Directions: News from Destination BC 

Destination BC and ITBC Launch Indigenous-Focused Video Campaign

Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) are proud to introduce Illahee, a new Indigenous-focused consumer marketing campaign. The campaign features documentary-style videos from the co-created Illahee series that uplift Indigenous voices and share the connection that Indigenous people have with the land and wildlife in BC. In addition to the Water episode of Illahee from 2022, this year’s campaign will feature two new videos. 

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18 Receptive Tour Operators Explore Vancouver Island

Last month, Destination BC supported the Explore Vancouver Island Event (March 8-10) organized by 4VI. Eighteen receptive tour operators attended to mingle with tourism businesses and DMOs from Vancouver Island. Attendees were thrilled to reconnect with old friends, build new relationships with tourism businesses, and learn the latest travel and tourism news on the island. Pre- and post-event tours provided receptive tour operators with firsthand experience of tourism businesses in Cowichan Bay, Langford, Nanaimo and Port Renfrew. The goal of these tours was to inspire product recommendations that can help to seasonally disperse visitation throughout winter and spring.

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Province of BC Invests $9 Million in Clean Energy for Victoria Cruise Ships

The Province of BC is providing $9 million to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) to install infrastructure at Ogden Point that allows cruise ships to access clean hydroelectricity, turn off their engines and protect the environment. Shore power will be installed at two berths, with the goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air contaminants in the region. GVHA expects 320 cruise ships and approximately 850,000 passengers to dock at Ogden Point in 2023. 

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Provincial Government Announces Funding to Support Economic Development in Rural BC

The Province of BC plans to introduce legislative amendments in fall 2023 that allow $30 million to be delivered to the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), and the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI) in 2023-24. Each trust would receive $10 million to invest in their regions. Many projects that receive funding from these trusts support new infrastructure, enhance small business opportunities, and support Indigenous economic development. 

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Province Improves Inclusion, Accessibility in BC Parks

The Province of BC is making BC parks more inclusive and accessible with the release of the BC Parks Commitment to Inclusion, which outlines eight guiding principles to help remove barriers that restrict people from accessing outdoor recreation in their community. The commitment comes with dedicated funding to upgrade park facilities to accessible standards, so more people can experience the benefits of nature. 

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Province of BC Announces Plans for New Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism

The Province of BC has announced plans for a new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism, located at the Okanagan College Kelowna campus. Expected to open in 2026, the Centre will help to address the labour shortage in food and tourism while supporting homegrown education in culinary arts, local food and beverage production, and hospitality services. Okanagan College will receive $44.8 million for the new Centre, which will feature modern teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities, and common spaces. 

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BC Residents Expect Tourism and Construction to Lead Economic Activity

Destination BC’s Public Perceptions of Tourism Survey was introduced to better understand BC residents’ perspective of the impacts of tourism in our province. One of the survey’s findings is that residents expect tourism and construction to contribute the most new jobs and economic activity locally and provincially over the next five years. 

SEE THE SURVEY RESULTS →

Federal Government Announces Enhancements to Immigration Programs 

The federal government has made two announcements on enhancements to immigration programs:

• Canada will launch a new economic pathway under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to help employers hire skilled refugees and other displaced individuals. Tourism and hospitality workers were specifically noted as being in demand. 
• Temporary measures have been extended under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP), including maintaining the maximum duration of employment for low-wage positions at up to two years, and permitting employers in certain sectors – including accommodation and food services – to hire up to 30 percent of their workforce through the TFWP for low-wage positions.

How to Conduct Tourism Research

With so many tours, attractions and experiences on offer in Canada and around the world, businesses need to be even more strategic when it comes to understanding the market and their competition, planning operational strategies, and ensuring profitability. The key to unlocking insights: research. Our Essential Guide on How to Conduct Tourism Research explains what tourism research is, why it’s necessary and what the process entails. It also shares advice on data compilation and analysis, collaborative research partnerships, and research projects with consultants.

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Minister Popham Issues Statement on The Last of Us Filming in BC

Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, released a statement celebrating the news that popular television series The Last of Us will film its second season in BC. One of the biggest productions to ever come to the province, the show will provide a major boost to the local economy while showcasing BC’s diverse landscapes to viewers around the world.

READ THE STATEMENT →

You're Invited: Join ITBC's Indigenous Tourism Employer Speaker Series

Join Indigenous Tourism BC's (ITBC) free Indigenous Tourism Employer Speaker series by registering for one of the following webinars:

✔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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Lynx Air Expands Summer Service with Two New Routes

BC will see expanded air access this summer with the introduction of new routes by Lynx Air. The ultra-affordable airline has added two routes to its summer services – Toronto to Kelowna (starting April 13) and Hamilton to Vancouver (starting April 16). Both services will operate as “through flights” via Calgary International Airport. The fares start at $85 (one way), including taxes and fees. 

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