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Destination BC Directions: January 28, 2022
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Fireside reflections at Naikoon Provincial Park in Haida Gwaii (Northern BC Tourism/Marcus Paladino).
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Proof of Vaccination Required Until June 30
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The Provincial Health Officer has extended the Proof of Vaccination requirement until June 30, 2022. Through the order, people over the age of 12 must show proof of full vaccination (two shots) to access some events, services and businesses.
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The BC Vaccine Card is the easiest way to show proof of vaccination.
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Funding is offered to accommodation providers and tourism-based commercial recreation businesses operating on Crown land or in BC Parks. (Destination BC/Ryan Creary).
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Funding Support: Large Accommodation Providers and Commercial Recreation Businesses
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Large accommodation providers and tourism-based commercial recreation businesses can apply for funding through the Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund. The fund provides relief from fixed costs like property taxes, BC Hydro fees, and Crown tenure and park permit fees. Eligibility and application information is available on the website.
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Apply Now for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “Spark” Program
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Due to recent weather-induced emergencies, 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 the opportunity to bring new tourism ideas, experiences or partnerships to fruition.
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The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast “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 development activities
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Access to a support network of tourism experts, resources and services
Interested applicants are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session:
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Welcome to the Tourism Marketing Committee, Karen!
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Karen Bannister, Director of Destination Marketing for Tourism Vancouver Island, Appointed to Tourism Marketing Committee
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Karen Bannister, director of Destination Marketing for Tourism Vancouver Island, has been appointed to the Tourism Marketing Committee, taking the place of Anthony Everett, CEO of Tourism Vancouver Island. We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the committee, and grateful to Anthony for his years of committed service.
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Emilie Cayer-Huard Joins Destination BC as Manager, Destination Development – Iconics
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We are pleased to announce that Emilie Cayer-Huard will join Destination BC in the acting role of Manager, Destination Development – Iconics on February 7. Emilie joins us on a one-year secondment from her longtime role as Destination Development & Stewardship Specialist with Kootenay Rockies Tourism. Please join us in welcoming Emilie to the Destination BC team!
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Welcome to the team, Emilie!
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49% of BC Residents are Comfortable Visiting Indoor Tourist Attractions
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Our latest BC Residents Public Perceptions report shows that 49% of BC residents are comfortable visiting indoor 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 most recent 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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Spirit Loop Unites Southern Vancouver Island Communities and Partners
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The Spirit Loop tourism marketing cooperative was formed by Langford, Sooke, Port Renfrew and Malahat Nation, with support from Destination BC’s Co-op Program, to highlight communities and partners around the Pacific Marine Circle Route. Initial work, including a short documentary-style film and website, will act as a template for additional communities and stakeholders to join the collective to market and promote more communities throughout this region.
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From hiking, fishing and camping to dining, reclining and chilling, the Spirit Loop showcases the best of Southern Vancouver Island.
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BC Parks License Plate Program Drives Improvements for Provincial Parks
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The BC Parks License Plate Program is marking its five-year anniversary! Over its lifespan, the initiative has helped to support over 300 projects that protect and enhance the regional park system. People who purchase specialty BC Parks license plates support a broad range of initiatives, such as the purchase of adaptive outdoor recreation equipment and the planting of whitebark pine seedlings to restore the endangered species.
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Over the past five years, more than 300,000 BC Parks license plates have been sold.
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“Digital skills” refers to a person's ability to carry out tasks using digital technologies (Unsplash/@DocuSign).
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Online Survey Solicits Feedback for Micro-Training Programs Supporting Digital Skills
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The B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation (JERI) has engaged Deloitte to conduct a study of digital skills demand and supply in BC to gain a clearer understanding of the digital skills required by organizations today, and in the future. Feedback from the 12-minute online survey will help JERI consider the development of micro-training programs that address the digital skills gaps identified. Leadership and HR teams are encouraged to complete the survey by February 3.
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Federal Government Dedicates $18 Million in Funding to Kelowna International Airport
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The federal government has announced more than $18 million in funding to help Kelowna International Airport recover from the effects of the pandemic, while supporting continued air services and key transportation infrastructure projects.
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Funding will be used to expand the airport’s operations buildings and upgrade the airfield lighting infrastructure, among other improvements (Tourism Kelowna website).
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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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Sign Up for the Self-guided Tourism Digital Academy
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While Destination BC’s live Tourism Digital Academy is now underway, the online self-guided program is available until the end of March. This condensed version of our popular digital marketing program offers BC-based tourism businesses maximum flexibility to fit the course into their schedules with unlimited access for six months to digital marketing instruction videos, templates and resources.
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Move through the Tourism Digital Academy at your own speed with the self-guided version of the program.
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New content and features will be added to the BC Parks site during the coming months. (Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain).
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Improvements Coming to BC Parks Digital Services
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BC Parks is inviting British Columbians to contribute to the redesign of its digital services, including a more user-friendly and inclusive experience. A key feature of the redesign is improvements to the online reservation system, which will open on March 21 and features more flexible search options; maps and calendars; and up to five large photos of each campsite. For now, residents are encouraged to share feedback through the test site at beta.bcparks.ca.
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New Affordable Airline Lynx Announces Five Canadian Destinations
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Canada’s new ultra-affordable airline, Lynx Air, has released tickets for flights serving five destinations: Vancouver, Kelowna, Winnipeg, Calgary and Toronto. The airline’s inaugural flight will take place on April 7, travelling between Calgary and Vancouver, with 76 flights operating per week by May. Further details, including additional flight destinations, will be unveiled in the coming months.
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Lynx Air boasts rock-bottom prices for domestic travellers.
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Forbes highlights unique experiences that immerse visitors in amazing landscapes, great cuisine, and cultural teachings.
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BC Indigenous Tourism Experiences Featured in Forbes
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Forbes recently published an article on 10 Indigenous tourism experiences in Canada to look forward to in 2022, and two BC experiences appeared on the list: Coastal Rainforest Safaris, which offers wildlife and cultural journeys on the traditional land of the Kwakwaka’wakw people, and Explore Songhees, which offers walking and canoe tours with a Songhees cultural guide.
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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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Submit a Nomination (or Nominate Yourself!) for the BC Economic Development Awards
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The BC Economic Development Association’s BC Economic Development Awards recognizes BC’s best economic development programs, partnerships, economic reconciliation, resiliency and marketing initiatives. Entry submissions and nominations will be accepted until February 28, with the awards ceremony taking place April 3-5.
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Browse Tourism Richmond’s new website for information and ideas to inform your next trip.
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Tourism Richmond Unveils New Website
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Tourism Richmond welcomed the new year with an updated website featuring bold visuals, intuitive navigation, and a spotlight on the diverse array of experience available in Richmond.
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Register Today for the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference
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Registration is open for the 2022 BC Tourism and Hospitality Conference! Secure your spot for the in-person event, which takes place March 9-11 at the Richmond Conference Centre. Early-bird tickets are on offer until February 1.
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The 90-second video features ski communities across BC thanking the ministers for their efforts.
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BC Ski Community Thanks Government for Early Reopening of Coquihalla Highway
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Canada West Ski Area Association has produced a “thank you” video for Minister Melanie Mark and Minister Rob Fleming for ensuring the Coquihalla Highway reopened rapidly after the devastating floods in November. Ski resorts across BC made cameos to extend their gratitude.
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Support the Hospitality Industry by Participating in the Dine Out Vancouver Festival Lottery
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) has partnered with Dine Out Vancouver Festival to host an online lottery whose proceeds fund BCHF’s charitable work, including a scholarship program supporting the next generation of hospitality workers and leaders. There are 13 prizes up for grabs, including local food, wine and accommodation experiences, as well as events and entertainment.
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The lottery draw date is February 1.
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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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