Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region receives COVID-19 recovery funding boost

Destination BC, representing the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, will receive $2.1 million to invest in regional tourism development.

As part of the Province’s Stronger BC economic recovery plan B.C.’s six tourism regions will receive a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and spur economic diversification within communities.

“We recognize these are challenging times and we appreciate the sacrifices everyone is making to flatten the curve and be safe,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This funding for regional tourism organizations was a call to action to help B.C. communities to be ready to welcome travellers as soon as it’s safe to do so and it reflects our Government’s commitment to work collaboratively and support people to get back to work.”

Examples of regional tourism development projects include connecting tourism experiences across a region such as overnight trip itineraries, points of interest along highway corridors, and supporting the development of more Indigenous tourism experiences. Projects proposed will be determined in partnership with local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and regional tourism management organizations.

“This additional funding from the Province is a great recognition of the vital role that destination development plays in rebuilding, sustaining and growing the value of tourism throughout the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region,” said Peter Harrison, Director of Industry Partnerships & Visitor Services with Destination BC. “Through consultation with more than 800 individuals and organizations across industries and levels of government, we’ve identified destination development priorities that will benefit our communities and residents, while supporting our local tourism industry on its road to recovery.”

Quick Facts:

• Engagement with communities to review existing or identify new regional initiatives will take place between December 2020 and January 2021, with final decisions on projects made by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in March 2021.
• All projects are to start by December 31, 2021 and will be completed by March 31, 2023.

Learn More:

Read the news release on tourism sector supports here.

Read more about the supports for the tourism sector here.

Learn about B.C.’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic here.