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VANCOUVER, COAST & MOUNTAINS
October 2022 NEWSLETTER
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Grizzly bears prepare to hibernate for the winter | Destination Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
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VCM Sustainability Council Update
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The VCM Sustainability Council has been making headway with its key priorities. Three sub-committees have been formed, each tasked with a strategic area of focus. Key priorities are:
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Enhancing resident and community engagement and prosperity through tourism and the visitor economy.
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Improving industry adoption of sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
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Promoting respectful and sustainable visitor practices within communities, natural spaces and cultural sites.
The three working groups are meeting regularly to narrow their focus, establish goals and make their recommendations. If you have questions about the work of the VCM Sustainability Council, contact Allison.Picard@destinationbc.ca.
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Travel Trade & Travel Media Relations Update
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In August, Destination BC hosted a familiarization tour to the Fraser Valley for a group of 13 receptive tour operators from the Lower Mainland who serve the Asian markets. The group visited agritourism sites in Abbotsford and Langley, including Sinocan Winery (pictured).
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Destination BC’s summer/fall group press trips wrapped up this month with itineraries in the Fraser Valley in August for three media from the US and Australia, and the Sunshine Coast in September for four media from the US, UK and Canada. In October, Destination BC will host media events in Vancouver and Calgary after a 2.5-year hiatus. For more information about VCM’s travel trade and travel media relations activities, or to share new product updates and story ideas, contact Heather McGillivray at heather.mcgillivray@destinationbc.ca.
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Deadline Approaching: Tourism Marketing Committee
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Destination BC is seeking six representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee, and there’s still room for a representative from the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region. The application deadline is October 11 at 5pm. Want to help develop a successful, dynamic and sustainable tourism sector for BC? Apply today!
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Want to join Destination BC's Tourism Marketing Committee? | Tourism Chilliwack
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Share your thoughts on the BC Parks Day Use Pass Program. | Destination BC/Andrew Strain
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Share Your Feedback on the BC Parks Day Use Pass Program
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BC Parks is seeking feedback on its Day Use Pass Program. Read about the evolution of the day-use pass program, and the rationale for introducing it to select parks, on the BC Parks website – then take the survey below.
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SORCA & Squamish Nation Sign Historic Agreement
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Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Squamish Nation that will help to shape future recreational land use. The agreement establishes engagement processes for stewardship; governs the conduct of SORCA’s members, volunteers and contractors; and allows for trail use on selected private property.
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SORCA signed an MOU with the Squamish Nation. | Tourism Chilliwack/Jennifer Kleingeltink
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Congratulations Destination Vancouver! | Destination Vancouver/Suzanne Rushton
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Destination Vancouver Wins 2022 Marketer of the Year Award
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Congratulations to Destination Vancouver, which earned the prestigious BC Chapter of the American Marketing Association (BCAMA) award for Marketer of the Year! The accolade is presented annually to the most outstanding integrated marketing strategy in the province.
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Trail Funding Secured in the Sea to Sky
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The Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) secured funding this summer to continue construction for the Sea to Sky Trail between Squamish and Whistler. Part of the Trans Canada Trail system, the Sea to Sky Trail begins at the Squamish waterfront and runs north for 180 kilometres through the Sea to Sky Corridor to D’Arcy, linking the Pacific Ocean in the south to the snow-capped Coast Mountains to the north.
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The SLRD also secured funding to undertake planning activities for the Friendship Trail, a subset of the Sea to Sky Trail. This seven-kilometre multi-use trail links the communities of Pemberton and Mount Currie (Lil’wat Nation). Check out the trail map to plan your next adventure!
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BC’s hotel occupancy rate for the week of September 12 was 83%, an increase of +8 points from the previous week. This week, occupancy rates are pacing ahead of the same week in 2021 (+17 points) and are pacing just behind rates seen during the same period in 2019 (-1 point). The change in the occupancy rate, relative to the same period in 2019, varies across the province: Vancouver (-2 points), Kelowna (-5 points), Victoria (-6 points), Whistler (-7 points), Richmond (-11 points), Revelstoke (+5 points), and Kamloops (+10 points).
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FortisBC Small Business Support Program
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To help support small- and medium-sized businesses in BC in the recovery from the challenges of COVID-19, FortisBC has partnered with GreenStep Solutions to provide free, customized energy advice. You can get tips, technical advice and information that can help you save energy, greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.
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Sign Up for the October Intake of the Tourism Digital Academy Program
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The Tourism Digital Academy is back! This free, eight-week digital marketing program was created for BC tourism businesses seeking to build their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level. Designed for business owners or marketing team members, the comprehensive program provides actionable guidance that will help build a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing and analytics.
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"Spark" Program Expands to Surrey and White Rock
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Do you have a tourism idea for Surrey or White Rock? There’s a new program to help local entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations grow their tourism ideas. Register for an info session on October 17 to learn about the "Spark" Program, including what we’re looking for and how to apply. If your idea is selected, you could earn a $3,000 seed grant, mentorship and additional partner support to help get you started!
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Destination BC Co-op Marketing Program Applications Now Open
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Destination BC has released its 2023/24 Open Pool Co-op Marketing Program guidelines and application form. Note that funding requests must be for a minimum of $20,000, to a maximum of $250,000, per year. Completed applications must be submitted by November 30 at 4:30pm.
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Applications are open for Destination BC's Co-op Marketing Program! | BC Ale Trail
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