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Directions: News from Destination BC
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The Spectrum Range in Mount Edziza Provincial Park (Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain).
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Destination BC Welcomes New Board Member - Annita McPhee
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We are thrilled to welcome Annita McPhee to our Board of Directors. Annita is from the Tahltan Tlingit First Nations located in Northwestern British Columbia. As the former three-term President of the Tahltan Central Government, Annita served three terms as the President of the Tahltan Central Council, and is the recipient of numerous awards for her vision and leadership. Annita was instrumental in the fight to save the Sacred Headwaters in Tahltan Territory, and was honoured with the The Leadership Award from Ecotrust for her work. Annita has served as an Advisor and Director on several national and provincial boards including the Legal Services Society, Prospector’s Developers Association Canada, BC Hydro’s Strategic Aboriginal Engagement Committee and the Minister of Aboriginal Relations Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women and the BC First Nations Justice Council.
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We're Hiring - Join the Destination BC Team!
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We're actively hiring for two full-time permanent positions:
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Director, Destination Development & Stewardship: This position leads the development and execution of strategic plans, business action plans and programs for BC that create and sustain the long-term competitiveness of the tourism industry. Apply here by Nov 7!
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Online User Experience Specialist: This role manages the implementation of design, development, enhancements and maintenance of all Destination BC’s web properties including information architecture, usability, interaction design, and analytics. Apply here by Nov 14!
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Visit our Career Opportunities webpage to learn more (Destination BC/Albert Normandin).
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Register through Eventbrite, or by emailing vcm@destinationbc.ca.
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You're Invited to the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum
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The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Tourism Region invites you to attend the 2022 VCM Industry Forum, taking place on Tuesday, November 29 from 9am – 4pm PST at the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier in North Vancouver. Topics will include the importance of creating a respectful workplace to retain staff, Indigenous tourism capacity building, and more.
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Along with Destination Canada, we recently hosted key Australian tour operators in BC, as part of Destination Canada’s strategy for reconnecting with leading travel trade representatives from key markets, and hosting them on VIP Fams and strategy meetings. In cooperation with tourism partners in BC, we created an itinerary which showcased BC’s nature, leveraging one of the key drivers for Australian travellers to visit BC. The group spent time in the rainforest, mountains and on the ocean, viewed wildlife, experienced Indigenous tourism products, enjoyed nourishing local food, and returned home with new friends, fond memories and the benefits of spending time in BC’s nature.
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Thank you to all of the tourism partners, including Destination Vancouver, Destination Canada and Team Canada for making this program and trip a success!
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Learn more about this work, the strategy overview, timelines and engagement, FAQs and more!
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Invest in Iconics Strategy Work
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We are transforming the way BC is seen through the eyes of travelers around the world. Through the Invest in Iconics Strategy work, we are competing fiercely to differentiate BC from other destinations and position the province as one of the most extraordinary places to visit on earth. Through new and compelling place brands, we can disperse our visitors to more places in the province, at more times of the year.
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#exploreBC Animated Stickers + GIPHYs
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Destination BC's Social Media team has released animated stickers and GIPHYs online! In total, 10 options are available for consumer use. Use them the next time you're creating a Reel or Story in Instagram! There are a few different keywords you can use to find them including British Columbia, hellobc, #explorebc, and more.
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Checkout the new GIPHYS online!
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In lieu of flowers or gifts, Trisha's family has requested that you please consider a donation in her name to your local SPCA or the BC Cancer Foundation.
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Condolences on the Passing of Trisha Larsen
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Our entire team extends our deepest sympathies to Trisha Larsen's family, friends, and team at The Web Advisors. Trisha's passing is a heartbreaking loss for BC's tourism industry and our thoughts are with her loved ones during this difficult time. She was a truly inspiring and passionate person and her bright spark of energy will be deeply missed.
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If you have questions, please reach out to MRDT@Destinationbc.ca.
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Government of BC Announces New Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT)
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A new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), of up to 2.5% on short- term accommodation sales can help communities cover the cost of hosting major international events, that help bolster provincial tourism and the economy. Communities hosting major international events need additional revenues to be able to plan, stage and host those events and reap the long-term economic benefits. The Major Events MRDT is a time-limited, dedicated funding tool that communities will be able to apply for through Destination BC. The Ministry of Finance will be working closely with the ministry responsible for tourism and Destination BC to develop policies and an application process so that communities can apply to have a Major Events MRDT collected within their jurisdictions where appropriate. Limited information is available at this time.
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Hospitality Sector Gets Boost through Expanded Hours during World Cup
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Bars, pubs, and restaurants in BC can temporarily extend operating hours during the 2022 FIFA World Cup from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. The event is being hosted in Qatar and the 10-hour time difference means many of the games will be held during the early-morning hours in BC. While there will be no change to the hours of liquor sales and service, bars, pubs and restaurants will be able to remain open for their patrons to watch the games and serve non-alcoholic beverages during the extended hours.
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In June 2022, Vancouver was announced as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Learn more and provide feedback by January 6, 2023.
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Input Wanted to Strengthen Flood Planning
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With climate change and extreme weather becoming more frequent, the Government of BC is inviting various sectors, including tourism and hospitality, to provide feedback about how best to prepare for future flooding in BC. Feedback is being gathered through an Intentions Paper on a proposed Flood Strategy (for release in 2023) that will manage flood safety risks in BC. The intentions paper provides discussion points about improved assessment, decision-making, preparedness and response, and crucial investments to safeguard communities.
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Economic Development Funding & Grants
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Wondering what funding sources are offered by the Province of BC? Find financial support for your economic development initiatives by easily searching the free online database. There are a number of funding sources that tourism industry stakeholders (businesses, regions, communities, and sectors) may consider and the database is a great tool to explore available options.
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Search the database today!
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Over 450,000 international visitors arrived to BC in August 2022
Destination BC’s latest International Visitor Arrivals figures show that 474,061 international visitors arrived to BC in August 2022. Top countries of arrival included the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Mexico.
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This monthly publication summarizes customs entries data to British Columbia and Canada from selected markets of origin.
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The dashboard is best viewed on a desktop device.
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Destination BC's Tourism Industry Dashboard
Destination BC’s tourism industry dashboard shows that BC’s average revenue per available room in August was $219, a +10.3% increase over 2019.
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Enhanced accessibility features will allow visitors with mobility challenges to experience every floor of the inspiring space (Government of Canada).
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Government of Canada Announces $10 Million to Science World for Building Upgrades and New Exhibits
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The Government of Canada has announced $10 million in funding to Science World to support building upgrades and new exhibits, including a new creative technology gallery! The funding is being provided through the Tourism Relief Fund and will help ensure this iconic educational facility continues reaching its full potential as a tourism attraction. This funding will support critical infrastructure and gallery renovations, including improvements to the dome, new energy efficient lighting, and mechanical upgrades.
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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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With a few tips and tricks, and some practice, you can create compelling, engaging videos for your audience (Unsplash).
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Capturing Mobile Video Tips and Tricks
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Capturing video on behalf of your business or destination can be intimidating, especially if it’s new to you. However, most of us already have the equipment available, in the palm of our hands, to create high-quality video content—thanks to our smartphones.
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The new Accessible Travel Guides highlight accessible tourism products within 17 participating Vancouver Island communities (4VI).
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Accessible Travel Guides Launched for the Vancouver Island Region
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The Vancouver Island Region now has a series of Accessible Travel Guides to serve travellers of all abilities. With the support of 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island), Spinal Cord Injury BC, Destination BC, and a group of Community Destination Management Organizations, each guide was developed by working in collaboration with travellers with both visible and invisible disabilities.
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Condé Nast Readers Rank Vancouver Island as one of 'The Best Islands in the World'
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Vancouver Island has ranked on Condé Nast's 2022 Readers' Choice Awards list for 'The Best Islands in the World.' Vancouver Island has consistently been voted a top island in Canada by Condé Nast readers and now it’s also a favorite in the world as a destination that offers a range of experiences from fishing, wine tasting, sailing, beach strolls, hiking, exploring nature trails, and more.
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The annual Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards captures the travel experiences their readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises and islands (Experience Comox Valley/Peter O'Hara).
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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 'Find Your Next Great Hire with SmartMove' (Nov 17) and 'Start Smart 1: Basics of Starting a Business' (Dec 7) To access the webinars free of charge, register online using coupon code DBC3034.
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Vrooman also highlighted YVR’s climate leadership through its recent Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation and its new Cascadia Corridor partnership.
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YVR Charts Course for Future Growth and Connection in Annual Address
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Last week, Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority, delivered YVR's Annual Address highlighting how YVR is growing and how the airport's many points of connection are supporting local businesses and communities now and in the future. Vrooman announced projections of increased passengers and provided significant updates on key growth priorities centered around land use, cargo, climate, and innovation, including exciting opportunities YVR is exploring beyond core airport operations.
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The BC Bird Trail Launches App
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Elevate your next birdwatching journey with the new BC Bird Trail Mobile Experience! The BC Bird Trail recently launched this free app to help birders of all levels track their progress across the best birding hotspots in BC. The app offers advanced birdwatching trip-planning based on recommendations by project partners at Birds Canada, Indigenous Tourism BC and Destination BC – plus countless local attractions, restaurants, independent businesses, and more all curated by local experts.
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Download it for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play (The BC Bird Trail).
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West Coast community members celebrate the unveiling of a new Welcome Map at the Junction visitor centre on Oct. 19 (Nora O’Malley photo).
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New Welcome Map Unveiled at Pacific Rim Visitor Centre
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Tourism Ucluelet recently unveiled a new regional Welcome Map at the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. The Welcome Map acknowledges six Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations tribes (Ucluelet First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Tseshaht First Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Ahousaht and Hesquiaht First Nation), municipalities and the National Park who collectively make up the West Coast region.
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Sensory Friendly Sundays at Museum of Vancouver
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Autistic people can be sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells. Creating a space that minimizes noise and bright lighting can allow for more inclusive and enjoyable experiences in indoor environments. With inclusivity in mind, the Museum of Vancouver has established the last Sunday of every month as a dedicated time for hosting a “relaxed” or low sensory day. During opening hours, most non-voluntary sounds are turned off or lowered in the galleries.
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This MOV initiative exemplifies a progressive committment to accessibility and inclusivity that's supported by Autism Canada.
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Take action to protect BC’s natural areas by adopting Invasive-Wise tourism practices!
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Join The Invasive-Wise Tourism Program
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BC’s tourism industry relies on the province’s amazing biodiversity and variety of healthy, natural landscapes. Invasive species damage ecosystems, landscapes and native wildlife – the very things that draw visitors here. Tourism operators are key partners in preventing the spread of invasive species. The Invasive-Wise Tourism program with the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) was developed to support tourism operators in adopting simple best management practices to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, protect BC’s biodiversity and tourism industry. Marina and tourism operators across BC are being invited to join the program! In addition to receiving FREE training, support, and resources, becoming an Invasive-Wise Tourism partner is a great way for businesses to stand out.
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