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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
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Winter strolls in Whistler Village. (Destination BC/Reuben Krabbe)
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The BCTCRI aims to help BC’s tourism industry develop a clean, sustainable and regenerative tourism landscape. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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Apply Today for Sustainable Tourism and Climate Adaptation Planning
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The BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) recently launched to help BC’s tourism industry face the impacts of climate change. BCTCRI: Project One is OPEN for applications on a first come, first served basis. Tourism businesses can apply to receive free, tailored support to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations. BCTCRI: Project Two is also OPEN for applications. It offers micro-grant funding of up to $15,000 to tourism businesses that are eligible under the Program Guidelines and prepared to build on their sustainability or climate adaptation plan to implement a project or obtain a sustainability certification.
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BCTCRI Partners
This initiative was created through a provincial partnership with Destination BC, the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, BC’s six Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs) – the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association, Northern BC Tourism Association, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, and 4VI – and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), and will be delivered by Destination BC and the RDMOs. The BCTCRI builds on the achievements of the BC Tourism Sustainability Network (BCTSN) – a collaborative sustainability support program for BC’s tourism industry that was initiated in 2022. This initiative is being funded through a $3 million investment from the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, over two-years, as part of BC’s Destination Development Fund.
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Application deadline is March 1.
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Apply Today for the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program
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Destination BC, in partnership with the Tourism Innovation Lab, has launched the Rainforest to Rockies “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program to find, advance and support new tourism ideas that enhance the road trip experience along BC’s Rainforest to Rockies corridors. The program matches selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provides a $3,000 grant to help entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits take their tourism ideas to the next level. Applications will be accepted until March 1.
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Ready to grow your business? Apply before February 20. (Tourism Langley/Andrew Beaumont)
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Apply Today for the PacifiCan Tourism Growth Program
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Are you a tourism business or non-profit looking to grow? Apply for the Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) Tourism Growth Program, an initiative designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses, tourism organizations and communities develop tourism products and experiences that create lasting prosperity. PacifiCan is accepting applications until February 20.
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It's already shaping up to be a busy year for VCM's travel media and travel trade activities. (Destination BC/Heather McGillivray)
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Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade Update
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In January, VCM attended IMM North America, meeting one-on-one with US and Canadian editors and freelancers to share the launch of the Rainforest to Rockies Iconic and regional stories. During Explore BC in February, VCM and other tourism regions, city DMOs and Indigenous Tourism BC will provide new product updates to travel trade partners based in the Lower Mainland. For more information about VCM’s travel media relations and travel trade activities, or to share story ideas and new product updates, contact Heather McGillivray at [email protected].
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A powerful cultural experience awaits at Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park in Hope.
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Visit Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park for a Powerful Cultural Experience
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Located at Syéx̱w Chó:leqw Adventure Park in Hope, Lighting the Path is an outdoor experience that immerses visitors in the stories of residential school survivors. The mesmerizing lights move through historical grief and pain, to hope and laughter, sharing the experience of Indigenous children today who are raised by their parents with no worry of being taken away. This cultural journey is appropriate for viewers of all ages. Tours begin at dusk, with the last tour departing at 10:00pm. Tickets are available for shows on February 10 and February 24.
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Eight kilometres of trails in Squamish are more accessible thanks to a group of local seniors. (Destination BC/Mitch Winton)
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Squamish Smoothers Improve Trail Accessibility
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A group of seniors in Squamish has improved accessibility along eight kilometres of trails in their community. The group – called the “Squamish Smoothers” – were granted $25,000 from the federal government through the New Horizons for Seniors grant to adapt the trails for people with mobility challenges, including people using wheelchairs, scooters and strollers. The group still has more work to do, and plans to reapply for the grant in the future.
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Have your say on the supports you need in case of emergency. (Destination BC/Andrew Strain)
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Province Seeking Input on Support for Evacuees
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The Province of BC is revamping its approach to emergencies to ensure people and communities receive the supports they need. Part of the work involves updating the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program to better assist people who are evacuated from their homes during an emergency. To gather diverse perspectives, the Province is seeking feedback from evacuees, front-line workers, volunteers, families and businesses about the ways the ESS can be improved. The survey closes on February 9 at 4pm.
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Check out the Tourism Industry Dashboard for useful data that's regularly updated.
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Explore the Tourism Industry Dashboard
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Destination BC's Tourism Industry Dashboard includes key tourism statistics, such as international visitor arrivals data, provincial room revenue, commercial restaurant receipts, provincial and regional occupancy rates and average daily room rates, regional airports, ferries, and convention centres. The Tourism Indicators are updated monthly.
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Read the latest Tourism Outlook report from Destination Canada for encouraging news on the future of tourism.
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Destination Canada’s Annual Tourism Outlook Report Reveals Powerful Potential of Tourism
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Destination Canada's annual Tourism Outlook reports that total tourism revenue is set to exceed 2019 levels, generating $109.5 billion by the end of 2023. This represents a post-pandemic recovery for the tourism industry a full year earlier than initially projected. The industry is expected to grow faster than the general economy at 5.8 percent. The report also reveals an opportunity for the tourism sector’s growth trajectory to reach $160 billion in revenue by 2030, though this relies on the industry’s ability to overcome capacity constraints.
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Former Vancouver Canuck Jannick Hansen drops the puck to kick off the feature game between Esbjerg Ice Hockey Club versus Pacific Coast Hockey Academy, celebrating Denmark's participation as the first European team in the Pat Quinn Classic.
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Pat Quinn Classic Celebrates a Milestone Year
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Last year marked a milestone for the Pat Quinn Classic, one of the longest-running bantam hockey tournaments in the world. For the first time, the Pat Quinn Classic added a second tournament in November for the U15 Elite division, where participation skyrocketed to 16 teams (from six teams in December 2022). The annual tournament in December expanded to include the U17 age division, and was the largest to date with 59 teams participating. Together, the November and December tournaments were attended by 75 teams, including the Classic’s first European team from Esbjerg, Denmark. The tournament is managed by Sport Burnaby and run by Inside Edge Hockey.
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The federal government is continuing its plan of phasing out single-use plastics. (Unsplash/Brian Yurasits).
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BC's Single-use Plastics Regulations Now in Effect
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The Government of Canada has published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, which prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of several categories of single-use plastics, including cutlery, stir sticks, straws and checkout bags; foodservice ware; and ring carriers. While regulations are now in effect, the government is giving businesses time to deplete their existing stock of these items.
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Follow Don't Love It to Death's social media channels and newsletter for up-to-date snow safety tips.
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Don't Love It To Death Shares Snow Safety Tips
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This winter, the Don't Love It To Death (DLITD) responsible recreation program is collaborating with outdoor ambassadors to share important snow safety information. Managed by the Sea-to-Sky Destination Management Council, the program empowers residents and visitors to reduce their societal and environmental impacts when exploring BC’s outdoors. Follow DLITD social media channels (including Instagram and Facebook) and sign up for the email newsletter to follow along as local backcountry guides and outdoor enthusiasts share their top tips for winter adventuring.
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Canada West Women’s Basketball Tournament (Abbotsford): Some of the best women’s basketball players in the country will compete at the 2024 Canada West Women's Basketball Tournament, with Abbotsford hosting 12 teams. Dates: February 21-25
Coquitlam Craft & Ales Festival (Coquitlam): Sample your favourite craft beer, cider, spirits and wine, alongside delicious food! Date: March 2
RBC Dumpling Tasting Soirée (Richmond): This scrumptious soirée celebrates dumplings from a variety of cultures with plenty of samples, a dumpling tasting competition, live entertainment, and a silent and live auction with partial proceeds going to the Richmond Hospital Foundation. Date: March 2
Festival du Bois (Coquitlam): Experience music and dance concerts, workshops, roving performers, delicious French-Canadian food, artisans and more. Date: March 8-10
Fatdog Backyard Ultra (Abbotsford): The Fatdog Backyard Ultra, hosted at Abbotsford Exhibition Park, challenges participants to complete a 6.7-kilometre lap every hour. The last person standing wins! Date: March 23
Tourism Abbotsford job alert (Abbotsford): Apply today to join Tourism Abbotsford’s team as Event & Ambassador Manager! The organization recently signed a four-year agreement with the City of Abbotsford renewing their tourism marketing and visitor engagement services.
Evergreen Hospitality Group Welcomes Rockwater Resort (Sunshine Coast): Evergreen Hospitality Group has expanded its portfolio to include Rockwater Resort in Halfmoon Bay – the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or corporate retreat.
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Supports and opportunities available to tourism businesses and communities in VCM.
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Sign up for expert-led crisis communications training. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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Elevate Your Crisis Communications Skills
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Destination BC is offering two Crisis Communications Planning training sessions this winter/spring to equip BC’s destination management or marketing organizations, visitor centres and experience sector organizations with the skills required to effectively communicate during crises, including emergencies and reputational issues. The application-based training encompasses 10 hours of guidance over two days, and is led by seasoned crisis communications experts. Upcoming workshops will take place February 6 and 8, and April 16 and 18.
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Here's to building stronger, more inclusive businesses together! (Tourism Chilliwack/Jennifer Kleingeltink)
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go2HR Introduces New EDI Course
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go2HR is dedicated to supporting strong workforces and safe workplaces – and that includes equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environments. The business offers several tools and resources supporting tourism businesses on their journey through equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Browse the EDI Resource Hub and register for the new EDI training course. If you missed the recent EDI Workshop, check out the recording, which features practical advice on integrating EDI into the workplace.
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