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Destination BC Directions: January 13, 2022
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Shredding pow at Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Make sure you save and bookmark our updated brand guide.
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Destination BC’s Brand V5.0 Available on Corporate Website
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Destination BC’s Brand V5.0 is now available on our corporate website's Learning Centre. Updates include an in-depth Tone of Voice review completed in February 2020, and a refresh to the Great Forest font completed in 2021. If you’ve printed or downloaded a copy of the brand guide, please update your files and bookmark links.
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Provincial and Federal Government Supports Available for the Tourism Industry
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With the latest provincial health orders restricting capacity and closing certain venues until January 18, below is a list of provincial and federal supports available to tourism businesses:
Federal
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Read this list of supports to learn whether you’re eligible for COVID-19 financial relief (Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe).
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Apply by January 17 for the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program
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Have a great Indigenous tourism idea, but need funding and support to make it a reality? The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provides a $5,000 seed grant to help develop new tourism ideas. Apply by January 17 with a short and easy application.
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Apply Now for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “Spark” Program
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Our thoughts continue to be with communities across British Columbia who have been impacted by recent weather-induced emergencies. In the best interest of businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, we are extending the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “Spark” program application deadline until February 18.
Presented by Destination BC, in collaboration with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Community Futures, and the Tourism Innovation Lab, the program provides small businesses, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in the region the opportunity to bring new tourism ideas, experiences or partnerships to fruition.
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The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” program provides a seed grant and mentorship to help selected applicants bring their tourism ideas to life.
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Spark program participants receive:
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3-month mentorship with a tourism leader
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$3,000 grant to support idea development activities
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Access to a support network of tourism experts, resources and support services
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Congratulations on your new role, Alison!
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Alison McKay Assumes Role of Acting Vice President, Destination Management at Destination BC
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We are thrilled to announce that Alison McKay has assumed the role of Acting Vice President, Destination Management at Destination BC. In her new position, Alison will oversee Destination BC’s destination management programs, with a focus on supporting the revitalization of a strong and sustainable tourism sector. She will also lead the Destination Management team in implementing annual plans, programs and projects; work with the executive team to support corporate-wide projects, such as Invest in Iconics, Destination Stewardship, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and collaborate with Indigenous Tourism BC on projects specific to Indigenous communities. Please join us in congratulating Alison!
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Tourism Marketing Committee Welcomes Five New Members
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The Tourism Marketing Committee is pleased to welcome five new members: Michelle Brown, Marketing Manager at Spirit Bear Lodge; Kevin Manuel, Director of Marketing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort; Dixit Talwar, Director of Digital Marketing & Analytics at Northland Properties; Brian Cant, Director of Communications & Engagement at Greater Victoria Harbour Authority; and Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer at Indigenous Tourism BC. The Committee also welcomes back returning member Chris Shauf. Many thanks to outgoing committee members Tyler Beckley, Mike Randall, Claire Macdonald and Dana Schoahs for their time and dedication to BC’s tourism industry.
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Welcome to the newest members of the Tourism Marketing Committee (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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70% of BC Residents are Comfortable Visiting Outdoor Tourist Attractions
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Our latest BC Residents’ Public Perceptions report shows that 70% of BC residents are comfortable visiting outdoor tourist attractions.
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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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BC’s Occupancy Rate has Increased +26.3 Points Year-over-Year
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Our latest Research Roundup report shows that BC’s average hotel occupancy has increased +26.3 points compared to the same period in 2020.
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The orders restricting travel on highways 5 and 99 will remain in place.
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Provincial State of Emergency Extended
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With some highways still damaged by flooding and mudslides, and the potential for further flooding this week, the Province has extended the provincial state of emergency until January 18, 2022.
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Provincial Government Introduces Permanent Paid Sick Leave
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Most workers in BC no longer have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages. Effective January 1, the province’s first-ever permanent paid sick leave grants employees paid leave for personal illness and injury, with up to five paid days and three unpaid days of job-protected leave each year.
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The paid sick leave entitlement applies to full-time, part-time, temporary and casual employees (Destination BC/Hubert Kang).
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The cap limits fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies at 15 percent.
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Provincial Government Extends Food Delivery Cap to Support the Restaurant Industry
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The Province of BC has extended the food delivery cap limiting the total fees delivery companies can charge food establishments, helping restaurants continue to operate and work towards recovery while serving their communities. The cap has been extended until December 31, 2022.
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Four-season Recreation Comes to E.C. Manning Provincial Park
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The new Skyview Campground at E.C. Manning Provincial Park features 62 campsites available during winter and 92 in the summer, making it the first fully serviced campground for BC Parks. The campground also includes a heated shower building, and is close to a Nordic ski trail and ski slopes. In the summer, campers can canoe and swim at nearby Lightning Lake and hike through alpine meadows.
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A new group shelter has also been added, as well as 14 elevated tent platforms (BC Parks website).
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Know before you go to better prepare for your driving routes (Flickr).
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New DriveBC Webcams Help Travellers Plan Ahead
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Travellers can better prepare for their driving routes thanks to 13 new cameras and 33 more views added to the DriveBC webcam network. The cameras are installed annually at locations across the province, enabling drivers to plan ahead for traffic and weather conditions. This is particularly key during winter, and as drivers take unfamiliar routes due to road closures resulting from November’s flooding.
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Government Funding Promotes Electric Vehicle Uptake in BC
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Community groups and local governments across BC can receive funding through the Community Outreach Incentive Program (COIP) to educate and encourage people to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
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The Province is providing $118,000 through COIP (Unsplash/Chuttersnap).
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Rapid antigen screening provides another layer of protection to help keep workplaces safe.
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Provincial Government Introduces Safe Screen B.C.
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Organized by the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority, the new Safe Screen B.C. helps local businesses access free rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees.
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Deadline Extended to Repay Canada Emergency Business Loan (CEBA)
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The federal government has extended the deadline for repayment of Canada Emergency Business Loans (CEBA) to December 31, 2023 for all eligible borrowers in good standing. The extension provides extra support and repayment flexibility to businesses facing ongoing financial challenges due to the pandemic and closures.
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CEBA has provided interest-free, partially forgivable loans to nearly 900,000 businesses (Destination BC/Hubert Kang).
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CanExport SMEs provides up to $50,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises registered in Canada for international business development activities.
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CanExport SMEs Program Accepting Applications
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To help small- and medium-sized tourism businesses prepare for international markets, the CanExport SMEs program began accepting new applications on January 10 for projects starting next fiscal year (after April 1). CanExport SMEs has changed its cost-sharing formula to 50:50, with the program funding up to 50 percent of eligible costs, or between $10,000 and $50,000 per project. The program includes search engine optimization, translation and virtual trade events, and support costs tied to online advertising on social media platforms, online marketplaces and search engines.
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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 Series, Featuring How To Use a Content Calendar
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Content planning is critical to the success of executing your marketing plan. If you have several digital platforms to manage, use this content calendar template to keep on track.
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Content planning is critical to the success of your marketing plan (Unsplash/Domenico Loia).
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Vancouver Island Lands on New York Times List of 52 Places to Travel in 2022
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Vancouver Island was featured on a recent New York Times list of 52 places to travel in 2022 where travellers can be part of the solution. The influential publication lauded the Cascadian rainforest as a “wonderland” and encouraged readers to experience local old-growth forests at MacMillan Provincial Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve.
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Vancouver Island was one of three destinations in Canada that made the list.
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Up to $15,000 is available for each eligible applicant (Parksville Qualicum Beach/Jordan Dyck).
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Farmers’ Markets Receive Funding to Help Expand Sales and Operate during Emergencies
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The federal and provincial governments are providing funding of $475,000 to farmers’ markets to help cover costs of expanding local food sales and operating during emergencies. By leveraging the new BC Farmers’ Market Expansion Program, farmers’ markets can help to ensure communities throughout BC have ongoing access to fresh, local food.
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Rocky Mountaineer Welcomes New President and CEO
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The entire team at Destination BC extends a warm welcome to David McKenna, who has joined Rocky Mountaineer as President and CEO. A respected leader and innovator in the tourism industry, David previously served as President of the Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit, and is Board Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. In his new role, he will lead Rocky Mountaineer in rebuilding its business from the impact of the pandemic, while developing new tourism experiences in global destinations. Congratulations, David!
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Join us in welcoming David McKenna as Rocky Mountaineer’s new President and CEO!
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The Great Bear Rainforest film journeys into the Great Bear Rainforest in search of the elusive spirit bear.
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Great Bear Rainforest Documentary Launches in China
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The Great Bear Rainforest IMAX film has launched at the China National Film Museum in Beijing! The made-in-BC documentary, narrated by Ryan Reynolds, will screen on China’s largest IMAX screen until November.
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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 "Get Started with Email Marketing" (February 2) and "How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website" (February 8). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Employers Required to Re-active COVID-19 Safety Plans
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On January 7, the Provincial Health Officer announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 Safety Plans. The order replaces the previous requirements for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans in their workplaces. WorkSafeBC will support employers as they work to re-activate their plans.
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Submit your nomination for standout tourism businesses or individuals before January 14.
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Submit Your Nominations for the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards
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Presented by British Columbia Hotel Association and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), the BC Tourism and Hospitality Awards recognize the province’s most exceptional products, services, experiences and people.
Awards will be presented in eight categories ranging from Innovation and Sustainability to Employees First and Business Woman of the Year. Nominations must be submitted by January 14.
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Big White Ski Resort's “Be Kind” Video Urges Visitors to Be Patient with Staff
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Big White Ski Resort has released a new “Be Kind” video reminding visitors that workplaces are short-staffed due to winter conditions and the rapidly spreading Omicron virus, and urging patience with staff who have showed up to ensure guests have a good time. The video has reached over 55,000 people and delivered 90,000 impressions to date.
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2022 Workforce Connection Summit: The Power of the People
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The Chilliwack Economic Resource Network (CERN) presents the 2022 Workforce Summit in an online format, February 9-10, 2022. Featured speakers included Len Pierre, a member of the Coast Salish First Nation who is an educator, consultant, TEDx speaker, social activist and traditional knowledge-keeper; and Yvette Wu, a strategic consultant who has led within Fortune 500 companies, medium- and large-scale social enterprises, and tech startups.
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The event will utilize a comprehensive interactive virtual platform to enhance the Summit experience.
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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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