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Destination BC Directions: May 5, 2022
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The Spectrum Range near Little Ball Lake in Mount Edziza Provincial Park (Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain).
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Learn more about emergency planning and preparedness.
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New Tourism Emergency Management Framework to Guide Industry During Crises
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In conjunction with Emergency Preparedness Week, a collaborative Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) has released a new BC Tourism Emergency Management Framework to help reduce the industry’s vulnerabilities and risks and lessen the potentially adverse impacts to visitor experiences during emergencies. The framework provides a unified structure to support tourism partners and visitors on matters related to the four pillars of emergency management…specifically mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
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BC Effect Ontario: Global TV Toronto Partnership
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As part of The British Columbia Effect campaign in Ontario, we have partnered with Global TV Toronto to extend our reach through news programming and editorial coverage, including a new contest.
Through this partnership, Global TV and Destination BC are offering a chance for Ontario residents to win a $5,000 trip to BC this summer.
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Enter the contest before May 6, 2022!
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The contest runs until May 6, and viewers can tune in to Global News for the code word to enter online. Contest promotions include live mentions in Global News programming, a 30-second co-branded spot, social posts and contest clue videos hosted by Global TV Toronto personality, Liem Vu.
As an extension of the contest, Liem also flew out to Vancouver to experience The BC Effect for himself, and created 4 editorial segments in the series “Eat, Play, Stay,” airing in Ontario on Global News Morning and Global News at Noon April 28th, May 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Watch the first segment here.
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Watch highlights from the Grand Spring event on your mobile device!
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China Livestream Project: Grand Spring, April 2022
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On Earth Day, Destination BC China hosted a four hour live stream media gathering ‘Grand Spring’ event, featuring the theme of Awakening in Nature (The BC Effect) to inspire travel. The event featured live & pre-recorded videos of Vancouver to showcase spring experiences to over 30 key media guests. The gathering was livestreamed on media/social outlets, receiving a total of 300K views and 287K likes/comments. The event is being dovetailed by BC-based Chinese influencers subsequently hosting their own live streams on WeChat using the hashtag #WatchingBC from April 24–May 21. This content will enhance destination awareness for BC while inspiring future travel from China.
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Human Resources Industry Toolkit
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To help Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) employers with HR best practices, go2HR in collaboration with, Cindy Conti, HR Consultant for the VCM region, has developed an HR toolkit of resources. The toolkit was developed to help support industry recovery in the VCM region as outlined in the Labour Market Tactical Action Plan. The Labour Market Tactical Action Plan and VCM HR Consultant is a partnership between Destination BC and go2HR. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help with recruitment, onboarding, and more.
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Download the toolkit today! (Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout)
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Congratulations to Randy and Brenda on their well-deserved recognition and success! (Harbour Air Seaplanes)
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Congratulations to Victoria's Latest Award Winning Tourism Industry Leaders
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During Destination Greater Victoria’s annual general meeting on Friday April 29, Randy Wright, President of Harbour Air Seaplanes, was given the organization’s highest honour, its Life Member Award. The award goes to an individual or organization that has demonstrated leadership within the tourism industry. A highly respected and valued member of Destination BC’s Board of Directors, Randy has over 40 years of experience in the travel, tourism and marine business.
Destination Greater Victoria gave its Miracle Award to Brenda Ollis. As the general manager of Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, Brenda was recognized for her exceptional leadership and achievement in developing and supporting the industry.
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84% of BC residents feel that tourism is important for economic recovery following COVID-19
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Destination BC’s latest Resident Perception report shows that 84% of BC residents agree that the tourism industry plays an important role in BC’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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This report is released every month to track BC Residents' tourism 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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Provinces have positive reaction to promotion elsewhere in Canada
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Destination BC’s latest Research Roundup reports that all provinces have a net positive reaction to seeing their province promoted elsewhere in Canada.
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Tourism Industry Dashboard: Year in Review
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Full 2021 data is now available on our Tourism Industry Dashboard, which includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, and more.
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This dashboard is best viewed on a desktop device.
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Learn more about the TEP program criteria, eligibility and application process (Destination Vancouver/Vision Event Photography Inc.).
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The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport Resume the Tourism Events Program
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After a two-year pause, the Government of British Columbia is resuming the Tourism Events Program (TEP) with a spring intake. Eligible events that occur between October 1, 2022, and September 2023 are encouraged to apply online now, with the application window closing at 1:00 pm on May 31, 2022. The Tourism Events Program provides grants between $10,000 and $250,000 for eligible marketing expenses to amplify the reach of events and attract additional overnight visitors. For more information please visit the Tourism Events Program website here.
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BC Cannabis Consumption Spaces Engagement
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BC’s public and stakeholder engagement on non-medical cannabis consumption spaces (i.e. tasting rooms, lounges, special events) is scheduled to conclude at 4:00 pm on Monday, May 9. Feedback from this engagement will inform decisions by the Province of BC on whether to allow consumption spaces, and if so, how this should be done. Participation from subject matter experts, business owners and other key stakeholders is encouraged to gather diverse perspectives about whether and how consumption spaces should be regulated.
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Provide feedback before May 9. More information on how to participate can be found on the engagement website (Destination Vancouver/Tanya Goehring).
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There is no cap on the number of visa, work and study applications that Canada will accept under the CUAET.
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Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
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In support of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government of Canada has created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada. The CUAET also gives those who are already in Canada the option to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit so that they can continue to live and work or study in Canada temporarily.
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Government of Canada Puts Important Measures in Place to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales
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Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) are icons of Canada’s Pacific coast and have important cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities in BC. For the fourth consecutive year, the Government of Canada will implement measures to further protect these whales in Canadian waters. Transport Canada works with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada, RCMP and the Canadian Coast Guard to plan and execute the SRKW Interim Order compliance and enforcement regime and will continue to strengthen enforcement of these measures.
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Learn more about the various SRKW protective measures (Destination Vancouver/Prince of Whales Whale Watching).
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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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Sustainable Tourism with Eagle Wing Tours
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Sustainable tourism takes into consideration the economic, social, cultural, and environmental well-being of an activity or offering on the host destination. Learn more about how sustainable tourism is an integral and meaningful component to Eagle Wing Tours, a local whale watching company based out of Victoria, BC.
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Visit the Learning Centre and watch the sustainable tourism with Eagle Wing Tours case study video (Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson).
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Congratulations to Kimberley, BC! (Destination BC/Kari Medig)
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City of Kimberley Voted BC's Best Small Town
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After a seven-week competition between 128 BC communities, the City of Kimberley was voted BC’s best small town by CBC readers. A pedestrian-only area called the Platzl, developed in 1973, is a vital focal point for Kimberley’s economy. Tourist arrivals have almost doubled in Kimberley over a decade, from 68,000 in 2011 to 128,000 in 2021. While the city does not track revenue generated by the Platzl alone, tourism generated $38.2 million in 2021.
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ITAC Receives Recognition from Fast Company as Innovative Travel Company
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Congratulations to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) for receiving recognition from Fast Company as one of the most innovative travel companies in 2022! In an effort to educate travellers and modernize perceptions of Canada’s Indigenous people, ITAC created a new brand mark, The Original Original, in June 2021. The Original Original aims to help travellers better identify and book experiences from Indigenous owned tourism businesses across Canada.
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The mark is a flame divided into three parts representing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, and encircled by two letter Os (ITAC).
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Planning a trip to Kelowna this summer? Book your flight now on FlyLynx.com!
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Lynx Air Celebrates Launch of Flights to Kelowna
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At the beginning of May, Kelowna International Airport welcomed Lynx Air to celebrate Lynx's launch of services to Kelowna. Lynx is currently operating two flights a week from Kelowna to both Calgary and Vancouver. At the end of June, Lynx will increase its service to Calgary to three flights per week, taking the airline's total flights in and out of Kelowna to 10 flights and 1,890 seats per week. As part of Lynx's commitment to making air travel affordable for all Canadians, the airline is offering fares as low as $39* to and from Kelowna.
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Swoop Expanding Service to Kelowna
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This week, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, launched its new daily, non-stop, flights between Kelowna and Edmonton with inaugural flight WO213 taking off from Edmonton and arriving in Kelowna. With introductory fares from Kelowna to Edmonton starting at just $49 CAD, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable and easy experiencing the Okanagan region can be this summer.
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This inaugural flight marks nearly three years of Swoop bringing ultra-affordable air service to the region.
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Air Canada resumed daily flights to Sydney in early May and plans to resume flights to Auckland, New Zealand in November.
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Air Canada Resumes YVR to Brisbane Flights
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Air Canada is resuming direct flights from Vancouver International Airport - YVR to Brisbane starting this July! The service will operate four times a week year-round. The return of the Brisbane flights is part of an expansion of Air Canada’s flights to the South Pacific as governments begin easing travel restrictions.
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Air Canada Inaugurates Two New Connections from Quebec City to Western Canada
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Air Canada continues to strengthen its presence in Quebec City by providing additional travel options to Quebecers with new seasonal service routes being offered to Calgary and Vancouver. This week, Air Canada operated its first non-stop service between Quebec City and Vancouver. These new seasonal domestic routes will operate until the end of October.
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These flights are conveniently timed for connections onward to other destinations in Canada, the US and our international network from either Vancouver or Calgary.
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This route will feature daily flights departing downtown Vancouver and Lake Union, located just minutes from downtown Seattle.
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Seattle Habour Air Seaplane Service Returns May 16, 2022
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Harbour Air Seaplanes will be welcoming back their Seattle to downtown Vancouver seaplane service, with scheduled flights resuming on May 16th. This one-hour connection allows passengers to travel quickly, easily, and conveniently between Seattle and Vancouver.
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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 'Marketing for Small Business' (May 13) and 'How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website' (May 25). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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The campaign launched on May 3, 2022. Visit the campaign landing page for more details.
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The Ktunaxa Nation Council Economic Investment Sector Announces New Campaign
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The Ktunaxa Nation Council Economic Investment Sector has announced the new #Ktunaxahomelands campaign, allowing locals and travellers to gain an understanding of how the Rockies and Kootenay waterways were formed, while appreciating the significance of the Hoodoos, all from a Ktunaxa perspective. The project spanned across the Ktunaxa Homelands and was developed in partnership with Cranbrook Tourism, Tourism Fernie and Tourism Kimberley with funding support provided by Destination BC and Columbia Basin Trust.
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New Report Tracks Americans’ Perception and Demand for Travel to Canada
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As international travel resumes, American travellers will be key to driving revenue recovery for Canadian tourism businesses. Destination Canada is tracking Americans’ travel demand for Canada and sentiment towards travel to Canada to provide our industry with a better understanding of the trends and behaviours we are seeing in this key market. Destination Canada's first edition of the new report, US Sentiment for Travel to Canada, was published recently and the included metrics will continue to be tracked on a monthly basis moving forward.
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Download the report to learn more.
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Canadian employers wishing to support Ukrainians through offers of employment should register their available jobs on the Canada Job Bank.
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Offering Employment to Ukrainians Arriving in Canada
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As the war in Ukraine continues, Canada has opened its doors and hearts to the Ukrainian people who have been forced to flee for their safety. go2HR has received a number of inquiries from BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment. In response to this, go2hr has compiled information about what tourism and hospitality employers need to know.
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Green Wine Future 2022 Conference
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Registration is open for the Green Wine Future 2022 Conference! The May 23-26, 2022 event will be an online gathering for the wine community focusing on topics such as sustainability, wine tourism, regenerative viticulture, green business opportunities and more. The conference offers a new way for speakers to present their information via a hands-on and practical approach through video footage, documentaries, and live broadcasts from vineyards and wineries. Register today!
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Visit the conference registration page for schedule highlights and watch the promotional video.
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Input to Identify Trail-Related Opportunities
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The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) is seeking input to develop a first-ever Regional Trails Strategy to harness the full range of benefits related to trails. The project team is seeking input to identify trail-related opportunities, via an easy-to-use online mapping tool. The CCCTA is seeking input on topics such as how to improve current trail infrastructure, develop new trail experiences on existing trails and understand impacts to the environment and community.
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Tourism Kelowna Awarded Contract for Lake Country Mobile Visitor Services Pilot
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On April 21, the District of Lake Country announced that it would be awarding Tourism Kelowna the contract to pilot mobile visitor services in the community this summer. The pilot, which will begin in mid-May and run into September, will see mobile visitor services initiatives launched in high traffic locations around Lake Country, such as beaches, parks, events, and attractions, to engage with residents and visitors.
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By offering information at these locations, Tourism Kelowna will be able to disperse people to experiences & businesses that may not be as well known (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Share pictures on social media and don’t forget to use the hashtags #GreenMeansGo and #TourismWeekCanada2022.
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National Tourism Week 2022
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Tourism Week in Canada is back again from May 29-June 4, 2022, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) is recognizing the importance of the industry and the resilience of its workers by calling on all Canadians to TRAVEL NOW - for work, life, and play! TIAC is asking for your support to champion local tourism destinations, businesses, and employees by lighting up your business in Tourism Week’s “Glowing Green” (colour hex code: #8BC53F) all week long.
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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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