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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Ski school at Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers (Northern BC Tourism/Marty Clemens).
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Register for the Zoom webinar via Eventbrite, here.
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Join us on February 23 for the Release of our New Corporate Strategy!
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Join us at 10 am (PST) on Thursday, February 23, for a Zoom webinar, to learn about our new Corporate Strategy, where we’ll share our strategic direction for the next three years and beyond. With transformation and change upon us, it’s time for us to collectively recalibrate our goals and consider how we can continue to work better, together. And this strategy is our new path for success. It provides clarity about the choices we will make over the next three years, and beyond. Our intention is to focus on the following levers, to improve BC’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for people living in British Columbia through tourism over the long term.
• Compelling Reasons to Explore BC
• A Globally Competitive Tourism Ecosystem
• Respectful Growth of Indigenous Tourism.
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Strategy Engagement Sessions: Process and Themes
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In 2022, we conducted engagement sessions across the province for industry to provide input into the development of our 2023-2025 corporate strategy. During each session, our staff connected with individuals and small groups representing sector organizations, community DMOs, local governments, economic development agencies, funding organizations, port authorities, business improvement associations, chambers of commerce, visitor centres, and other community organizations. Staff also familiarized themselves with tourism businesses, suppliers, and communities during their trip. Feedback from the engagement sessions has been summarized by themes and Indigenous voices and perspectives have been woven throughout.
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Learn more about our engagement process and the resulting themes that are reflected in our strategy, here.
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Register and book accommodation for the conference online!
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2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Full Program Now Available!
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The full program for the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference from March 1 - 3 in Prince George is now available and it features a great lineup of key note speakers, learning opportunities, and breakout sessions! Our team is delivering four sessions including:
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Telling the Story of British Columbians’ Relationship with the Tourism Industry: Present & Future
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Learn about Destination BC’s Three-Year Marketing Strategy and 2023 Marketing Campaign Plan
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Successful Grant Writing—Tips, Tricks, and Techniques (two sessions)
Our team is thrilled to be a sponsor for this year's event and we look forward to hosting an on-site booth to meet and connect with delegates about our new corporate strategy and programs. There's still time! Register for the conference online, here.
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We're Hiring - General Manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Job Opportunity!
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We're hiring for the position of General Manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Tourism Region. This leadership role maintains collaborative relationships with government as well as regional and industry partners while influencing stakeholder engagement with our programs and services in the VCM tourism region.
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Apply by 4:00 pm on Feb. 20! (Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang)
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Learn more about Visitor Services by visiting our corporate website!
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Annual Visitor Services Conference
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On Feb. 6 & 7, our Visitor Services team hosted our annual Visitor Services Conference at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre! The in-person conference brought together members of the Visitor Services Network Program (VSNP) for an inspiring two days of learning, sharing, and collaborating on topics ranging from research, human resources and training, information distribution, public engagement, perception(s) of tourism, digital visitor services, and more. Thank you to members of the VSNP and all other participating partners for joining us at this year's conference!
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Limited Space Available - Register for the Tourism Digital Academy Program in its Flexible New Format!
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A new spring intake (starting March 21 running until May 10) of our Tourism Digital Academy is now open! Register for the free, eight-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses that want to build their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level. Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this 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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Click here for more information on eligibility and our new more flexible format.
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Stay tuned for updates on their progress!
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Congratulations ITBC 'Spark' Program Winners!
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Congratulations to the Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) 'Spark' Program Winners and finalists after an amazing virtual pitch session last week! The three ITBC 'Spark' Winners are:
• Kellie Aleck - Chevy Bear's Eatery (Traditional Food & Dance)
• Jaymie Campbell - White Otter Design Company (Arts & Cultural Hub)
• Russell Myers Ross - Yunesit’in Guest House (Horse Tours)
Each winner will receive a $5,000 seed grant, mentorship plus additional partner support to help take their new tourism initiatives to the next level.
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New Program Aims to 'Spark' Innovative Accessible Tourism Ideas in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
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In partnership with the the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Community Futures, and the Tourism Innovation Lab, we've launched the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast 'Spark' Program. For the second year in a row, individuals and operators in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region can apply to the “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. The application deadline is Mar. 16 and applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
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Want to learn more about this opportunity? Register for an online information session on Feb. 22 or Mar. 9.
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Applicants who advance as selected finalists will participate in a pitch session on March 29, 2023!
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Kootenay Rockies “Spark” Program Deadline Approaching!
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Do you have a new innovative accessible tourism idea for the Kootenay Rockies? Apply for the Kootenay Rockies Accessible Tourism 'Spark' Program by Feb. 28 for a chance at becoming a winner who gets matched with a tourism mentor and receives financial support to help take your great new tourism idea to the next level of development. The goal is to inspire residents, entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profit organizations and community groups in the Kootenay Rockies region to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new accessible tourism opportunities, offerings, experiences, and partnerships in the area.
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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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The Royal BC Museum and the Chinese Canadian Museum are also receiving funding to support free admission and events in celebration of Family Day.
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Government of BC Investment Supports Family Day Fun
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Families throughout BC will have access to free Family Day activities Feb. 17-20, supported by $300,000 from the Province. The Province’s investment in Family Day provides grants to recreation facilities, art galleries, museums and Indigenous organizations. These grants, being administered by the BC Museums Association and BC Recreation and Parks Association, help community-based organizations cover the costs of hosting free Family Day activities.
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BC Will Formally Recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be enshrined in BC law to honour the strength and resilience of residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home. This new provincial statutory day of commemoration responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80, which called on the federal government to establish a holiday to honour survivors, their families and communities.
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On Feb. 7 2023, the Government of BC introduced legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday.
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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 75% of BC residents believe tourism is important for growing BC's economy and creating jobs
A high proportion of BC residents (79%) believe tourism creates career opportunities, is an important investment in growing BC’s economy/communities (79%), and generates substantial tax revenues (78%).
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Chinatown has been an integral part of the social, cultural, and commercial fabric of Vancouver for over 135 years and a special destination for tourists looking to experience the rich history of the community.
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Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Receives $1.8 Million to Enhance Tourism Experiences
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The Government of Canada has announced over $1.8 million through PacifiCan’s Tourism Relief Fund to support the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s initiative to revitalize the city’s historic Chinatown. Over $1.3 million of the total investment will be used to modernize iconic neighborhood buildings, including the Chinese Cultural Centre, Chinatown Storytelling Centre and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Gardens, with new lighting, signage, and other improvements. The remaining funding will be used to expand the Light Up Chinatown festival, held annually for two days in September in celebration of Vancouver’s Chinatown community.
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CanExport SMES and Innovation Programs Application Intake Reopening
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CanExport SMES and Innovation programs will reopen on Feb 15, 2023 for new projects that will begin on or after April 1, 2023. CanExport SMEs provides up to $50,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in Canada for international business development activities (i.e. tourism businesses who cater to international visitors). The program helps develop export opportunities for products and services in new international markets. CanExport SMEs is open to all industry sectors.
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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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A quality accessible experience is one of the most important things you can offer your customers (Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton).
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Think Accessibility: General Tip Sheet
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Accessibility removes barriers so everyone feels welcome when they visit your business. North Americans with disabilities spend an estimated $19 billion per year on travel and that doesn’t include the friends and family they travel with. Here are some tips to help you attract new and returning business from this important sector.
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elibird aero will be working alongside the team at YVR to create a greener and more resilient future to advance shared sustainability goals.
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BC-Based Aero Tech Company Aims to Become First All Electric Flight Training Unit in Canada
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The new company, elibird aero, led by Iskwew Air’s founder and lead executive, Teara Fraser, is set to play a leadership role in sustainability for aviation by being the first all -electric flight training unit in Canada. Additionally, elibird aero is focused on decarbonizing the aviation industry through innovations such as electric and hydrogen power, robotics and digital transformation as well as battery and charging infrastructure. As an aero tech company, elibird aero is an exciting addition to BC's thriving tech ecosystem.
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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:
• Kelowna - February 23rd
• Vancouver - March 22nd
Got questions? Contact Stéphanie Wetterwald at [email protected] or 604-732-3534.
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Click here for more information and to register.
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Got participation questions? Contact Heritage BC’s Program Coordinator, Nathalie, at [email protected].
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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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You're Invited - Join ITBC's Indigenous Tourism Employer Speaker Series!
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Join Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC)'s free Indigenous Tourism Employer Speaker series by registering for one of the following webinars:
✔MAR 1 - Harassment in the Workplace - Cindy Conti & Lonnie Burnett, go2HR
✔MAR 15 - Indigenous Culture and Values - Kory Wilson, Kwakwaka'wakw
✔MAR 29 - Working with First Nations and Indigenous Organizations - Chef Andrew George, Gitxsan
✔APR 12 - More than a Welcome Mat - Kelly Lendsay, Indigenous Works, Cree/Metis
✔MAY 3 - Racism and Discrimination, What's the Difference?? - Joe Gallagher, Tla’amin Nation
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Attend multiple sessions and register online today!
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Take 15 mins to complete the survey before Feb 19!
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Great Taste of Canada Survey!
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🍽🥗📣Calling all culinary tourism businesses and organizations! Have you taken the Sondage 'Great Taste of Canada' Survey? Designed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, the survey supports research for the Great Taste of Canada - a nationwide cooperative marketing program being developed to showcase, celebrate, and amplify the unique culinary assets and food stories of each province and territory, with the goal to increase Canada's reputation as a culinary tourism destination.
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Sales Training: Recession Proofing Your Business – Proactive Prospecting
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The BC Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is hosting a 'Sales Training: Recession Proofing Your Business – Proactive Prospecting' in-person event on Feb. 21, 2023 from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver! A great opportunity to learn “how” and “why” customers buy in today’s marketplace.
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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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