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Destination BC Directions: June 16, 2022
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Reflection of trees on the water along the Nisga'a Highway (Destination BC/Grant Harder).
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This event will attract visitors from all over the world, driving long-lasting benefits for BC's economy and tourism sector.
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Vancouver Named FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Host City
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FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026! This is the first time that FIFA Men's World Cup matches will be played on Canadian soil, and the tournament is watched by billions of people around the world. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the tourism sector, put the global spotlight on British Columbia and inspire the next generation of players. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico with matches held in select host cities across North America.
Our CEO, Richard Porges, attended this week's FIFA World Cup 2026 press event at BC Place Stadium with the Honorable Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and Royce Chwin, President and CEO at Destination Vancouver (photographed together on left).
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Rendez-vous Canada 2022 In-Review
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Canadian tourism suppliers and international/domestic tour operators descended on Toronto, May 24 -27, 2022 for the first in-person Rendez-vous Canada since 2019. RVC 2022+ was a hybrid event where both in-person and virtual appointments were conducted. More than 1,250 delegates participated including over 500 buyers (tour operators) from Destination Canada’s (DC) key markets, 450 seller organizations (Canadian tourism suppliers) and more than 750 seller delegates.
BC had a strong presence with more than 105 organizations participating, with 187 delegates. Destination BC delegates conducted more than 311 pre-scheduled appointments with buyers, BC sellers, media and DC with many more added on-site. Read on for the positive feedback and insights from tour operators in our key markets about travel to Canada and BC.
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Entertainment for the lunch was provided by Myc Sharratt from Nanaimo and a member of the Burns Lake Band.
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Please join us in congratulating Willie!
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New Indigenous Specialist For Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region
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Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) region are pleased to announce Tsunaxen, Willie Lewis, as the Indigenous Specialist for the region. Willie will collaborate with Indigenous communities and industry partners to support experience and destination development.
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Air Canada YVR to Brisbane Launches Soon!
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Last week, Destination BC, Destination Vancouver and YVR teamed up with Air Canada in Australia to host an industry event in celebration of the return of Air Canada’s direct service from Vancouver to Brisbane, commencing on July 3 with four flights per week. Destination BC’s Australian PR and media representative, Lizzie Doyle, attended and presented to over 100 key industry representatives on the icons of British Columbia, as well as Vancouver.
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Agents sought itinerary combination advice about BC and Alaska cruise routes.
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A great 2022/23 ski season awaits!
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Australians Keen to Ski BC Slopes in 2022-2023!
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The 2022 Australian Snow Travel Expos wrapped up last month in Melbourne and Sydney with Aussies showing keen interest in overseas ski holidays. Destination BC in partnership with Destination Canada, the Government of Canada, BC ski resorts (Whistler, Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Revelstoke), Alberta ski resorts and the Yukon and Northwest Territories, hosted consumers to showcase all things winter in Canada – from skiing to snowmobiling, Northern Lights and dog sledding. Australian ski wholesalers are reporting record early bookings for returns to favorite ski destinations including BC ski resorts.
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Beijing Consumer Event: Sustainable Travel, Camping, Yoga & Livestream
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As part of our 2022 travel trade co-op marketing in China, Destination BC China and CYTS Sparkle Tour, one of our key trade clients targeting HVT (high value travellers), hosted a consumer camping event on June 12 in Beijing. More than 40 high-end consumer guests attended. With the theme of 'Explore BC and find sustainable travel”, Destination BC China, Sparkle Tour and an expert in Leave-No-Trace (LNT) delivered presentations about BC as a destination, themed itineraries and LNT best practices. The presentations were followed by a 'learn-to-set-up-a-tent' program and a sunset yoga experience, supported by Lululemon.
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During the event, Jodie Hu with Destination BC China launched a travel-trade facing livestream program with the camping theme which kicked off our 2022 travel trade livestream series.
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Visit our DEIA landing page learn more about our biggest takeaways from our work in 2021.
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We’re Listening, Learning, and Taking Action
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Over the past two years, Destination BC has been taking a thoughtful approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We understand our responsibility to do better, and believe that the greatest contribution we can make to changing structural inequities is sustained action within our organization, and within our work. We understand change will take time, and we are committed to implementing our learnings around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) into everything we do, and sharing these learnings with our industry partners.
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Indigenous Coastal Wildlife Collective
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The Indigenous Coastal Wildlife Collective was created to set the standard for wildlife viewing that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and ensures respect and reciprocity in guest interactions with wildlife in these special ecosystems. Formed by Coastal Rainforest Safaris, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, Knight Inlet Lodge, Klahoose Wilderness Resort, Sea Wolf Adventures and Spirit Bear Lodge with support from Destination BC’s Co-op Program, The Indigenous Coastal Wildlife Collective highlights Indigenous owned and operated tourism businesses on the West Coast of British Columbia who specialize in offering world class wildlife tours through a Coastal First Nations lens.
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Grizzly Bear stands among the long estuary grasses (John Czornobaj).
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70% of BC residents' feel safe travelling to other Canadian provinces or territories
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Destination BC’s latest Research Roundup shows that 70% of BC residents feel safe travelling to other provinces or territories in Canada.
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This report summarizes the various research findings from Destination BC, suppliers, other tourism agencies and associations.
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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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64% of BC Residents' comfortable with air travel, a historic high for the study
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Destination BC’s latest Resident Perception report shows that 64% of BC residents are comfortable travelling via airplane for non-essential purposes, a historic high for the study.
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The Budget 2023 consultation, including the online survey, is open until June 24, 2022, at 3 pm (Pacific time).
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British Columbians Invited to Share 2023 Budget Priorities
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People in British Columbia are asked to share their ideas and priorities to help make life better for people, businesses and communities as government plans Budget 2023. Budget 2022 focused on continuing to protect people’s health and livelihoods, while building an economic future that works for everyone. Government will continue to put people first and, as government looks ahead to Budget 2023, continue to look for ways to keep bringing costs down for families.
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Government Launches Preparedness Plan for Heat Events, Heat Alert
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The Province is launching the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) to help ensure people, First Nations communities and local governments have the tools they need to stay safe during heat events. Under BC HARS, the Province is prepared to issue a Broadcast Intrusive alert for extreme heat emergencies. The Province is also bringing in additional measures to bolster B.C.’s ambulance system to better respond to a significant increase in 911 calls during a heat emergency.
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Learn more by reading PreparedBC’s Heat Preparedness Guide.
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During the next 3 years, BC Parks is investing to expand opportunities for outdoor recreation by adding new campsites & trails & upgrading facilities (Destination BC/Dave Heath).
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BC Parks Day-Use Pass Program Continues in Three Popular Parks
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The free BC Parks day-use pass program will continue in three popular provincial parks this summer to maintain a balance between growing numbers of visitors and conserving the natural environment. Beginning June 17, 2022, people accessing Golden Ears Park, Joffre Lakes Park and three trailheads at Garibaldi Park during peak hours will need to obtain a free day-use pass. The passes will be available online and can be reserved at 7 am, two days prior to the planned visit here.
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Province Launches Public Engagement on Strengthening Great Bear Rainforest
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The Province and its partners are leading a review to ensure BC’s Great Bear Rainforest remains preserved and protected while supporting sustainable forestry. The Province has been working in government-to-government partnership with First Nations and seeking input from stakeholders to complete a five-year review of the implementation of ecosystem-based management (EBM) in the Great Bear Rainforest. EBM is a land and resource management approach that considers the interconnectedness of people, place and ecology.
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EBM seeks to find the balance between conservation and economic development in a way that supports local communities and the broader ecosystem.
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This funding will help enable the BC Wildfire Service to focus on all four pillars of wildfire management.
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Province Provides Funding to Reduce Community Wildfire Risks, Enhance Forest Health
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To reduce wildfires in higher-risk communities, the BC government is providing $25 million in new funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). This investment will support community projects that reduce wildfire risk and enhance wildlife habitat, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, forest recreation and ecological resiliency. Applications for this funding will open on June 20, 2022.
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Permanent Repairs Begin Soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
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Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia. Work is expected to be substantially complete this winter. All efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours, and crews will work overnight when possible.
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Advanced notice of any traffic disruptions will be provided. Updates will be available online at DriveBC.ca and on Twitter at @DriveBC.
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Check the River Forecast Centre website for updated advisories and forecasts that show specific areas of heightened flood risk.
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British Columbians Urged to Prepare for Spring Flood Season
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British Columbians are urged to follow all directions of local authorities and take steps to prepare for the possibility of flooding. The risk of spring flooding is elevated across BC, particularly in parts of the Interior and the North, due to a significant delay of snowmelt from cooler-than-normal conditions in April and May.
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Read the full news release and backgrounder to learn more.
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Government of Canada Announces Suspension of Vaccine mandates for Domestic Travellers, Transportation Workers & Federal Employees
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The government announced this week that, as of June 20, 2022 it will suspend vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and federal government employees. Below is a summary of key impacts to travellers and transportation workers:
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As of June 20, the vaccination requirement to board a plane or a train in Canada will be suspended.
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Federally regulated transport sector employers will no longer be required to have mandatory vaccination policies in place for employees.
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Due to the unique nature of cruise ship travel, vaccination requirements for passengers and crew of cruise ships will continue to remain in effect.
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Masking and other public health protection measures will continue to be in place and enforced on planes, trains, and ships.
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Current border measures, including the existing vaccination requirement for most foreign nationals to enter Canada, and quarantine and testing requirements for Canadians who have not received their primary vaccine series, remain in effect.
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New Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
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The Government of Canada announced the launch of public consultations for the post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Canadian tourism stakeholders from coast to coast to coast are invited to share feedback as the federal government works towards charting a path forward for the tourism sector. The strategy will build on the work already done since the launch of the original strategy in 2019, with a particular focus on:
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Labour gaps and instability
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Investment attraction and destination development
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Long-term economic growth across the country
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The consultation period will run for 64 days, from May 18, 2022 to July 20, 2022. Share feedback before the deadline (Tourism Vancouver Island/The Great Trail).
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This funding will help provide better access to recreational programs and facilities while boosting their economic vitality.
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Communities Across Northern BC Receive Funding to Renovate Public Spaces and Make Tourism More Accessible
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The Government of Canada recently announced total investments of over $1.8 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for five projects in Northern BC (NBC). Public spaces in Prince George, Burns Lake, Houston, and McBride will be upgraded to better serve the community. Additionally, the Government of Canada announced $150,500 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) to support the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) with addressing strategic recommendations to help increase access and inclusion for tourism-based operators.
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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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Telling the Story of Beer in British Columbia: The BC Ale Trail
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Learn more about how the BC Ale Trail, which provides recommended routes and itineraries, uses content marketing to tell the story of beer in British Columbia.
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Watch the case study video to learn more! (BC Ale Trail)
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Learn more about the award announcement (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Kamloops and the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Win National Municipal Collaboration Award
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The City of Kamloops and the First Nation of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc have received national recognition for their Building Relationships Towards Reconciliation partnership from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), presented with the first-ever 2022 CAMA Collaboration Award. Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc share a vision and commitment toward reconciliation through relationship building that spans multiple fronts and has become a recognized example for others to follow.
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Big White Ski Resort Investing in Upgrades
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It’s been a tough couple of years for the ski industry, but we are now on the road to recovery. Big White Ski Resort is investing millions in machinery, resort infrastructure, lift maintenance, staff accommodation upgrades, and more to ensure your future visits to the resort are better than ever before!
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Read more about the upgrade plans! (Big White Ski Resort)
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More than nine out of ten outdoor recreation survey participants agree that outdoor recreation is good for mental & physical health (Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton).
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New Ipsos Survey Confirms Importance of Trails and Outdoor Recreation to British Columbians
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A new online poll conducted on behalf of the Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia shows that British Columbians are enthusiastic about outdoor recreation and support more government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities in the province. Survey highlights:
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7/10 BC residents have participated in outdoor recreation activities in BC in the past 12 months.
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3/4 BC residents agree that access to good outdoor recreation opportunities is an important reason they chose to live in their communities.
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Pacific Coastal Airline Resumes Flights Between Cranbrook and Kelowna
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Pacific Coastal Airlines will be resuming service between Cranbrook (YXC) and Kelowna (YLW) effective September 12, 2022. The non-stop flight service will operate three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Tickets are now available for purchase. To book a flight visit pacificcoastal.com or contact their Call Centre at 1-800-663-2872.
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Book your next flight to Cranbrook!
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The new terminal expansion offers eight new gates, adding capacity and flexibility to accommodate large aircrafts.
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YVR Opens Newly Expanded International Terminal for Full Operations
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Vancouver Airport Authority has announced the start of full operations of its newly expanded international terminal. At nearly 300,000 square feet, the Pier D project is the airport’s largest terminal expansion since 1996 and incorporates the latest advances in operational excellence, passenger experience, climate, and accessibility. Pier D was initially part of the airport’s multi-year capital program and was maintained as a priority through the pandemic to ensure capacity for continued connectivity and growth, and to strengthen Vancouver International Airport (YVR’s) position as a diverse global hub.
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JetBlue Launches Service to Canada with Daily Flights Between Vancouver and JFK
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Discount U.S. airline JetBlue launched its service to Canada with the first flight arriving last week in Vancouver from New York’s JFK International Airport. The airline will fly between JFK International Air Terminal and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) daily on its A320 aircraft.
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JetBlue is the only carrier to serve the western Canadian city with non-stop service from JFK.
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Comox Valley has seen an increase in demographics, resulting in demand for inbound travel to the Valley.
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Swoop Lands in Comox Valley
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Last week, the inaugural Swoop flight from Edmonton to Comox landed at the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ). Swoop joins Flair Airlines as the second ultra low cost carrier to fly into the Comox Valley. Swoop offers twice-weekly service from Edmonton, using their fleet of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. With this addition, the airline now serves Vancouver Island with service to Comox and Victoria.
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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 'National Indigenous Day Peoples Celebration' (June 24) and 'Going Digital Series: Payment Solutions for Your Business' (June 30, July 8, Aug 25). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Destination Canada's Virtual Annual Public Meeting
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Join Destination Canada's Annual Public Meeting (APM) on June 23 to learn about the impacts of the past year, and their competitive strategy to rebuild the tourism industry, both domestically and internationally. As part of the APM, Destination Canada invites you to submit your questions in advance by emailing [email protected].
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Canadian Tourism Awards Presented by TIAC
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The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in Canada's tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations, and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada. TIAC’s 2022 Canadian Tourism Awards will take place on November 23 at the Westin Ottawa and will be presented in 9 categories. The nomination deadline is July 31, 2022.
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Any Canadian tourism-related product, business, association, initiative, or service that occurred from July 31, 2021 to July 31, 2022 is eligible.
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The Xatśūll Heritage Village is located near the Soda Creek Emporium.
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Xatśūll First Nation in BC Hopes to Bring in Tourists with Opening of Old Restaurant
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Xatśūll First Nation in the interior of BC is hoping to bolster tourism and visitation by investing in a multi-million dollar project that includes reopening a historic gas station and restaurant. In partnership with the Xatśūll Development Corporation, the band will spend $3.8 million for the site to reopen. It will also include a seasonal museum and electric car charging stations.
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Take the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge
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Launched in June 2021 by GreenStep with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is a global movement of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the tourism and hospitality industry that believe tourism has a tremendous opportunity to become a force for good and change the world. The purpose of the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge is to help tourism businesses and destinations measure and improve their sustainability performance. Take the pledge today!
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By signing on the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge, your organization will receive access to sustainability tools, templates, and resources.
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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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