|
|
Directions: News from Destination BC
|
|
Sunset Beach Park in Vancouver (Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic)
|
SEPTEMBER 30
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
|
|
|
|
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an opportunity for each of us to recognize and commemorate the devastating legacy of Canada's residential institutions. On September 30 and beyond, we encourage BC residents and travellers to reflect, learn, and connect with the diverse and living cultures of Indigenous Peoples: First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit, and Métis in this province.
Seek firsthand experiences and meaningful education to inspire your learning and ensure that this never happens again. Participate in a conversation, visit a cultural centre, or attend an event in your area. Stand for truth and reconciliation with active learning and direct action.
|
|
|
|
For more trip inspiration, ideas, and planning, residents and visitors can explore HelloBC.com, #exploreBCnow and #exploreBC on Instagram and TikTok.
|
|
New Recovery Marketing Campaign Urges Travel Now
|
|
Due to wildfire activity, many communities in BC have been impacted by smoke, transportation infrastructure issues, and travel restrictions. To support BC's tourism industry, earlier in September 203, in collaboration with the Government of BC, we launched a recovery marketing campaign aimed at British Columbians and travellers from Alberta and Washington State urging people to #exploreBCnow, especially in affected regions. The campaign was built using insights gained from Destination BC’s 2017/18 tourism disaster recovery research, which identified solidarity, confidence restoration, and resilience as top themes that resonated with travellers following a wildfire. British Columbians have consistently shown their generosity and eagerness to support their local communities and businesses. By travelling this fall, everyone can contribute to the well-being of those who enrich our communities and create exceptional experiences for residents and visitors.
|
|
|
|
October 11 Deadline Approaching: Apply for the Tourism Marketing Committee for the 2024-2026 Term
|
|
Want to join the Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) and work with us to develop a successful, dynamic, and sustainable tourism sector for BC? The call for applications for the 2024-2026 term is now open with an application deadline of October 11, 2023. We are seeking four representatives for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2024. The TMC requires one representative from the following tourism regions: Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Thompson Okanagan. Additionally, the TMC needs two representatives from the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region. No new representatives are required for the Kootenay Rockies, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island regions for 2024. Find out more about the skills and experience we are looking for and apply!
|
|
|
Share this opportunity with your networks (Destination BC/Dave Heath).
|
|
|
|
|
BC is competitively positioned as a high-value destination for California skiers, many of whom have multi-resort passes and seek to maximize their value by visiting multiple ski destinations across the border into Canada, where the US dollar stretches further.
|
|
2023 California Ski Marketing Campaign Launches
|
|
We've launched the latest evolution of our 'You, Elevated' ski marketing campaign to bring the unique features of the BC ski experience and culture to California, a market that sees Canada as next on their ski vacation wish list, and one which presents a tremendous opportunity to position BC as the ultimate ski destination. We're reaching the California ski market via Destination Canada’s Winter Seasonal Campaign, a partner co-investment program in which Destination Canada and Destination BC match funds. The campaign will speak to passionate destination skiers with an adventurous spirit, seeking the life-affirming ski moments that BC resorts can deliver.
|
|
|
|
Accelerate Your Digital Marketing! Register Now for the Tourism Digital Academy Program - Very Limited Space Left
|
|
Register for the upcoming October 10, 2023 intake of our Tourism Digital Academy (TDA) Program. This free, eight-week digital marketing program is for BC tourism businesses that want to build their knowledge and skills in digital marketing. Designed for business owners or marketing team members, this comprehensive program will help jumpstart your digital marketing activities. This program provides actionable guidance and live sessions with industry experts that will help build your understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, and analytics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Forum is geared towards large and small tourism businesses, along with Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs) in the VCM region.
|
|
Register Now! Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum
|
|
Registration for this year’s Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Industry Forum is now open! Hear the latest updates from Destination BC teams and presentations from special guest speakers. The VCM Forum will be held in person on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.
|
|
|
|
2023 Union of British Columbia Municipalities Trade Show
|
|
Our team had an incredible time attending the 2023 Union of British Columbia Municipalities trade show from September 19-21, 2023, where we shared information about the value of tourism in BC and the work we are doing to grow sustainable social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits for all people in BC through the transformative power of BC's nature and experiences. This annual event brings together industry leaders, suppliers, service providers, agencies, associations, and businesses from across BC to connect with municipal, local government, and regional representatives.
|
|
|
The Destination BC team together at our Trade Show booth.
|
|
|
|
Discover more about the 2023 impact of 'Pledge to Measure', here.
|
|
|
In 2023, we took Presidents Group's 'Pledge to Measure' and joined a dedicated accessible employer community committed to sharing and measuring disability inclusion in the workplace. By measuring and benchmarking disability inclusion, businesses in BC create a culture of transparency and accountability. The Pledge to Measure helps businesses move toward a transformative future where bias-based barriers are removed, and diversity thrives. We're excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to working alongside other organizations to create inclusive and accessible workplaces in BC.
|
|
|
|
Emergency Messaging Guidance
|
|
Visit our website to access the latest Emergency Messaging Guidance and learn more about official emergency information resources for BC as well as suggested messaging, infographics and visuals, and actions for BC’s tourism industry partners during emergencies. We've compiled resources and tips to help tourism businesses navigate questions, mitigate visitor concerns, and proactively manage perceptions during emergencies.
Step-by-step guides are available for download to help prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies, with templates and tools to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response.
|
|
|
Download our responsible travel infographics for sharing with your networks on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
'BC Culture Days is an incredible opportunity for everyone to showcase, learn and experience life enriched by arts and culture. We are proud to proclaim BC Culture Days and to support communities with free events that celebrate our diverse culture together.' - Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
|
|
BC Culture Days Offer Arts, Cultural Activities Throughout Province
|
|
To celebrate BC Culture Days from September 22 until October 15, 2023, hundreds of free accessible and inclusive activities and events are scheduled throughout the province and are the perfect reason to #explorebc. BC Culture Days is a network of more than 450 events, presentations, interactive activities, and workshops that highlight BC’s cultural landscape. From attending art workshops to learning about Indigenous traditions, BC Culture Days encourages residents and visitors to connect with communities, appreciate culture and heritage, and discover places to visit across BC.
|
|
|
|
|
The changes also apply to CEBA-equivalent lending through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund.
|
|
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Loan Repayment Extension
|
|
The Government of Canada has extended the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayment deadlines, giving borrowers an extra year for term loan repayment and offering more flexibility for those seeking partial loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent. The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent is being extended from December 31, 2023, to January 18, 2024, recognizing that the end of the calendar year is busy for many Canadian businesses. As of January 19, 2024, outstanding loans, including those that are captured by the refinancing extension, will convert to three-year term loans, subject to interest of 5% per annum, with the term loan repayment date extended by an additional year from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
Visit our Research webpage for data on resident perceptions of tourism, industry performance, market research, and more.
|
|
|
Tourism Industry Dashboard
Our Tourism Industry Dashboard includes key tourism statistics such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, regional airports, ferries, and convention centres.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Learning Centre provides access to resources and tools, best practices, workshops, and training programs for BC’s tourism industry.
|
|
Digital readiness refers to the degree to which a business effectively makes use of technology and data for tourism marketing, customer service, and business operations.
|
|
Is Your Business Digitally Ready?
|
|
The tourism industry has been radically transformed by new digital technology, online platforms, and business systems that have shaped marketing, customer service, and business operations. Each innovation presents an opportunity for your business to build customer relationships, drive revenue growth, and improve business operations.
Is your business or organization benefitting from this transformation? Use the digital self-audit resource to determine how your business or organization is doing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Learn more about the Conference and Day of IMPACT and register for 2024 before spaces fill up!
|
|
Registration is Now Open for IMPACT 2024!
|
|
The IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference will take place from January 22-24, 2024 with a special Day of IMPACT on January 21, 2024. The goal of the Day of IMPACT is to showcase the many diverse ways a community encourages sustainable and regenerative business practices, supporting and supported by both residents and visitors to the region. The 2024 event will be hosted at Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, Canada’s most international school and the country’s only United World College.
|
|
|
|
In-Person Event: Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality
|
|
On October 5, 2023, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) BC is hosting an in-person event at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver titled 'Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality'. The session will cover common questions surrounding AI and provide insights into the future of travel technology trends that are shaping the industry.
|
|
|
|
|
Learn more by downloading the Pledge Guide, here.
|
|
Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge
|
|
In 2021, GreenStep Solutions launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge to help tourism businesses and destinations in measuring and enhancing their sustainability. It simplifies the process, eliminates cost barriers through a free measurement tool, and establishes a common global benchmark. Over time, it offers best practices, free resources, tools, and templates to help tourism destinations and businesses integrate sustainability into their operations simply and effectively. Organizations that join the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge gain access to these valuable resources as they become available, facilitating the incorporation of sustainability into their operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
