Destination BC Overseas Teams on Keeping BC Top of Mind

Image caption: Top row (L to R): Eva Brucklacher and Jasmine Trippe.; Bottom row (L to R): Ramona Rutert and Steffi Ahlers.; Smaller images include Martin Walter, our in-market lead for Destination BC in Germany.

Destination BC’s overseas teams continue to inspire future travellers with a variety of content, using video, virtual tours, as well as up to date Explore BC marketing content, which is shared with in-market tour operators, travel media, and on our global social media channels. Some of our teams are also conducting training for tour operator reservation teams, and supporting in-market partner content to inspire future trips to British Columbia when restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to travel.

Update from Germany

Our team in Germany has been busy keeping in regular contact with tourism partners. As well as daily calls to tour operators, airlines, hotel representative, and travel media, the team participates in weekly Team Canada virtual meetups organized by Destination Canada that includes round table discussions with all Provincial Destination Marketing Organizations, Air Canada and key account tour operators. It’s about keeping BC top of mind and gaining insights on the current market and consumer behaviour so we are working from the latest in-market information.

Update from the UK

In the UK, tour operators are starting to promote travel to North America, getting their clients to dream of their next vacation destination and travel at a future date. UK tour operator, Bon Voyage who specialize in tailor-made travel to North America, continue their #dontstopdreaming digital campaign including an e-newsletter sent to 50,000 contacts in their database featuring a short video where BC has been heavily showcased. The video is also shared on their Facebook page with over 15,000 followers.

Update from Australia

For over a month now, our team in Australia has been connecting with key accounts and other Canadian partners during their usual in-office Friday afternoon social hour. Those who have joined weekly calls include: Destination Canada, Air Canada, ski wholesalers – Skimax and Sno’n’Ski – other key accounts such as Adventure World and the APT Group, as well as BC suppliers including Tourism Sun Peaks and VIA Rail. This wind down before the weekend is a great way of maintaining relationships and communicating key messages on both sides.

Update from China

As of today, Destination BC China webinar programs have reached 800+ travel trade guests since March 2020. This week’s in-market activities included joint destination and product training with McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver and Destination BC for 250 Chinese travel agents and tour operators. The 1-hour online webinar focused on outlet product and destination experiences.