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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Lunar New Year festivities at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. (Destination Vancouver/Rishad Daroo Photography)
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Bon Voyage, Jacqueline Simpson
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After 18 years with Destination BC, Jacqueline Simpson, our global brand director, is taking on an exciting new role with the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative. As an organization that works to protect and connect wildlife along the spine of the Rockies, it's work that aligns deeply with her values and passion. We wish all the best to Jacqueline in her next adventure, and are truly grateful for her time with Destination BC.
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All the best to our friend Jacqueline Simpson!
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Apply by February 21 to support Curriculum Development of an Indigenous Learning Pathway. (Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson)
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Destination BC RFP Alert: Curriculum Development of Indigenous Learning Pathway
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Destination BC’s Indigenous & Regional Partnerships team has posted an RFP for Curriculum Development of an Indigenous Learning Pathway on BC Bid (RFP24DBC14). As part of our Truth and Reconiliaton Framework, we are seeking an organization or business to develop an internal curriculum to support our employees on a path towards cultural competency as it relates to Indigenous Peoples: First Nations (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit. Apply before February 21 at 2pm.
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Apply Today for the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program
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The Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program aims to spark and support innovative tourism ideas along the iconic route by matching selected applicants with a tourism mentor, providing a $3,000 grant, and offering additional partner support. The goal of the program is to find, advance, and support new tourism ideas that will enhance the road trip experience along the Rainforest to Rockies corridors in BC by motivating travellers to stop and explore a unique tourism experience, encouraging them to stay longer and visit more communities along the way. BC-based tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply by March 1, 2024. After a review process, 20 finalists will be selected to participate in four virtual pitch sessions, with a total of 12 “Spark” Program winners chosen.
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Register for the February 22 information session at 3pm PST to learn more.
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Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate how their tourism idea supports economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Ideas that support or advance principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are strongly encouraged.
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The BCTCRI aims to support BC’s tourism industry in developing a clean, sustainable, & regenerative tourism landscape. (Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain)
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The BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative Provides Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning Support and Micro-Grant Funding
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Thank you to tourism businesses across BC for your interest in Project One of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI), which represents the evolution of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) program. Please note that spots in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, and Vancouver Island regions are now full for the initial Project One intake. New future applications from tourism businesses in these areas will be placed on a waitlist in case spots open up, and for the next intake in fall 2024. Apply to join the waitlist, here.
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Limited spots are still available on a first-come, first-served basis for tourism businesses in Northern BC and the Kootenay Rockies who would like an assigned Program Advisor and other professional support at no cost to develop a road map for climate adaptation and sustainability; apply here.
The BCTCRI is also accepting applications for Project Two: Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation. This project stream offers micro-grant funding of up to $15,000 to tourism businesses that meet all eligibility requirements under the Program Guidelines and who are prepared to build on their existing sustainability or climate adaptation plan to implement a project or obtain a sustainability certification. The application deadline for the current intake is March 8, 2024. Check the Program Guidelines to confirm your organization’s eligibility and apply here.
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Destination BC is Hiring – Work With Us
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We're hiring for multiple positions and seeking talented professionals to contribute to our strong, authentic brand, award-winning creative, and leading-edge marketing. Our collaborative work culture prioritizes work-life balance, empowerment, and continuous learning, aligning with our commitment to improving the lives of all people living in BC and visitors through tourism. Current opportunities include:
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Share these job opportunities with your networks! Learn more about benefits to working with us on our careers webpage.
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✔Enterprise IT & Operations Manager: This role leads decisions and technical recommendations for applications and the envisioning, development, and effectiveness of a shared technology infrastructure that supports our team and industry partners across BC. Apply by February 12, 2024, here.
✔Two Positions – Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development (Permanent) and Senior Program Advisor, Destination Development – Iconics (Temporary): These positions lead projects to develop and implement integrated destination development plans aligned with our strategic direction, emphasizing partner development, relationship management, multi-project and program management, and strategic planning to enhance BC's tourism competitiveness. Apply by February 19, 2024, here.
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Don't forget to register for the Tourism Industry Conference!
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Register Today for the Tourism Industry Conference
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Have you registered yet for the upcoming Tourism Industry Conference (TIC) on March 6 & 7 in Victoria? Destination BC will be hosting a plenary panel (March 6 at 9:30am – 11am); an overview of our Marketing Strategy and 2024 Marketing Campaign Plan (March 6 at 1:15pm – 2:30pm); a workshop on stimulating tourism innovation with the Tourism Innovation Lab (March 7 at 11am – 12:15pm); and a session on equity, diversity and inclusion with go2HR and TIABC (March 7 at 11am – 12:15pm). Make sure to stop by our booth and say hello!
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Registration is Open for the March Intake of the Tourism Digital Academy
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The Tourism Digital Academy (TDA) is a 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. From setting goals to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, and analytics, the program instills confidence and knowledge so participants can put their plans into action. The next spring intake, featuring weekly live sessions, starts March 19. Don't miss out—register today!
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Build your digital marketing skills by registering for the March intake of the TDA!
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Rainforest to Rockies has launched in the UK! (Sarra Gau)
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London Street Transforms into Rainforest to Rockies Journey
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Rainforest to Rockies successfully launched this month in the United Kingdom with the spectacular BC Wall of Wonder “wowing” people with images of BC in central London.
Over 45 media and trade partners attended an event to celebrate the launch, including outlets such as The Times, Wanderlust, National Geographic and MTV. A full spectrum of advertising complements the launch with billboards, TV, social media, YouTube, and a contest that will bring two Londoners to BC to experience the Rainforest to Rockies journey.
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Destination BC Launches New Resident Perceptions Toolkit and Snapshot Series
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Destination BC has released two new resident sentiment research outputs that will help the tourism industry better communicate its significance to the wellbeing of BC residents, local communities and the province. Developing and Designing Research Studies – Examining Resident Perceptions of Tourism in BC is a free toolkit for destination management organizations that provides a consistent, credible and robust measure of resident perceptions of tourism. BC Resident Perceptions of Tourism Snapshot Series Reporting presents BC resident perceptions of the economic, social/cultural, environmental, job/career, and Indigenous impacts of tourism at the provincial, regional, sub-regional and local level.
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Destination BC's new research outputs explore tourism's significance to residents and communities. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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Apply for the new events grant by February 25. (Northern BC Tourism/Marty Clemens)
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Province of BC Grants Further Support for Fairs, Festivals and Events
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BC-based fairs, festivals and events will receive an additional $15 million of government support in one-time grants through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund. Funding will also support areas affected by the 2023 wildfires, helping to boost visitation and generate economic activity for these communities. Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2024. Events between April 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, are eligible for funding.
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Parliamentary Secretary Expresses Support for BC Wine Sector
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Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development for the Government of BC, released a statement regarding recent actions by the Government of Alberta to stop direct-to-consumer delivery of wine from BC producers. Read his thoughts below.
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The Parliamentary Secretary expressed strong thoughts on recent actions by the Government of Alberta. (Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton)
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Unlike ride-hailing companies, taxi companies are required, as part of their operating license, to reserve a portion of their fleet for accessible vehicles.
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More Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis will Help People Connect with Communities
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Communities in BC will soon see more wheelchair-accessible taxis supported by a second round of funding from the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program (PTAP). This initiative encourages taxi operators to invest in accessible vehicles, helping to reduce wait times and improve service for those with accessibility needs. Eligible applicants can apply by March 3, 2024 to receive subsidies to cover various costs associated with providing accessible transportation, further incentivizing the adoption of wheelchair-accessible vehicles within the taxi industry.
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FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off June 13. (@FWC26Vancouver)
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FIFA Vancouver Match Schedules Released
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FIFA Vancouver’s match schedule has been released! Vancouver will host seven matches for the FIFA World Cup 26™, including five group stage matches and two knockout round matches. Hosting FIFA World Cup 26™ will once again elevate BC to the global stage, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating long-lasting benefits for our tourism sector and economy.
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Visit My Community Futures' website to access free supports.
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My Community Futures Offers Free Supports for Businesses
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Are you a business or enterprising non-profit organization impacted by recent disasters and the continued transformation of the economic landscape in BC? My Community Futures offers a menu of supports free of charge, including 10 hours working with a consultant to grow your skills and business; six months of advice and problem solving conversations with like-minded business owners; up to $5,000 reimbursement for training to grow and pivot your business; and more.
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