Co-op Marketing

The Destination BC Open Pool Co-operative Marketing Partnerships Program (the Co-op Program) is an application-based program that provides co-operative, consumer-focused marketing and promotion support to Community Consortiums, Sector Organizations, or approved Individual or Paired Communities in British Columbia.

The Co-op Program supports the provincial tourism strategy to sustainably grow the visitor economy through innovative marketing and to increase tourism revenues which provide social and economic benefits for residents of British Columbia.

The Co-op Program was developed in 2015 based on recommendations from a cross-section of stakeholders and Destination BC’s Tourism Marketing Committee — an industry-based advisory committee with representatives from all regions across BC. Input for the program was also provided by participants from over 20 community consultation sessions across the province.

Destination BC continues to support the tourism industry through the Co-op Program to ensure the strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts that have been built over the last 7 years continue. After careful consideration, Destination BC will return to the annual application process for 2023/24 funding with regular program parameters in place.

The following program parameters will return for the 2023/24 funding cycle:

• All applicants (new and returning) must submit an application. Completed applications are due by November 30, 2022 at 4:30pm PST. Early submissions are strongly encouraged. Late applications will not be accepted.  Draft applications may be sent to us at coop@destinationbc.ca for brief feedback and guidance.
• The matching funding requirement is returning to the program; applications must propose how matching funds will be provided by applicant(s) if funding is provided by Destination BC.  If providing matching funding poses a significant concern, please contact us at coop@destinationbc.ca to discuss.
• Funding requests must be for a minimum of $20,000, to a maximum of $250,000, per year. (Pre-approved paired community and single community applications are eligible to apply for a lower amount. See the Program Guidelines for details.)
• Applications will be collectively reviewed and evaluated based on merit. Evaluation criteria are listed in the Program Guidelines.
• To learn more about this year’s intake guidelines and process, watch the Co-op Marketing Info Session Webinar here.