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Destination BC Directions: September 8, 2022
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Sunset over Marichel Vineyard (Destination BC/Andrew Strain).
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Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Program Guidelines and refer to them throughout the application process.
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Destination BC 2023/24 Open Pool Co-op Marketing Program Guidelines and Applications Go Live
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We are excited to announce that the Open Pool Co-op Marketing Program guidelines and application form for the 2023/24 fiscal have been published!
•All participants (new and returning) must submit an application by 4:30 pm PST on November 30, 2022
•The matching funding requirement has returned to the program
•Funding requests must be for a minimum of $20,000, to a maximum of $250,000, per year
•Expanded eligible activities include inclusive marketing, expanded digital audits, vertical stories for participation in Destination BC’s BC Story Network, and more.
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Tourism Marketing Committee Applications for the 2023-2025 Term Now Open!
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Want to join the Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) and work with us to develop a successful, dynamic, and sustainable tourism sector for BC? The call for applications for the 2023-2025 term is now open with a deadline of October 11, 2022. We are seeking six representatives for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2023. The TMC requires one representative from the following tourism regions: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC & Vancouver, Coast and Mountains. Additionally, the TMC needs two representatives from Vancouver Island. No new representatives for the Thompson Okanagan region are required for 2023. Find out more about the skills/experience we are looking for and apply!
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Share this update and the application process with your networks! (Destination BC/Kari Medig)
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Co-op Marketing Highlight - Take flight with The BC Bird Trail!
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This September brings the launch of the third annual BC Bird Trail campaign. Supported by funding from Destination BC's Co-op Marketing program, and through social media, blog posts, feature video, photography, and community engagement, the BC Bird Trail showcases diverse birdlife and habitats while highlighting destination management organizations (DMO's) through a nature tourism lens.
Joining the flock for 2022/23, Whistler and Squamish are forming the Sea To Sky Bird Trail – with Langford and Osoyoos joining as independent Bird Trail Outposts. Looking to continue expansion with subsequent campaigns, the BC Bird Trail is seeking new DMO's interested in joining the program's twenty-plus partners ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
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Destination BC’s Fall Marketing Campaign Needs your Travel Offers
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Destination BC’s fall marketing campaigns will encourage people from British Columbia and Alberta to explore BC. As part of these campaigns, we are promoting travel offers posted to the Travel Deals page on HelloBC and encouraging potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations – and we need your help! Eligible businesses are encouraged to post travel offers on HelloBC to help us drive visitors to you.
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There is no cost to participate and submitting your offers is easy! (Northern BC Tourism/Jeanine Philippe)
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There are two fall intakes on October 4 & 11. Register today!
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Register for the Tourism Digital Academy program!
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The free 8-week digital marketing program is for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing. Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. To make the program more accessible, we've combined self-guided learning videos with live sessions which will reduce scheduled time and improve flexibility for businesses, as the self-directed learning videos can be watched on participants’ own schedules during the course and are available 24/7.
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Condolences on the Passing of Big White Ski Resort's Family Patriarch - Peter Robert Schumann
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Destination BC would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Big White family and team over the recent passing of Big White's former president, Peter Robert Schumann. Peter served as the president and “family representative” at Big white until his retirement in 2014 and he will be dearly missed.
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There will be a memorial held at a later date at a location to be determined, followed by a reception.
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BC residents concern for welcoming international visitors drops to historic study low
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Destination BC’s latest Resident Perception report shows that 63% of BC residents are concerned with welcoming visitors from other countries into their community, a historical low for the study.
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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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If there is a fire in your community, call (toll-free) 1 800 663-5555 (or *5555 from a cellphone) or use the Report of Fire function on the BC Wildfire Service app.
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Wildfire Activity in BC Anticipated to Extend into September
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British Columbians should remain alert to the threat of wildfires as conditions remain warm and dry throughout September. Seasonal and above-seasonal temperatures forecast for September mean that wildfire risk remains a concern throughout the province. The number of wildfires and area burned are lower than the 20-year average for British Columbia at this time of year.
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Public Invited to Share Input for Kamloops Area Transportation Strategy
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Share your input for the Kamloops Area Transportation Strategy! The Kamloops area is important for local and long-range travel as it serves as a vital connection point between the Trans-Canada Highway and Yellowhead Highway 5. Provide feedback about transportation needs in Kamloops and the surrounding area by participating in an online public engagement opportunity.
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Complete the online survey by September 16, 2022.
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Read more about the new refund regulations.
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Government of Canada Changes to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations Take Effect this Week
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Effective September 8, 2022, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations will require that airlines refund passengers for cancellations and long delays if customers can't be rebooked on an available flight within 48 hours. Airlines will be required to provide a refund within 30 days to the original payment method.
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Communities Throughout Northern British Columbia Receive Funding to Revitalize Public Spaces and Enhance Tourism Experiences
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Throughout northern British Columbia (NBC), communities are ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enjoy accessible public spaces and new and improved tourism experiences. The Government of Canada announced an investment of over $2.6 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for eight projects, and $297,498 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) for three projects, in NBC. These investments will enable the upgrade of public spaces and enhancement of tourism experiences in many communities spanning from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii, and more.
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Learn more about the full list of projects.
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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 streams 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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Using Google Analytics to Understand Your Audience
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To market in meaningful and compelling ways, you need to know your audience. Explore how Google Analytics can help you understand who your visitors are.
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You can also learn more by exploring the free Analytics Academy provided by Google (Unsplash).
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New Executive Director for Tourism Valemount
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Please join us in congratulating the new Executive Director of Tourism Valemount, Marcie Down. Marcie is from the rural community of Cache Creek, BC where she was the Executive Director for Gold Country Communities Society (GCCS), a non-profit destination marketing organization that promotes tourism and economic development to the BC Interior. She and the GCCS team through the pandemic, wildfires, and flooding, learned to pivot quickly and to work with the surrounding communities and DMO’s to promote safe travel in, and around the communities during a tumultuous time for the tourism industry.
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New Seasonal Mat Makes Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach Accessible to All
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A recently installed mat is making it easier for people with accessibility needs to enjoy Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach. The seasonally installed, non-slip walkway called “Mobi Mat” can be found near the Kin Hut Activity Centre and helps those with wheels, including wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, and kayak trailers, access the beach area
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The mat is made from recycled materials and is part of The City of Nanaimo's Strategic Plan to create a more livable, inclusive community.
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Book a staycation in BC this fall! (Northern BC Tourism/Brandon Broderick)
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BC Ranked One of the Best Places to Travel in September
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According to Time Out magazine, BC is one of the best places to travel in the world in September! BC is considered top-tier when it comes to wilderness, natural landscapes, outdoor activities, local wine and coastal (& food truck accessible) hikes.
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Whistler and Big White Rank Among the Most Popular Ski Resorts in the World
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Congratulations to Whistler Blackcomb & Big White Ski Resort for ranking among the most popular ski resorts in the world! A new global study by money.co.uk, “Where the World Wants to Go Skiing," revealed that Whistler ranked #5 and Big White ranked #12 in the world.
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Overall, when it comes to the most popular countries around the world, Canada is home to the most ski resorts people want to ski in.
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Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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SAP Canada Expanding Pro Bono Volunteering to Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses
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SAP Canada has launched a Pro Bono for Economic Equity program in support of Indigenous-owned businesses. Over six weeks, SAP employees will spend one week working full-time with their assigned Indigenous-owned business and five weeks working at least eight hours per week. They have begun the volunteer recruitment and training process and are looking for Canadian Indigenous-owned businesses to sign up and participate in the program.
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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 "Creating a Website for Your Business" (Sept 13) and "Marketing for Small Business" (Sept 27). To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Camping Appreciation Weekend
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September 9 – 11, 2022 is Camping Appreciation Weekend! Camping is an affordable family activity that promotes a sense of community, creates life-long memories and encourages British Columbians and visitors to discover BC’s rich landscape and engage with nature. Book a camping spot at one of the participating BC campgrounds (advance reservations are recommended).
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Wine Growers British Columbia - New Instagram Account
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Following a hacking incident in July 2022, Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) has launched a new Instagram account @WinesofBC. WGBC is thrilled to once again be sharing posts and stories from @WinesofBC and they would love for you to rejoin their Instagram journey by following their new handle! Follow and tag @WinesofBC for all things #BCWine and as we head into fall, WGBC encourages you to #SwirlBC with them.
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Help them rebuild their Instagram community by sharing this news with your networks!
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Local workers & families will benefit from earning a living wage as Canada’s economy continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Vancouver Airport Authority Living Wage Employer
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Vancouver Airport Authority has announced its certification as a Living Wage Employer, making Vancouver International Airport (YVR) the first airport in Canada to achieve this designation. As a Living Wage Employer, the Airport Authority pays all 600 of its direct employees at or higher than the designated living wage for Metro Vancouver. Local workers and families will benefit from earning a living wage as Canada’s economy continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Disability Employment Month at SBBC
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September marks Disability Employment Month in BC. With funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia WorkForce Development Agreement, Small Business BC (SBBC) is marking this occasion by hosting Accessibility Month: It Matters. All month long, SBBC is offering free access to business education for their entire community – regardless of disability status. Their goal is to make SBBC’s educational resources as widely accessible as possible.
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Access free webinars for accessibility month online.
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Stay tuned for the agenda and registration details.
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Save the Date for the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference!
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The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) have announced that the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference will take place in Prince George from March 1st – 3rd, 2023. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with other tourism businesses, DMO’s, industry colleagues, communities and government leaders - share ideas, ask questions, network, learn, and explore northern BC!
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