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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Heli-Hiking above Icefall Brook along the BC-Alberta border (Destination BC/Steve Ogle).
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Please join us in congratulating Erica on her new role!
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Welcoming Erica Hummel as our New Director, Destination Development and Stewardship!
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We are thrilled to announce that Erica Hummel is joining our Destination Management division on January 23 as our new Director, Destination Development and Stewardship. Erica has a master's degree in Tourism Policy and Planning from the University of Waterloo and has built her career in tourism working for destination management organizations in Ontario, BC, and Alberta. Most recently, she worked as Director, Destination Strategy for Explore Edmonton where she led the development and implementation of the city’s first ever 10 year Tourism Master plan. Prior to Explore Edmonton, Erica was the CEO of Tourism Prince George where she was responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, led a rebranding effort and established a new events partnership with the City of Prince George.
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Congratulations Northern BC 'Spark' Program Winners!
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Three finalists who made winning pitches for the Northern BC “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.
The goal of the initiative is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region. The Northern BC “Spark” Program winners are:
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Danielle Roscher – Untamed Tours
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David Vanderhoop – Haida Tide
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Chantal Bacchus – Haida Gwaii Volun-Tourism
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The winners will also gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.
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New Program Aims to 'Spark' Innovative Accessible Tourism Ideas in the Kootenay Rockies
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In partnership with the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association and and the Tourism Innovation Lab, we've launched the Kootenay Rockies Accessible Tourism “Spark” Program. The initiative is aimed at sparking and supporting innovative accessible tourism ideas in the Kootenay Rockies tourism region. Applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Kootenay Rockies from January 17 to February 28. Following a review process, five finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.
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Tourism Marketing Committee Member Update!
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We are excited to share that Ben Duthie, Marketing Manager, Bella Coola Heli Sports & Tweedsmuir Park Lodge and Jodi Westbury, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Destination Greater Victoria, have joined our Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) following a public call for applications this past fall 2022. Additionally, the Committee welcomes back returning members Amy Nunn, Chris Drysdale, Jayson Faulkner, Jessica Fremlin, and Michelle Brown, who have been reappointed for a second three-year term. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Erika Stenson, who completed two full terms as a TMC member with her final term concluding in December 2022. To learn more about the role and responsibilities of committee members, read the TMC Terms of Reference.
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Stay tuned for more exciting activities at the BC Canada Ski Café this winter!
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China Market Update - BC Canada Ski Café
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As a major initiative this winter season, our China team has been collaborating with Nanshan Ski Resort, the top ski resort in the Beijing area, working on rebranding the Nanshan Ski Café as the BC Canada Ski Café. The Café opened in early December and has received significant ski traffic since launching! On January 14, our China team hosted a two-hour livestream program in Nanshan, touring the café and exploring the ski slope followed by an indoor talk show led by our China in-market representative, Jodie Hu, along with X-Fox (the top Chinese ski/ snowboard pro and CMH agent in China), and Melody Xu (Nanshan Marketing Director).
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Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop Available for CDMOs, Experience Sector Associations and Visitor Centres
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Through collaborative consultation with tourism partners and in an effort to support industry with evolving community-based needs, we in partnership with the BCDMOA and Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., are pleased to offer the Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples Workshop in a customized format for Community Destination Management or Marketing Organizations (CDMO), Experience Sector Associations, and Visitor Centres. This training is designed to build awareness of indigenous peoples and support your organization in building relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses in BC.
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This workshop opportunity is open to BC-based CDMOs, Experience Sector Associations and Visitor Centres.
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Download the updated Emergency Messaging Guidance document and share the responsible travel infographics on your social channels!
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Winter Emergency Messaging Guidance
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Have you checked out the seasonal updates to the Emergency Messaging Guidance document for BC's tourism industry? The November 2022 document includes new fall/winter responsible travel infographics, and outlines official emergency information resources for BC, and suggested messaging, visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry during emergencies. It can help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
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Overall, 61% of telephone survey respondents and 34% of online survey respondents supported cannabis consumption spaces.
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Results of BC’s Cannabis Engagement Available in ‘What We Heard’ Report
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In spring 2022, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General invited Indigenous partners, stakeholders and anyone living in British Columbia to provide their thoughts on non-medical cannabis-consumption spaces. A summary of the feedback is now available online in a “What We Heard” report. Information was gathered to assess the level of public support and interest, and public-health and safety implications of cannabis-consumption spaces.
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Public Feedback Welcome on BC’s First Coastal Marine Strategy
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British Columbians are invited to provide input on BC’s first coastal marine strategy. The strategy is being developed in partnership with First Nations, whose historic knowledge and experience in coastal marine management will help inform long-term stewardship of BC’s diverse and unique marine ecosystems and habitats. People are being asked for feedback on an intentions paper that outlines the strategy’s goals and priorities. These include ensuring coastal areas remain healthy and resilient to climate change and can support community well-being and a sustainable ocean economy into the future.
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Public input on the coastal marine strategy closes on April 14, 2023.
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This report includes the results of the 2022 Public Perceptions of Tourism survey that was launched in May 2022 to understand BC residents’ perspective(s) on the impacts of tourism in BC.
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Over 90% of British Columbians believe tourism plays an important role in the Province's economic well-being
Destination BC's 'Public Perceptions of BC's Tourism Industry' survey shows that BC residents feel the tourism industry plays an important role in the economic well-being of both the province (94%) as well as their individual communities (80%).
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These projects grow economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve community wellness.
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Vancouver Island and Coast Communities Receive Over $3.9 million to Revitalize Public Spaces and Enhance Tourism Experiences
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The Government of Canada is providing PacifiCan funding for 21 projects across Vancouver Island and the Coast. This includes $155,000 for two projects funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and over $3.7 million for 19 projects funded through the Tourism Relief Fund. The Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society is using funding to expand the water taxi system connecting the five main Southern Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna, and support 12 local Island events. The enhanced service will make it easier for tourists to visit the region year-round. Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets means British Columbians and visitors have better access to recreational programs and facilities.
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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 over 300 Business Education webinars per year covering over 40 different business topics, SBBC is dedicated to helping you gain the business, financial, and digital literacy needed to develop your tourism business.
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Free Access to Small Business BC Webinars and Online Education
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We've partnered with Small Business BC (SBBC) to provide tourism stakeholders across the province with free access to SBBC’s webinars and online education to support COVID-19 recovery and help mitigate ongoing impacts.
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Click here for more information and to register.
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Free sessions to Help Tourism Businesses Address Labour Shortages
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Free sessions are being offered across BC by Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) to help businesses with recruitment efforts. These sessions cover attracting and recruiting francophone staff to help face the labour shortage currently impacting the tourism and hospitality industry in BC. The sessions offer information on how to use marketing tactics to reach qualified candidates and how to navigate immigration and work permits to recruit easily and quickly. These in-person sessions will take place in the below locations:
• Whistler - January 25th
• Kelowna - February 23rd
• Vancouver - March 22nd
Got questions? Contact Stéphanie Wetterwald at swetterwald@sdecb.com or 604-732-3534.
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Prince of Whales Donates $130,000 to Support Conservation
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Salmon are getting a boost for the start of the year as Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures donates $130,000 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) to support their Marine Science Program, dedicated to studying and mitigating environmental factors impacting the health of salmon. This donation will help the PSF in restoring salmon, which are a vital part of the marine ecosystem and play a crucial role in the health of our oceans.
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The ongoing partnership between Prince of Whales and the PSF is just one example of Prince of Whales’ commitment to sustainability and conservation.
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This is a great opportunity to share amongst your industry contacts and networks!
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BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Program - Now Accepting Applications!
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The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is now accepting applications for various scholarships to foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry workers and leaders. The BCHF offers a few year-round scholarships dedicated exclusively to supporting members of underrepresented groups such as First Nations and members of the LGBT2Q+ community and family members of the industry workers. The deadline for most scholarship submissions is March 31, 2023.
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Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association is Hiring!
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The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association is hiring for the permanent position of Director, Destination Development & Sustainability! This senior leadership role is responsible for leading key community engagement and stewardship plans and initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and quality of experiences and amenities for visitors and residents alike.
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Apply by 5:00 pm on Feb. 10, 2023 (Destination BC/Ryan Creary).
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TOTA Webinar: Introduction to Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform
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On Feb 2, 2023 @11:00 am, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is presenting a virtual walkthrough of the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform for BC tourism companies and how it can help to track progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the BiosphereSustainable.com platform, a sustainability management system for tourism companies.
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Attract Local Visitors and Reach New Audiences by Celebrating BC Heritage Week!
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From February 20 - 26, 2023, Heritage BC invites you to plan something special to highlight your community’s heritage. Whether you work with culture, arts, history, nature and wildlife, parks, experiences, or run a business with a longstanding history in your community - Heritage Week is your opportunity to showcase the history that makes your community unique. Looking to create a Heritage Week plan that involves community participation? Submit it to the Heritage Week Events Calendar which Heritage BC will be promoting throughout February. During Heritage Week, use #bcheritageweek, download the Heritage Week graphics, and share how you’re celebrating.
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Got participation questions? Contact Heritage BC’s Program Coordinator, Nathalie, at npicard@heritagebc.ca.
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