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Destination BC Directions: July 28, 2022
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The exterior wall at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery. Carving is called “Welh Áynexw tl’a Swa7ámchet” or “Spirit of Our Ancestors”. Artist: Sinàmkin (Jody Broomfield) of the Squamish Nation (Sunshine Coast Tourism/Shayd Johnson)
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Watch the Amazing Race Canada on CTV!
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Destination BC & Tourism Fernie Celebrate Community Feature on The Amazing Race Canada
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On July 19, the nation’s eyes were on Fernie, BC, as the town was featured in last week’s episode (Season 8, Episode 803) of CTV’s The Amazing Race Canada! To celebrate the incredible exposure opportunity for the local tourism industry, Destination BC and Tourism Fernie hosted a live viewing event for the airing of the episode. Destination BC provides support to the Amazing Race Canada team, as the show provides significant opportunity to showcase BC’s stunning natural assets, outdoor adventures, and world-class hospitality to viewers across Canada.
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Co-op Marketing Program Highlight-Fishing BC Presents: Rick Hansen's Fishing Story
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Rick Hansen is a Canadian icon and an internationally recognized advocate for accessibility. Fishing has been a big part of Rick’s life and his passion for angling, conservation, and accessibility are all part of his story. Rick's story is beyond inspirational and Fishing BC is honoured to be able share some of it with you. This film was developed using funding from Destination BC's Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program and produced in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation.
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“The outdoors should be accessible and inclusive to everyone” – Rick Hansen (Fishing BC)
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Download the app and #explorebc!
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Co-op Marketing Program Highlight-Wines of BC Explorer App
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This summer, uncover local wines and experiences with the Magellan Award-winning Wines of BC Explorer App, with 15k users and growing. The App is your companion for all things BC Wine – connecting you with the 9 unique regions, 380 wineries, and 7,800+ wines BC has to offer. Recently, events & lists were added as a new feature to the app. Click through to-do lists such as Tastings & Tours, Live Music, Food Events & Trucks and more! Funding from Destination BC's Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program was used to help develop the app.
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Emergency Preparedness for BC's Tourism Industry
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Emergencies can happen at any time, and seasonal transitions can put us at even greater risk of major weather events such as flooding and wildfires. With weather warming and a high season of travel underway, now is a timely opportunity to review emergency preparedness resources. Destination BC has a page dedicated to these resources, including preparedness guides, key agencies, and newly updated messaging & action guidance with shareable responsible travel graphics.
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Visit our social channels on Twitter and LinkedIn over the next few weeks for more resources and tips on emergency preparedness.
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Drivers on other routes throughout the province should also expect higher-than-average traffic volumes and plan accordingly.
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Stay Safe on the Road During the BC Day Long Weekend
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As the BC Day long weekend approaches, travellers are encouraged to stay safe on the road by planning ahead, using extra caution and being prepared for higher-than-normal traffic volumes. Drivers can expect delays on Coquihalla Highway 5 as portions of the highway are one lane in each direction, due to damage from the November 2021 atmospheric river and ongoing reconstruction work. The heaviest traffic volumes on the Coquihalla are anticipated from noon until 8 p.m. daily.
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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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More BC Residents planning to travel for an overnight trip, compared to previous month
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Destination BC’s latest Resident Perception report shows that 27% of BC residents are planning to travel in BC for an overnight trip in the next 4 weeks, up +2 points from the previous month
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Applications for funding will be awarded until the $25M program budget is expended.
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Province Provides Update on Wildfire Season, Latest Seasonal Outlook
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British Columbians can expect a transition to warmer and dryer conditions in July, signalling an increase in overall wildfire risk and fire danger ratings as the season progresses. As shown in the BC Wildfire Service’s latest seasonal outlook, current wildfire activity is minimal and concentrated in the northern half of the province, where recent rainfall has been minimal.
To help protect British Columbians from wildfires, applications are open for $25 million for community projects that reduce the risk of wildfires. The Province is providing the funding to the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). FESBC is welcoming applications from any society that has an interest in mitigating land-based wildfire hazards within the context of the program. The projects must all relate to wildfire risk reduction on provincial Crown land. Some tourism stakeholders that might be able to take advantage of this include ski hills, mountain bike trail societies, and campgrounds on or adjacent to Crown land.
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Province Launches E-Transfer for Evacuees
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The Province is launching upgrades to Emergency Support Services (ESS), including direct payment for evacuees to help meet their basic needs, including food and clothing. People in BC forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive ESS for immediate needs when alternative supports, including insurance or accommodation with friends and family, are not available. E-transfer is now available in many communities for people receiving ESS after being evacuated and registering with the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. To be eligible for an e-transfer, people must log in to ERA online with their BC Services Card app and register.
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Pre-register for Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca
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The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is open to small and medium-sized business with one to 149 employees.
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Digital Marketing Bootcamp Program
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Thousands of BC businesses will have the opportunity to hone their online skills with another extension of the popular Digital Marketing Bootcamp program. The Province has provided Alacrity Canada with an additional $1.5 million to run the program and support more than 2,000 BC businesses and their employees to acquire the digital marketing skills they need to shift through economic recovery and beyond. The Digital Marketing Bootcamp program has helped more than 6,000 participants get their business online, adapt to changing business models, respond to changing customer demands and spur business growth.
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Province Seeks Nominees for Medal of Good Citizenship
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BC’s tourism industry has stepped forward to help our communities in so many ways over the last year. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their efforts? British Columbians are encouraged to nominate their fellow citizens who have made outstanding contributions through exceptional service to their communities for this year's Medal of Good Citizenship. It recognizes people for extraordinary generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to their community. Nominations for this year’s Medal of Good Citizenship are being accepted until Sept. 6, 2022. Nominations received after that date will be considered for the 2023 cycle. British Columbians can nominate individuals, organizations or youth in their communities.
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This year’s recipients will be announced in early December to coincide with International Volunteer Day.
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The building will be owned and operated by the RCHS.
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Affordable Homes Built for Resort, Hospitality Workers in Revelstoke
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People working in Revelstoke will soon have access to 24 new affordable rental homes. These homes are the result of a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, Columbia Basin Trust, the City of Revelstoke and the Revelstoke Community Housing Society (RCHS).The three-storey apartment building at 297 Humbert St. has 24 one-bedroom homes for individuals and couples with moderate and low incomes who are working in the city's resort and hospitality industries. It is near major tourist attractions, a grocery store and the Revelstoke central business district.
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BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan Continues with Fall Boosters
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British Columbians can look ahead to their next COVID-19 vaccine dose with the Province announcing a fall booster program as the next step in its COVID-19 immunization plan. Although people are advised to wait until the fall to receive their booster, those under 70 who got their last shot six months or more ago and who feel they have unique or special circumstances, can make an appointment for a second booster through the call centre.
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COVID-19 vaccinations are available in participating pharmacies and health authority clinics throughout the province.
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Budget 2022 also proposes to provide close to $75.8 million over five years, to work with provinces and territories to develop and harmonize emission and safety regulations.
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Government of Canada Announces New Incentives for Medium-and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Program
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The Government of Canada has announced the new Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program. Effective July 11, 2022, this four-year, close to $550 million program, will help businesses and communities across the country make the switch to zero-emission vehicles. The Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Program will provide purchase incentives worth approximately 50% of the price difference between an electric vehicle and a traditional vehicle. With this new program, the federal government is helping save money, reduce pollution, and support Canada’s target of 100% sales of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles be zero-emission vehicles by 2040, where feasible.
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Federal Wine Sector Support Program
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The Government of Canada has announced details of a new two-year, up to $166-million Wine Sector Support Program to help strengthen the future of the wine sector. Canada's vibrant wine sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with growth taking place in all areas of the value chain, from grape growing to retail sales and tourism. All licensed wineries in Canada that produce or contract out the production of bulk wine from primary agricultural products will be eligible for support under the program. Wineries are asked to thoroughly review the application process in advance.
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Applications for the first year of the program can be submitted online until August 12th.
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Learn more about eligibility criteria and apply online.
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Canada Digital Adoption Program
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As consumers increasingly move online to shop, it’s essential for small businesses to develop e-commerce capabilities to remain competitive. As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, a $4 billion investment to help small and medium-sized businesses get online with new digital tools, the Government of Canada has two steams to support small businesses across the country. They have partnered with Small Business BC and Digital Main Street to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with costs related to adopting e-commerce, with support provided from a network of E-commerce Advisors. They also support the Boost Your Business Technology grant which offers support to eligible businesses who want to adopt new digital technologies.
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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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Think like a photographer – How to Curate Great UGC
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Today, nearly everyone has the power and ability to capture and create quality content right at their fingertips. As a business, you can harness User-Generated Content (UGC) – the content created by others – to help tell your story in an authentic and trustworthy way. This article explores how to best curate visual UGC for your business – by thinking like a photographer.
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Before sharing UGC, always ask yourself, “What’s the goal for this content? Is this something my guests want to see?” (Unsplash)
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Learn more about Harbour Air and their flight schedules (Destination BC/Nathan Martin).
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Harbour Air Expands Service to Squamish
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With the completion of their newly constructed dock, Harbour Air is excited to announce that they can now provide service to the Squamish community. Located in the traditional territory of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw nation, Harbour Air’s dock is located on the east side of the new Oceanfront Squamish development and will be available for pick-up and drop-off service when connecting to a seaplane flight. With over 40 aircraft on the coast, Harbour Air will begin by offering on-demand flight service. They hope to also introduce year-round connection to Whistler via Squamish, as well as regular scheduled flights between their flagship location in Downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and Squamish.
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ITAC Launches The Original Original Accreditation Program
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The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors. The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. The Original Original Accreditation’s launch follows a successful pilot project that was developed in partnership with Tourism HR Canada, and included the accreditation of businesses such as Mahikan Trails, Tundra North and Metepenagiag Heritage Park.
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The Original Original Accreditation program is now available to all Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada (ITAC).
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The regional HR consultants are possible due to funding through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and Destination BC.
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go2hr Hires Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
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go2HR has launched a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC. The consultants will provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC across the entire HR cycle (recruiting, onboarding, on-the-job, and departure etc.). The HR consultants are:
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Cindy Conti (Vancouver, Coast & Mountains)
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Peter Charles (Vancouver Island)
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Sarah Best (Northern BC)
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Christie Blaquiere (Cariboo Chilcotin Coast)
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Sarah Moseley (Kootenay Rockies)
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Ginger Brunner (Thompson Okanagan)
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Vancouver Airport Authority Becomes First to Achieve a UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for an Airport
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UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has announced that Vancouver Airport Authority has achieved a UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the world’s first airport to receive this designation. YVR recently underwent an extensive process to earn the Verification, demonstrating excellent indoor air quality (IAQ) and water quality. A UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for Indoor Air and Water demonstrates that indoor spaces at YVR provide healthier indoor air quality. It also shows a commitment by the Vancouver Airport Authority to create and maintain indoor environments that support occupant health, well-being and comfort.
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These visits by UL Solutions included visual inspections, IAQ and water quality performance testing and assessments.
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Customers who search for flights between the U.S. and Canada on United’s or Air Canada’s websites and apps will find more flight options scheduled at more convenient times.
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Air Canada & United Airlines Expand Relationship to Make Transborder Travel Easier
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Air Canada and United Airlines have announced a joint business agreement for the Canada-U.S. transborder market, building on their long-standing alliance, that will give more flight options and better flight schedules to customers traveling between the two countries. Customers will be able to connect to 38 codeshare destinations in the U.S. and eight of the most popular cities in Canada — all while enjoying the benefits of the carriers’ MileagePlus® and Aeroplan loyalty programs. The agreement will also strengthen and grow both carriers’ networks and help accelerate their COVID-19 recovery.
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The Canadian Red Cross Launches Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program
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The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected individuals and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in BC. Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements may apply for $5,000 in funding.
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Small business owners and not-for-profit organizations can apply online until September 30, 2022 (The Canadian Red Cross).
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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 "Online Lead Generation for Small Business" (Aug 11) and "Going Digital Series: Payment Solutions for Your Business" (July 28, Aug 25). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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If you have any questions on the changes, please email: [email protected] or call 1-877-388-4440.
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Notice to Accommodators: Changes to Online Marketplace Facilitators
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Effective July 1, 2022, all online marketplace services, located in or outside of BC, must register to collect and remit PST on these services here. Online marketplaces for short-term rental accommodation (eg. Airbnb) will continue to collect MRDT as OAP revenue. Online marketplaces for large accommodation properties (eg. Hotels) will collect MRDT as general MRDT revenue. Related to the above changes, the following have been revised:
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Pack Lean, Leave Clean Recyle BC Camping Campaign
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Summer is camping season in BC, and Recycle BC is encouraging everyone to leave nature the way they found it with Pack Lean, Leave Clean. The Pack Lean, Leave Clean campaign raises awareness about recycling camping packaging, specifically soft plastics. The campaign teaches campers how to prepare, pack up and sort recyclables, making sure our parks are beautiful for decades to come. Recycle BC is inviting British Columbians and campers to follow their social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for tips, tricks and information about how to minimize waste by recycling camping packaging.
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Whether you’re escaping the city for the day or staying overnight and sleeping under the stars, plan to minimize your waste by bringing your recyclables back with you.
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The App can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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New Iconic Fernie App Launched
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The new iconic Fernie App brings together and enhances local experiences into various thematic self-guided tours for both visitors and residents starting with six unique themes. The ‘App’ way of exploring Fernie uses your GPS map function on your device to easily find all the locations desired and at one’s own pace, plus you can also choose to collect points for local rewards. The self-guided tour App aims to enrich the visitor experience, encourage greater knowledge and appreciation of everything Fernie, encourage shoulder season visitation and shopping local.
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TED@DestinationCanada—Do you know someone with an idea worth spreading?
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Destination Canada and TED are collaborating to create TED@DestinationCanada – a one-day event on February 23, 2023, featuring 14 inspiring speakers and two performers at the TED World Theater in New York. The theme for the event is : O P E N. TED is tapping into Destination Canada’s diverse ecosystem to source speakers who will highlight the brightest ideas that will shape our shared future. These ideas can support Destination Canada’s aspiration to enhance the quality of life of Canadians and enrich the lives of visitors, with TED helping to decide if ideas presented are worth sharing with the world.
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If you have an idea you would like to spread, or know someone who could be a great fit, complete the application by August 14, 2022.
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4VI earned its biosphere certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute this year, designating it as a sustainable destination and one that is also committed to progress under all 17 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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Early Lessons From Vancouver Island Tourism’s Shift From Marketer to Social Enterprise
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Tourism Vancouver Island announced in April it was shifting its traditional tourism marketing business model of more than 60 years to operate as a non-profit social enterprise — a business designed to invest all its revenue back into social goals. The organization rebranded themselves as “4VI” to reflect the four key pillars of community, businesses, culture, and environment. From an early decision to diversify revenue to defining what true collaboration entails to solve tourism’s key issues, a number of early lessons for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are emerging from 4VI’s social enterprise shift, even as their strategy continues to take shape.
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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 September 19, 2022.
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Any Canadian tourism-related product, business, association, initiative, or service that occurred from July 31, 2021 to September 1, 2022 is eligible.
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