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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Confluence of the Cross and Kootenay Rivers (Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton).
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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
• Reconciliation, and 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 2023-2026 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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We look forward to highlighting our industry partners to new audiences and eventually sharing our TikTok insights, learnings, and successes with industry partners as well.
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@hellobc is Now on TikTok!
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To help reach new audiences and continue to expand the global travel community for BC, our Social Media team has launched a new @hellobc consumer channel on TikTok. Travel is a quickly growing community on TikTok! The immersive nature of the app and its content allows users to virtually take a trip and explore a destination before travelling, presenting opportunity to get BC on users’ travel wish lists through both inspirational ‘dream’ and educational trip planning content.
BC Tourism Industry Partner Call to Action:
📱For those already on TikTok: We encourage you to follow us on TikTok @hellobc and engage with the content, and we look forward to doing the same!
🎥 For all partners: If you create or already have vertical video content that adheres to FOIPPA regulations, we may be able to help amplify it! To learn more about this and potential opportunities to work together to feature your content, please email [email protected] with “Vertical Video” in the subject line.
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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. The application deadline is Feb. 28 and applications are encouraged from entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in the Kootenay Rockies. Want to learn more? Register for an online information session on Feb. 13 at 4:00pm.
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Register for the Feb. 13 Info session!
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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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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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Avalanche Canada expects these conditions to last the remainder of the winter season in some areas.
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Government of BC Advises on Avalanche Risk and Exercising Extreme Caution in Backcountry
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The Province is urging people to be prepared and extremely cautious in the backcountry, with continued high and considerable avalanche risk forecast in many areas of BC. Avalanche Canada continues to encourage people to stay away from steep slopes and terrain, and to check: https://www.avalanche.ca for avalanche conditions for forecasts. In 2021, the Province provided a $10-million grant to assist Avalanche Canada with the funding certainty required to continue its work in keeping British Columbians safe by monitoring avalanche risk and providing public-safety information.
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New Funding Supports More Accessible Taxis
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British Columbians who use wheelchairs or have other accessibility needs will soon see more accessible taxis on the road with the launch of the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP). Approximately $3 million of funding is available for the first funding stream under PTAP, which will provide rebates to eligible taxi owner-operators for costs associated with maintaining their wheelchair-accessible taxis. Applications opened on Jan. 27, 2023. Over the next two years, three additional funding streams will be launched focusing on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis, and providing training to better support the passengers who rely on them.
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The launch of the PTAP follows the passing of Bill 40 in the fall of 2022, which established new responsibilities and authority for the registrar of passenger transportation to support passenger transportation accessibility.
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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 50% of British Columbians now better understand the value of the tourism industry
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 61% of BC residents feel that they can now better understand the value of the tourism industry.
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The NEXUS program expedites the border clearance process for pre-approved, travellers between Canada and the US so both countries can focus their efforts on unknown/potentially higher-risk travellers and goods.
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Canada and United States Announce New NEXUS Interview Option to Expand Enrolment Capacity
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The Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection are moving forward with a new option to increase the enrolment capacity for new and renewing NEXUS members. The binational NEXUS program benefits communities on both sides of the Canada-US border by supporting economic growth and trade, reducing border congestion and expediting the crossing of low-risk, pre-approved travellers. The news measures will expand the program’s capacity to enroll thousands of travellers who request NEXUS memberships monthly. This new enrolment option for air travellers should be available by Spring 2023. It will include CBSA interviews at reopened airport enrolment centres in Canada and separate CBP interviews at Canadian airport preclearance locations for applicants departing for the US.
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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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The Guide provides advice on data compilation and analysis, collaborative research partnerships, and research projects with consultants.
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The Essential Guide on How to Conduct Tourism Research
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This guide is intended to help BC tourism suppliers conduct tourism research to strengthen and grow their businesses. It includes information on what tourism research is and why it’s necessary, what the research process entails, how to access secondary research, and how to conduct primary research.
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BC Parks encourages you to explore the site and take note of new locations of your most frequently visited content.
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New BC Parks Website Now Live!
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The new BCParks.ca website is now live! The site offers a streamlined, inclusive and more engaging experience. As the new site is a work in-progress that will undergo on-going improvements in the months to come, BC Parks invites the tourism industry to share feedback about the new site via an online survey at HelpShapeBC, here.
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2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Award Finalists, Announced!
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The awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within BC’s tourism & hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. Following a call for submissions, the Awards organizing committee received hundreds of nominations, highlighting the exceptional talent and initiative across our industry.
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The winners will be awarded at the Awards Gala evening on Mar. 2 as part of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Tickets for the Awards Gala can be purchased online, here.
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Access the webinar online!
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TIABC 'Sparking & Supporting Tourism Innovation in BC' Webinar Available Online
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Did you miss the January 17 'Sparking & Supporting Tourism Innovation in British Columbia' webinar? Good news - you can access the webinar online! TIABC hosted guests Alex Beryland from Tourism Innovation Lab, Aimee Epp from Destination BC and Rebecca Mason, a 2021 'Spark' winner from the Sea to Sky region. The presenters highlighted the Innovation Lab's 'Spark' Mentorships & Grants Program and its development in BC over the last two years, while sharing experiences and examples of inspiring, supporting and enabling tourism innovation through industry partnerships and programs.
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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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Tickets are $99. Register online today!
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Thompson Okanagan Tourism Summit: Biospherology Master Class
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Join the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) on Feb. 21 & 22, 2023 at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops for their 2022/23 Tourism Summit. This year's theme is Biospherology Master Class which reflects a focus on continuous education for tourism professionals to elevate visitor experiences, strengthen businesses, regenerate communities, and reduce impacts within the surrounding environments.
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Come One, Come All: New Flight Routes to Vancouver
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Airlines from around the globe have created new routes to connect travellers to Vancouver. Brand-new to the aviation market, Canada Jetlines flies between Toronto and Vancouver. For the first time ever, Toronto based airline, Porter Airlines, will launch its longest route it’s offered in its 16-year history with direct flights from Pearson beginning this February. Air Canada has also restarted their direct Miami to Vancouver flights.
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A return to the skies does not just mean a return of existing routes, but an opportunity for air travel to expand their networks (YVR).
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The droplet trailer is a great way for independent mobility-challenged youth and adults to access equipment that allows them to continue living an active outdoor lifestyle.
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Explore BC in a Wheelchair Friendly Trailer
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♿⛺Looking for an accessible affordable way to #explorebc? The DROPLET Trailer is a mini camper trailer that allows mobility-challenged campers to have an independent RV experience through:
✔Participation in the whole RV camping experience
✔Accessibility to the components on the teardrop trailer
✔Unhitching your dependence on the coach
✔Limitless enjoyment in all conditions
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BC Ale Trail launches Five Tasting Passports Throughout Metro Vancouver for February
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The BC Ale Trail, in collaboration with TransLink’s Dine the Line, is encouraging residents and visitors to get out and explore car-free while supporting local businesses during the month of February by participating in Tasting Passport programs running in five different Metro Vancouver regions. Beginning February 1, beer lovers can pick up a Tasting Passport from any of the 64 participating businesses and embark on a local tasting tour, collecting stamps with a purchase. Folks choosing not to consume alcohol can also participate by purchasing swag, food and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
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After earning six unique stamps, drop off the completed ballot at a participating business to enter to win a brilliant beer-themed Staycation prize package.
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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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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 [email protected].
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