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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Spring is around the corner, with some bears already emerging from hibernation. (Northern Vancouver Island Tourism/Steven Fines)
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Destination BC's Rainforest to Rockies activation pops up in Sydney, Australia!
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Next stop for BC’s Wall of Wonder: Sydney, Australia!
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Destination BC continues to bring Rainforest to Rockies to global travellers with the BC Wall of Wonder, an immersive experience that invites passersby to connect with the wonders of nature that can be discovered along this iconic route.
Most recently, the Rainforest to Rockies activation appeared at the Flight Centre flagship store on George Street in Sydney, Australia (Feb 21 to 27). Activities include a partnership with the Today Show and an opportunity for Australians to win a Flight Centre credit to design a trip for two to British Columbia to experience the Rainforest to Rockies journey.
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Destination BC also teamed up with Destination Canada and David Jones, a high-end Australian department store, to play the Rainforest to Rockies video on David Jones' screens along with a window display at their flagship store in Sydney.
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Elevate Your Crisis Communication Skills
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Destination BC is offering one last Crisis Communications Planning training session this spring! The goal is to equip Tourism Destination Management or Marketing Organizations, Visitor Centres and Experience Sector Organizations with the skills required to effectively communicate during crises, including emergencies and reputational issues. The application-based training encompasses 10 hours of guidance over two days and is led by seasoned crisis communications experts. The upcoming workshop will take place April 16 and 18, and applicants must be available to attend both training days.
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Sign up for expert-led crisis communications training. (Thompson Okanagan/Allen Jones)
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We'll see you at the BC Tourism Industry Conference! (Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe)
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Last Call to Register for the BC Tourism Industry Conference
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Have you registered for the BC Tourism Industry Conference? During this year’s event – which takes place March 6 & 7 in Victoria – you can look forward to speakers such as Shaun Boothe, creator of The Unauthorized Biography Series, and Tuija Seipell, editor of TheCoolHunter.net; several sessions hosted by Destination BC, including the use of data to tell the “Value of Tourism” story and DEIA in tourism and hospitality; and excellent networking opportunities, including a reception at the Royal BC Museum. We’ll see you there!
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Kathleen Harvey Recognized as Accessibility Champion by TravelAbility
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Destination BC’s Manager of Visitor Services, Kathleen Harvey, has been recognized by TravelAbility as one of the 24 Accessibility Champions to watch in 2024. This recognition honors those who have made inclusion and accessibility fundamental principles in their work, and who continually seek solutions to obstacles and practices that prevent full and equal access for those who identify as having a disability. Kathleen's leadership and dedication to improved accessibility through visitor services has truly set her apart as an inspiring leader who is helping to lead the way for a more inclusive future.
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Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Kathleen!
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In 2018, Kathleen led the implementation of Destination BC’s three-year strategic framework and action plan focused on building a more accessible tourism industry. While this work was primarily external-facing, it has contributed significantly to Destination BC's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategy, which Kathleen played a strong role in supporting. She continues to champion the importance of improving the employee experience and removing barriers for those who identify as having a disability, and led the development of Destination BC’s first Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
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Introducing the Tourism Marketing Consortium!
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Tourism Marketing Consortium Gearing Up to Score for BC
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A new Tourism Marketing Consortium, led by Destination BC, is poised for an epic kickoff as Vancouver gears up to host FIFA World Cup 26™! We’ve assembled a top-notch squad to ensure BC ‘smashes the back of the net’ in showcasing our province to the world before, during and after this monumental global sporting event.
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🏆 Strategic Play: The Consortium will craft a winning game plan to align tourism-related initiatives that extend beyond the stadium.
🌎 Total Fan Engagement: The Consortium will strategize on fan experiences to showcase BC's offerings to visitors eager to experience our breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and top-notch hospitality.
⚽ Collaborative Province-Wide Offensive: The Consortium’s primary objective is to develop and oversee a province-wide tourism marketing strategy to leverage every phase of FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver and maximize economic benefits around BC, ensuring a legacy for tourism for years to come.
If you have a winning play you’d like to pitch the Consortium, share it with us at Destination BC’s booth at the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference in Victoria, March 6 & 7.
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Book your Parks Canada camping site before spots fill up! (Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton)
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Summer Campground Reservations are Open at Parks Canada
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Reservations for Parks Canada campsites are open! Parks Canada offers numerous reservable campsites and first-come, first-served sites throughout BC. There is still time to make a reservation to guarantee a spot – however, reservations may fill up quickly.
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Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Announces New Grant Intake
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The Outdoor Recreation Council of British Columbia has announced an upcoming grant intake for the new Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC. The fund supports initiatives that create meaningful outdoor recreational and nature-based experiences for British Columbians. Eligible organizations can apply between mid-March and April 2024.
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The Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC is supported by a $10 million contribution from the Province of BC. (Destination BC/Stirl and Rae Photo)
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Have your say on proposed changes to hunting regulations. (Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe)
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BC Residents Asked for Input on Proposed Changes to Hunting Regulations
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Every two years, the Province of BC reviews hunting regulations and proposes changes as necessary. Proposed amendments are made to support economic and recreational opportunities, respect First Nations’ harvest rights, and sustainably manage BC wildlife. This year, as many as 50 proposed regulation amendments are under consideration, covering topics such as adjustments to seasons (length, start and end times) and motor vehicle restrictions. BC residents are asked to provide input between February 20 and March 22.
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My Community Futures Offers Free Services to Businesses Impacted by Recent Disasters
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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 working with a consultant to grow your skills and business; up to $5,000 reimbursement for training; and unlimited access to professional workshops.
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Access free support on the My Community Futures website.
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