|
|
Directions: News from Destination BC
|
|
|
Orcas near Scott Islands on the BC coast | Destination BC/Ian McAllister
|
|
|
The Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program supports our strategic goals of growing visitation when and where capacity exists, expanding benefits to more communities, and sustaining the visitor economy through collaboration and innovation.
|
|
$4.2M in Funding Fuels Collaboration Across BC Through Co-operative Marketing Program
|
|
Destination BC is pleased to announce that nearly $4.2 million in funding has been allocated through the 2025/26 intake of our Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program. This investment will support 59 collaborative marketing initiatives across British Columbia, including three exciting new participants.
Funded initiatives span the province, including cultural storytelling, regenerative travel, history-rich trail development, immersive film tourism experiences, and more.
|
|
|
|
Stories From the Indigenous Learning & Projects Grant for Visitor Services
|
|
We're proud to highlight two stories from the Indigenous Learning & Projects Grant for Visitor Services. Launched in 2021 in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC, this grant empowered 47 Visitor Centres across British Columbia to create learning pathways grounded in local context, led by—and developed in collaboration with—Indigenous communities. Two recent stories, emerging from Tofino and Rossland, demonstrate how deep listening, place-based education, and shared goals can transform visitor services.
|
|
|
Tofino Visitor Centre | These stories highlight how learning and relationship-building can reshape visitor services into platforms for cultural exchange, education, and allyship.
|
|
|
|
|
April is BC Wine Month—a time to raise a glass in honour of the grape-growers, winemakers, and tourism operators whose passion and dedication have made British Columbia a world-class wine destination.
|
|
Cultivating Experiences: Celebrating BC’s Wine Tourism Sector
|
|
As part of BC Wine Month, we’re celebrating the journeys of 10 BC wineries that took part in our 2024 Cultivating Experiences: Elevating BC Wine Tourism program through a new video documenting their experience with the program.
Developed in partnership with Wine Growers British Columbia, Firecircle, and supported by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the program provided tailored mentorship and business planning support to help participating wineries design and launch new wine tourism experiences, expand into new markets, elevate visitor engagement, and unlock revenue potential.
|
|
|
|
|
These resources reflect the ongoing commitment to empower BC’s tourism industry with timely, relevant insights that support a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable visitor economy.
|
|
New Regional and Sector Tourism Research Profiles | Available Now!
|
|
To support data-led tourism planning, development, marketing, investment, and decision-making across the province, Destination BC has released new Regional and Sector Tourism Research Profiles. The release includes six updated Regional Profiles and four detailed Sector Profiles, providing a powerful view into travel patterns, visitor behaviour, and tourism’s economic contribution across BC.
|
|
|
|
|
This report included stories featuring winter activities across the Cariboo Chilcotin region and skiing at Shames Mountain Resort and Revelstoke Mountain.
|
|
Destination BC Travel Media Coverage Report: February 2025
|
|
We have a well-established program to work with travel media from around the world – journalists or outlets who specialize in telling travel and lifestyle stories – to create exposure for BC as a destination of choice. Travel media relations is an essential marketing channel to tell our brand story, build awareness, and encourage travellers to visit BC.
In the month of February 2025, we tracked 39 pieces of coverage for destinations in the province with an estimated 2.32 million combined views.
|
|
|
|
|
These resources reflect the ongoing commitment to empower BC’s tourism industry with timely, relevant insights that support a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable visitor economy.
|
|
New Learning Resource: How to Work Effectively with Travel Media
|
|
Travel media relations remain one of the most effective channels for sharing our tourism stories. Whether you're a small business owner, a DMO, or part of a sector association, this guide provides the foundational knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions when working with journalists, content creators, and influencers.
|
|
|
|
|
Vancouver’s design is part of a collection of 16 official Host City Posters being released by FIFA from March 18 to April 17, 2025.
|
|
Vancouver Reveals Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster
|
|
Vancouver has officially revealed its FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City Poster, a first-of-its-kind creative initiative from FIFA designed to celebrate the unique identity of each participating city. The artwork, created by BC-based artist Jamin Zuroski, reflects Vancouver’s deep ties to nature, Indigenous culture, and community—all through the lens of the world’s most-watched sporting event.
|
|
|
|
|
New Adaptive Mountain Biking Trail Opens at Alice Lake Park
|
|
A new beginner-friendly adaptive mountain biking trail is now open at Alice Lake Park, making outdoor recreation more inclusive for all. The South Coaster Adaptive Trail, a one-kilometre route designed in partnership with the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA), features wide, smooth terrain suitable for adaptive mountain bikes and connects to a nine-kilometre loop of surrounding trails. The trail is part of BC Parks’ broader commitment to accessibility and is one of several recent investments improving outdoor recreation across the Sea-to-Sky region.
|
|
|
Located near the park’s campground and parking lots, the trail expands year-round riding options and sets a strong example of inclusive trail design.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A new applicant’s guide is available and must be followed closely, as eligibility and program requirements have changed.
|
|
CanExport SMEs Program Now Accepting Applications
|
|
Small and medium-sized businesses can now apply for up to $50,000 through the CanExport SMEs program to support export activities between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The funding covers up to 50% of eligible costs for activities like trade shows, market research, legal support, and marketing materials tailored to new international markets. This is a strong opportunity for BC-based tourism businesses looking to expand their global reach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BC Hotel Association Summit
April 22-23, 2025
|
|
The BCHA Summit is where hoteliers gain the insights, strategies, and connections needed to stay ahead. This year’s theme—Shaping Tomorrow: Leading and Growing Together—is a call to embrace new opportunities and drive the future of hospitality. Join industry leaders as we share ideas, tackle challenges, and explore what’s next.
|
|
|
2025 BC Economic Summit
May 12-15
|
|
This year's BC Economic Summit will be held in Penticton this April and explore the theme, "Connecting the Dots: Collaboration. Innovation. Resilience.", emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient and thriving economy across the province, while showcasing Canadian speakers, serving food products made in Canada and using a Canadian-based event app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
