Destination Development

Women hiking along a trail at Idaho Peak near New Denver.

Idaho Peak near New Denver | Dave Heath

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

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.

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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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Partner News

B.C. Parks Adding Sites at Golden Ears Provincial Park

More campsites and an improved real-time reservation system are coming to Golden Ears Provincial Park this summer. With 35-40 new sites in existing campgrounds, and 30 new marine-access sites on Alouette Lake, campers will not only have more sites to choose from, but will be able confirm campsite availability, including last-minute openings, online.

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Off-road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund Accepting Applications

Intended to improve outdoor motorized vehicle opportunities, the fund is offering outdoor groups the chance to apply for between $1,000-$20,000 in funding, with the aim of improving off-road riding conditions and safety. Applications will be accepted until March 20, 2019.
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Affordable Homes in the Works for Revelstoke

Looking to address Revelstoke's affordable housing needs, the Province has purchased a three-acre property, which can support a range of affordable housing projects providing homes for tourism industry employees, low and moderate income families, and seniors.
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BC Smart Communities funding announcement for 4 West Kootenay communities

The B.C. Smart Communities pilot program is helping small and rural communities in BC develop technological solutions to local problems. From apps for timely emergency information and real-time road information, to a platform connecting volunteers with volunteer opportunities, the projects will increase the connectivity and safety of residents in Logan Lake, Port Alberni, Prince Rupert and the municipalities of Castlegar, Nelson, Rossland and Trail.
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Pilot project in Wells Gray Park focused on developing winter tourism

From living ice sculptures carved by nature, to a gentle mist from waterfalls that never fully freeze, the Winter Waterfall Tour pilot project gives visitors to Wells Gray Park the opportunity for a unique experience: viewing the park's waterfalls during the colder months. Nature enthusiasts now have easier access to the park’s waterfalls, with four easily reached via a driving tour, and more accessible via hike or snowshoe.
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Free Wi-Fi coming to TransLink's buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus

Free Wi-Fi is coming to Metro Vancouver’s public transportation system, allowing riders to access free internet while on the bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus. A collaboration between TransLink and Shaw Communications, the project will start trials in 2019, with public access set to begin in 2020.
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Tofino & Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation eco fee

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation leaders have asked businesses in Tofino to become Tribal Park Allies, contributing an annual Ecosystem Service Fee which would support cultural projects, conservation initiatives and environmental restoration, and specific infrastructure projects.

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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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