Destination Development
Southern Vancouver Island
Program Goals
Make British Columbia the most highly recommended destination in North America.
Create strategic plans for tourism development and improve return-on-investment for government and private sector investments in tourism assets.
Elevate British Columbia’s ability to compete as a premium destination while making the province more attractive for investment.
Partners in Planning
We will work with you to ensure the destination planning process in your area is adequately represented by a variety of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to enable well-rounded discussions, perspectives, and guidance. Participants in your planning process might include individuals from the following organizations:
- Tourism industry (CDMOs, tourism businesses, and associations)
- Local and regional economic development agencies and economic development trusts
- First Nation governments and Indigenous tourism organizations
- Local and regional governments
- Not-for-Profit organizations (heritage/arts/cultural organizations, community groups)
- BC government ministries
More information about the Destination Development Program can be found on the Destination Development Overview information sheets.
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Destination BC’s Destination Development Program
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Destination Development throughout BC
Destination BC continues to work with communities across the six tourism regions to develop destination development strategies that pull together planning, policy, and capacity building efforts. You will soon be able to explore how each of the tourism regions are working together, and with various partners, to address impediments to tourism growth and strengthen relationships to capitalize on future tourism opportunities.
Regions
Testimonials from our Partners
Partner News
Historic Agreement Sees First Nations and City of Salmon Arm Work on Connector Trail
On Friday, Jan 31, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed at Pierre’s Point by representatives of the City of Salmon Arm and the Adams Lake and Neskonlith bands. The signatories have agreed to work collaboratively to construct the West Bay Connector Trail, a walkway that will begin at Salmon Arm Bay and stretch to Tappen.
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Have Your Say in Developing a Vision for Coastal Ferry Service
The Province is launching the next phase in its process to develop a vision for British Columbia's coastal ferry services and is inviting British Columbians to share their views. From Feb. 2 until March 20, 2020, people can share their input and feedback at: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/coastalferries
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Tourism Stakeholders Asked for Input on Forest Service Roads
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) will look to openly invite the region’s tourism industry and stakeholder to in-person engagement sessions. These will be scheduled throughout the region and are expected to take place the week of Feb. 24 with web sessions set to be scheduled in early March.
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WestJet Announces Multiple Non-stop Flights from BC to Calgary including Dawson Creek
Today, WestJet announced its summer schedule featuring a new non-stop WestJet Link service to Dawson Creek, B.C. which begins on April 26. Other flights of note:
Calgary-Victoria, an increase of seven weekly flights
Calgary-Nanaimo, an increase of seven weekly flights
Calgary-Abbotsford, an increase of five weekly flights
Calgary-Comox, an increase of four weekly flights
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Calgary-Victoria, an increase of seven weekly flights
Calgary-Nanaimo, an increase of seven weekly flights
Calgary-Abbotsford, an increase of five weekly flights
Calgary-Comox, an increase of four weekly flights
B.C. Ferries pilot project to connect Comox, Texada Island
B.C. Ferries is launching a pilot project offering limited direct service on select days between its Blubber Bay terminal on Texada Island and Little River terminal in Comox. The project was developed in co-operation with the Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee for the convenience of Texada Island travellers. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the first sailing on the Powell River-to-Comox route to leave Powell River's Westview terminal will make a stop at Blubber Bay to load a maximum of 10 standard vehicles prior to continuing on to Comox. On the last sailing leaving Comox, Texada-bound customers will have an opportunity to sail directly to Blubber Bay. The project will be in place for up to two years with ongoing analysis of its viability.
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Funding Available for Off-road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Maintenance, Safety Programs
Outdoor groups interested in funding opportunities to improve off-road riding conditions and safety can once again apply to the Off-road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund. The total available funding in 2020 is $200,000, with 25% of the money set aside for safety promotion and 75% marked for construction and maintenance. Requests for funding from $1,000 to $20,000 will be considered. To apply, visit: gov.bc.ca/ORVFund. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2020.
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Province Seeks Input into Trails Strategy
British Columbians are invited to provide their opinions and ideas about a provincial trails strategy by participating in the engagement process online: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/consultation/trails-strategy-review. Feedback will be accepted until February 28, 2020, at 4 p.m.
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Government continues to fund and support BC Bus North
People who live and work in the North will be able to continue to rely on inter-city bus services, with funding provided by the Province and Government of Canada, through to March 31, 2021. The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification, is contributing 50% of the costs to continue northern inter-city service until March 31, 2021. The Province will cover the other half of this funding. Each are contributing approximately $1 million for BC Bus North operating costs over the next 14 months.
Get in Touch
To find out more about the Destination Development program or to determine the best way for you to participate, contact us at DestinationDevelopment@DestinationBC.ca
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