flights into 10 Canadian airports. Starting November 30, international flights will be permitted to land at eight additional airports, including three in BC: Kelowna International, Abbotsford International and Victoria International.
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Federal Government Welcomes New Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance
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The Honorable Randy Boissonnault has been appointed Canadian Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. He is a successful entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist with a strong record of leadership in business, public service and the non-profit sector. In 2016, he served as Canada’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues, and is co-founder of the Global Equality Caucus, among many accomplishments.
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Congratulations on your appointment, Minister Boissonnault!
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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 Graphic Design
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If the goal of graphic design is to get your message across, shouldn’t it be accessible to the widest audience possible? Read below to discover general rules to follow, regardless of whether you’re creating a website, social media post, digital ad or poster.
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Ensure your graphic design is accessible to all potential audiences (Unsplash/themephotos).
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BC’s picture-perfect Pacific coastline and abundance of mountains and forests contributed to a coveted ranking as most desirable long-haul destination.
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BC Named Most Desirable Long-Haul Region in 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards
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BC has been named the most desirable long-haul region in the 2021 Wanderlust Travel Awards. Wanderlust is the UK’s longest-running travel magazine, and aims to inspire travellers through authentic writing, striking photography and expert advice. This year, the publication asked readers where they want to travel when restrictions are lifted – and BC was named the most desirable long-haul destination.
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West Coast Ports Welcome International Cruise Visitors
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Nineteen months ago, ports along the West Coast closed to visitors due to the global pandemic. The federal government’s decision to lift cruise ship restrictions starting November 1 is welcome news, and partly due to strong advocacy from the tourism industry. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, and Sport, along with Walt Judas, CEO of TIABC, and Ian Robertson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, wrote an op-ed for Times Colonist that share the importance of the cruise industry to BC tourism.
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The op-ed was written with support from Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; Brenda Baptiste, chair of ITBC; Richard Porges, president and CEO of Destination BC; and Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO of the BCHA.
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Big White was lauded for an abundance of fluffy, dry snow and an array of onsite and nearby amenities (Big White).
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BC Ski Resorts Honoured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Ski Resorts List
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Two BC ski resorts were recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey for best ski resorts in Canada and the US. Big White Ski Resort landed in the #12 spot (out of 30), and Whistler Blackcomb secured #15. Congratulations to both resorts!
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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 'Social Media for Small Business' (November 17) and 'Creating a Website for Your Business' (November 30). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Air Canada Introduces Self-Administered COVID-19 Tests in Partnership with Switch Health
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Air Canada is introducing new testing products, including self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits, through a partnership with Canadian-based healthcare company Switch Health. Using the portable kit, customers can test themselves while travelling internationally prior to their flight to Canada, meeting federal government testing entry requirements without the need to visit a COVID-19 testing clinic. The tests are conducted under remote supervision of a health professional, and offer an electronic report suitable for travel.
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Travellers can test themselves prior to their Air Canada flight, meeting entry requirements without visiting a testing clinic (Air Canada website).
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Museum of Surrey’s accessible attributes help to ensure everyone can enjoy the venue (Museum of Surrey).
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Accessibility Takes Top Priority at the Museum of Surrey
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The Museum of Surrey, a free-to-the-public venue committed to providing a welcoming, comfortable and safe space for all, has prioritized accessibility to ensure everyone can enjoy its offerings – intellectually, culturally and physically. Accessible attributes include icon-based signage, a telecoil loop for hearing ads, safe multisensory exhibits, and braille and tactile signage, among others.
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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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