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Destination Development

Southern Vancouver Island

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Destination development is the strategic planning and advancement of defined areas to support the evolution of desirable destinations for travellers, with a sole focus on the supply side of tourism, by providing compelling experiences, quality infrastructure, and remarkable services to entice repeat visitation. Destination BC offers destination development planning assistance, in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations, to support the ongoing viability of BC’s tourism sector. Across the province, multiple 10-year destination development strategies are being created which will inform six regionally specific strategies. In turn, these strategies will then inform the creation of a single provincial destination development strategy. By working together with local, regional and provincial agencies, Indigenous communities, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), industry organizations, and tourism operators, the strategies will guide the long-term growth of tourism experiences and revenues within the province. Through destination development, we envision BC as a world-class tourism destination which offers remarkable products and experiences that are authentic, driven by visitor demand, and exceed expectations.

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.

Play 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

  • Cariboo Chilcotin Coast >
  • Kootenay Rockies >
  • Northern BC >
  • Thompson Okanagan >
  • Vancouver, Coast & Mountains >
  • Vancouver Island >
200 km 124 mi

Testimonials from our Partners

Emilie Cayer-Huard Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association

"The Destination Development planning process has greatly contributed in confirming what the main challenges and opportunities are in developing the Kootenay Rockies region as a prime travel destination. It also helped us forge new partnerships with organizations that were not engaged directly with tourism before, and strengthened relationships amongst the stakeholders of the different planning areas, particularly along the Highway #3 Corridor."

Learn More
Emilie Cayer-Huard Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association

"The Destination Development planning process has greatly contributed in confirming what the main challenges and opportunities are in developing the Kootenay Rockies region as a prime travel destination. It also helped us forge new partnerships with organizations that were not engaged directly with tourism before, and strengthened relationships amongst the stakeholders of the different planning areas, particularly along the Highway #3 Corridor."

"The Destination Development planning process has greatly contributed in confirming what the main challenges and opportunities are in developing the Kootenay Rockies region as a prime travel destination. It also helped us forge new partnerships with organizations that were not engaged directly with tourism before, and strengthened relationships amongst the stakeholders of the different planning areas, particularly along the Highway #3 Corridor."

April Moi Northern BC Tourism Association

"The 20-member volunteer working committee travelled considerable distances to meet in Fort St John for the Destination Development planning sessions. These sessions helped to bring together a diverse group of organizations to share their best ideas about the future of tourism for our region. A topic that was new to many but embraced by all was the importance of increasing the presence of facilities, infrastructure and services that support universal design."

Learn More
April Moi Northern BC Tourism Association

"The 20-member volunteer working committee travelled considerable distances to meet in Fort St John for the Destination Development planning sessions. These sessions helped to bring together a diverse group of organizations to share their best ideas about the future of tourism for our region. A topic that was new to many but embraced by all was the importance of increasing the presence of facilities, infrastructure and services that support universal design."

"The 20-member volunteer working committee travelled considerable distances to meet in Fort St John for the Destination Development planning sessions. These sessions helped to bring together a diverse group of organizations to share their best ideas about the future of tourism for our region. A topic that was new to many but embraced by all was the importance of increasing the presence of facilities, infrastructure and services that support universal design. As an initial step, Northern BC Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spinal Cord Injury BC."  

Mike Overend Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

"The Destination Development Program has provided opportunities for increased partnerships within the tourism sector. One such example is the collaboration between the educational institutions, the local DMOs and the planning committees to work with students and young professionals in order to implement tourism development goals."

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Mike Overend Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

"The Destination Development Program has provided opportunities for increased partnerships within the tourism sector. One such example is the collaboration between the educational institutions, the local DMOs and the planning committees to work with students and young professionals in order to implement tourism development goals."

"The Destination Development Program has provided opportunities for increased partnerships within the tourism sector. One such example is the collaboration between the educational institutions, the local DMOs and the planning committees to work with students and young professionals in order to implement tourism development goals. Another benefit of the process: Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association are working with Indigenous communities to promote local artisans through the Artisan Trail initiative."  

Calum Matthews Tourism Association of Vancouver Island

"In the Vancouver Island region, the Destination Development Program has inspired and enabled communities to work more collaboratively in pursuit of a more sustainable, competitive and remarkable destination. Southern Gulf Island communities aim to dramatically improve island to island travel, while other communities like Parksville Qualicum Beach are moving towards their goal of having a comprehensive tourism master plan."

Learn More
Calum Matthews Tourism Association of Vancouver Island

"In the Vancouver Island region, the Destination Development Program has inspired and enabled communities to work more collaboratively in pursuit of a more sustainable, competitive and remarkable destination. Southern Gulf Island communities aim to dramatically improve island to island travel, while other communities like Parksville Qualicum Beach are moving towards their goal of having a comprehensive tourism master plan."

"In the Vancouver Island region, the Destination Development Program has inspired and enabled communities to work more collaboratively in pursuit of a more sustainable, competitive and remarkable destination. Southern Gulf Island communities aim to dramatically improve island to island travel, while other communities like Parksville Qualicum Beach are moving towards their goal of having a comprehensive tourism master plan. Beyond these two local examples, tourism partners across the Vancouver Island region have accepted the challenge of working together to ensure the long-term success of tourism businesses, to help grow communities and to strengthen the warmth of our welcome as a preferred travel and getaway destination."  

Jody Young Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

The Destination Development Program has provided a forum for us to work collaboratively with a variety of partners to identify challenges and opportunities and to create a clear ‘road-map’ for joint action in developing the long-term competitiveness of the tourism sector within the VCM region. Sunshine Coast communities aim to improve transportation to and from the coast, while communities along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor are focused on visitor growth management and elevating sustainable tourism practices.

Learn More
Jody Young Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

The Destination Development Program has provided a forum for us to work collaboratively with a variety of partners to identify challenges and opportunities and to create a clear ‘road-map’ for joint action in developing the long-term competitiveness of the tourism sector within the VCM region. Sunshine Coast communities aim to improve transportation to and from the coast, while communities along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor are focused on visitor growth management and elevating sustainable tourism practices.

The Destination Development Program has provided a forum for us to work collaboratively with a variety of partners to identify challenges and opportunities and to create a clear ‘road-map’ for joint action in developing the long-term competitiveness of the tourism sector within the VCM region. Sunshine Coast communities aim to improve transportation to and from the coast, while communities along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor are focused on visitor growth management and elevating sustainable tourism practices.

Partner News

New public washrooms being built throughout Whistler Village

Several strategic, high-profile locations in Whistler Village are getting new public washroom facilities, an added amenity to both residents and visitors. Accessible, family, and universal washroom options are included at each location.
Read More

New wheelchair accessible trail built near Seven Summits Trail

A new low-mobility trail loop around Booty's Cabin has been unveiled near Highway 3B, by the Seven Summits trailhead. Not only is the one-kilometre trail itself wheelchair accessible, there is an accessible outhouse and a collapsible ramp up to the cabin to make it accessible to everyone.
Read More

LGBTQ2S lounge Friends of Dorothy opens in Victoria

Friends of Dorothy is Victoria's new lounge open every morning for brunch and every evening for cocktails and bites. The “Louis XIV meets punk chic” space is somewhere where LGBTQ2S people and allies can co-exist comfortably.
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Quartz Creek bridge replacement work beginning this spring

Work is starting this spring on Highway 1 between Glacier National Park and Golden to replace the bridge at Quartz Creek. The project will replace the aging two-lane bridge crossing 40 km west of Golden with a new four-lane bridge.
Read More

South Canoe trails to be groomed for 'fat bikes'

Salmon Arm council gave its unanimous approval to a one-year pilot project allowing winter grooming of trails for 'fat bikes,' bicycles with wider tires for added stability and traction on varying surfaces, such as snow.
Read More

Lheidli T'enneh initiate ancient forest project

A four-year, $8.7 million enhancement project begins this fall for Chun T'oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest Park. Plans for the park include an interpretive centre, a traditional pit house, sweat lodge, and accessibility upgrades.
Read More

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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