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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Northern BC Jet Boat Tours in Terrace | Destination BC/@calsnape
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Unlock BC’s tourism potential during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with the new BC Tourism FC Playbook.
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BC Tourism FC Launches Strategic Playbook Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™
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With British Columbia set to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, BC Tourism FC has launched the official BC Tourism FC Playbook—a vital tool to help tourism partners engage authentically and effectively with this global event. The playbook offers strategic messaging aligned with the BC Tourism FC strategy for FIFA World Cup 2026™, brand and compliance guidelines, creative activation ideas, and essential resources like match schedules and terminology guides. Additional chapters and materials will be released as more tournament details become available.
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Beyond the Stadium: Discover BC’s Most Beautiful Seats
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As FIFA World Cup 26™ excitement builds, we're reminding fans that some of the best views in BC aren’t in the stands—they’re in unexpected locations across BC.
Our “Beautiful Seats” campaign, running now until July 27, 2025, is reaching potential travellers in the UK and Germany through a compelling video and landing page, inviting them to swap stadium seats for mountaintops, paddleboards, ski lifts, and more.
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Beautiful Seats redefines what it means to be a spectator, shifting the focus far beyond the pitch.
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Get the latest updates on BC’s preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026™—watch the industry briefing now.
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FIFA World Cup 2026™ Tourism Industry Update: Watch the Recording
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On June 18, 2025, Destination BC, the City of Vancouver (Host City), and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport shared an update on planning, upcoming activations, and key milestones for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Catch up on the latest developments by watching the full webinar recording below.
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In our latest video, we explore how community partnerships, regional vision, and thoughtful planning came together to shape the District Wine Village in Oliver into a tourism hub that contributes to local opportunity and a strong regional economy.
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Celebrating the Value of Destination Development in BC
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Across BC, destination development is enhancing the competitiveness of tourism destinations through strategic investment in infrastructure, services, and visitor experiences. Beyond attracting travellers, these initiatives also bring meaningful benefits to local communities and residents.
In our most recent video series, we explore how destination development projects are delivering long-term benefits to visitors, residents, and communities across BC.
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Destination BC Travel Media Coverage Report: May 2025
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In May 2025, Destination BC’s Travel Media team tracked 45 pieces of coverage for destinations across the province with an estimated 728,000 combined views.
Travel media relations are an essential marketing channel, enabling us to amplify BC’s brand story, build awareness, and encourage travellers to visit BC.
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This month's report includes stories that directly support two of our new Iconic destination brands, Rainforest to Rockies and The Great Wilderness.
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Download Destination BC's Water Conservation Toolkit to promote responsible water use this summer and beyond.
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Champion Water Conservation this Summer
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With the BC Government encouraging residents to conserve water over the coming weeks, it’s vital for the tourism industry to champion water conservation. To support this effort, Destination BC has developed a Water Conservation Toolkit featuring official resources, suggested actions, and ready-to-use messaging. Tourism partners across the province are encouraged to use the toolkit to promote responsible water use—this summer and beyond.
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These new restrictions will be in place until October 31, 2025, or until the order is rescinded.
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Coastal Fire Centre Category 1 Open Fire Prohibition Now in Effect
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Effective at 12:00pm (PDT) on Thursday, July 17, 2025, campfires are prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, excluding the Haida Gwaii Forest District and the portion of the Central Coast Regional District that falls within the North Island Central Coast Forest District. This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human caused wildfires and protect public safety.
For current fire restrictions and wildfire activity, visit www.BCWildfire.ca.
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Sub-Regional and Sector Sustainability & Resiliency Survey Reports Now Available
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Sub-provincial and sector reports from the first-ever Tourism Climate Adaptation and Environmental Sustainability Business Survey have been developed where sufficient participation allowed for meaningful analysis.
These reports enable tourism businesses to benchmark their sustainability and climate adaptation efforts against the provincial average.
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Contact our Research & Analytics team to participate in the 2025 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Survey.
(Whistler Farmer's Market | Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova)
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Partnership Opportunities Available for 2025–2026 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Survey
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Destination BC is inviting Regional and City Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs and CDMOs) to participate in the 2025-2026 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey, scheduled for fall 2025. This research is an opportunity for RDMOs and CDMOs to gain valuable insights into how residents perceive economic, social/cultural, environmental, job/career, and Indigenous impacts of tourism within their communities.
Deadlines to participate in the three opportunities available are August 1st and 29th. Contact our Research & Analytics team to learn how to participate in this valuable research.
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Anne Kang Appointed Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
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The honourable Anne Kang has been appointed as British Columbia’s new Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Minister Kang has represented Burnaby Centre (formerly Burnaby-Deer Lake) since 2017 and brings valuable experience from previous cabinet roles in advanced education, municipal affairs, and citizen services.
We thank outgoing Minister Spencer Chandra-Herbert for his passionate leadership and support of BC’s tourism sector. We look forward to working with Minister Kang to continue building a vibrant, sustainable visitor economy for British Columbia.
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Minister Kang has served as an MLA since 2017 and has held multiple cabinet roles, including Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, and Minister of Municipal Affairs.
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The ETG is a practical tool to invest in your team and build long-term capacity in BC’s tourism industry. (Smithers | Northern BC Tourism/Marty Clemens)
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How the BC Employer Training Grant Supports Tourism Businesses
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The BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) helps tourism operators build a stronger workforce through targeted training support. This cost-sharing program helps cover up to 80% of eligible training expenses for new or current employees, including tuition, exam fees, textbooks, and some travel costs. Open to employers, self-employed individuals, and business owners can apply for up to $10,000 per employee as often as needed, up to a maximum of $300,000 annually.
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Public Events Safety Report Includes New Tools for Community Event Organizers
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The Government of BC recently published the report for the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in BC, which includes new tools that event organizers throughout BC can begin using right away and recommendations the Province will be working on, together with other levels of government and event organizers.
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Read Minister Yung’s statement at the link. (SilverStar Mountain Resort | Abby Cooper)
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The Heritage Conservation Act will be modernized to support more meaningful discussions with people, communities, industry, and First Nations. (Dawson Creek | Northern BC Tourism/Abby Cooper)
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Next Stage of Engagement Begins on Heritage Conservation Act Improvements
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The Province, in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council, is advancing to the next stage of engagement on modernizing the Heritage Conservation Act. This legislation guides the protection, management, and conservation of cultural and heritage sites in BC. Last updated in 1996, the Act is undergoing a multi-year, co-developed review process. Phase 3 engagement runs from July to October 2025, and will include sessions with First Nations, stakeholders, and the public, along with opportunities to provide feedback via an online survey.
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Early-bird Registration Now Open!
2025 Tourism Congress
November 18-20
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Early-bird registration is now open for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) 2025 Tourism Congress and Canadian Tourism Awards. Taking place November 18-20, 2025 in Gatineau, Quebec, the event unites tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond.
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Diverse Abilities Discovery Fair
August 8
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Tourism HR Canada and the Vancouver Convention Centre, with support from BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), are proud to host an innovative hiring event that puts inclusion at the forefront. It’s a valuable opportunity for tourism employers to connect with passionate, job-ready talent while empowering job-seekers with disabilities to lead the conversation. Register by contacting [email protected].
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