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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Emergency Update from Destination BC
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Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Jasper and Jasper National Park - residents, visitors, and people around the world who have cherished memories from time spent in that beautiful corner of the country.
As Minister Ma said earlier this week, “British Columbians will always do everything that we can to help our neighbours in crisis”, and we will continue to support our neighbours in any way we can. That includes our neighbours in BC. We know some communities here are also being impacted by wildfires, and we want to assure you that Destination BC is here to support you.
BC is a large and geographically diverse province and certain communities or areas experiencing wildfire activity does not necessarily impact travel to many other areas. While the majority of destinations are ready and eager to welcome visitors, we want to continue to stress the importance of staying informed. We always want people to travel safely and responsibly, and this summer is no exception.
We are urging visitors in British Columbia to Know Before You Go:
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Visit Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page at HelloBC.com/planahead for the latest updates, and links to official information sources to help keep you informed throughout your trip planning and travels.
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At HelloBC.com, you’ll also find trip inspiration, travel ideas, planning tools and more to help you make the most of your trip.
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Conditions can change quickly. Monitor official information sources (such as DriveBC, the BC Wildfire Service, and EmergencyInfoBC) regularly before and during your trip.
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Download and allow notifications from Alertable, which delivers geographically relevant updates from sources like the provincial Alert Ready system, Environment Canada, and Drive BC.
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Be a responsible traveler – obey road closures and any area restrictions in place to ensure the safety of you, communities, and first responders, and report any wildfires you see – even if you think they’ve already been reported – to either *5555 on a cell or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.
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Connect with the Visitor Centre in the community or communities you plan to visit. Visitor Centres are a wealth of local information, and can help with anything from providing local travel tips and recommendations, to providing alternate itineraries and help with rebooking if your destination is impacted.
We have emergency resources available on both our consumer and corporate websites to help visitors and tourism industry partners respond to emergencies, including additional messaging guidance and shareable infographics on behalf of the Tourism Emergency Management Committee.
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Industry partners work on a mapping exercise during the Southern Valleys destination development in-person engagement session in Summerland, BC on June 5, 2024.
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Destination BC Hosts Destination Development Engagement Sessions for Southern Valleys and Southeast BC Iconics
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Over the last quarter, destination development project teams for the Southern Valleys and Southeast BC Iconics have been hosting virtual and in-person gatherings with regional partners to discuss opportunities and challenges facing each region.
Engagement sessions gathered diverse perspectives by including representatives from regional tourism businesses, Indigenous tourism operators, resorts, advocacy groups, economic development agencies, as well as CDMOs, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Kootenay Rockies Tourism.
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Destination BC Launches Consumer Activation in China Promoting Rainforest to Rockies
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Destination BC has partnered with Travel + Leisure and 5-star restaurants in 6 major cities in China to promote Rainforest to Rockies. This activation will provide restaurant-goers the opportunity to experience a taste of BC through menus inspired by, and featuring ingredients from, the Rainforest to Rockies Iconic route.
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Join the Destination BC Team: Now Hiring Data Scientist, Research & Analytics
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Our Research & Analytics team is seeking a Data Scientist to provide expert data analysis, design, modelling, and quality services. In this role, the Data Scientist will leverage a strategic understanding of technology and performance data to provide end-to-end support on tourism economic indicators and marketing web analytics, supporting cross-functional teams in making data-driven decisions.
The application deadline is August 7, 2024 at 4:00pm (PDT).
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Apply now to join Destination BC's Research & Analytics team in the role of Data Scientist.
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Nominations are open for the 2024 Canadian Tourism Awards!
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Call for Nominations! Canadian Tourism Awards
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The Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), recognizes the best and brightest in Canada’s tourism industry. This is an amazing opportunity to highlight the incredible work happening across our province and country.
Nominate an outstanding tourism business, destination, initiative, or individual before the September 6, 2024 deadline!
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Complete the Accessible British Columbia Act Survey before the July 31, 2024 Deadline.
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Last Call for Input on Changes to the Accessible British Columbia Act
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The Province is looking for input on draft recommendations for the Accessible British Columbia Act from organizations and industry groups within BC. These recommendations will form the basis of future accessibility regulations in BC.
Complete the online survey before the deadline on July 31, 2024.
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Celebrate Small Business: Nominate BC's Tourism Business Owners and Entrepreneurs!
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The Small Business BC Awards are British Columbia’s largest awards competition dedicated exclusively to small businesses. Over 21 years, more than 6,600 businesses have participated in the Awards, learning, securing financial support, and gaining valuable exposure to a province-wide audience.
The Small Business BC Awards recognize the contributions and achievements of BC small business owners and entrepreneurs. The awards are free to enter, but the experience is priceless.
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Nominations and voting for the Small Business Awards are open June 18-August 16.
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The BCDMOA announces new Chair and Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
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BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA) Announce New Chair and Board of Directors for 2024/25 Term
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The BCDMOA announced this week that Colin Carson, CEO, Tourism Prince George will be taking over as Chair for the 2024-2025 term. Also appointed to the executive team is Kelley Glazer (Destination Osoyoos) in her role as Treasurer. In addition to the executive team, 4 members were elected to the board during the BCDMOA AGM: Gerardo Corro (Tourism New Westminster), Jikke Gyorki (Tourism Fernie), Ian Lobb (Tourism Oliver) and Lesley Weeks (Tourism Squamish), who is returning for her 2nd term.
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Provide Your Input on Transportation in the Thompson Okanagan Region!
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The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) have partnered to understand business, resident, and visitor needs regarding transportation preferences between communities in the Thompson Okanagan region, with funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior.
The results of the survey will be used to help direct future planning and advocacy for inter-community transportation needs in the region.
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Take the survey on transportation in the Thompson Okanagan!
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NEW! International Visitor Arrivals - May 2024 Report
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Destination BC publishes International Visitor Arrivals reports, summarizing customs entries data to British Columbia and Canada from selected markets of origin, on a monthly basis. The International Visitor Arrivals publication includes information for both the particular month and year-to-date, and includes percentage changes over the same period of the previous year. Data for May 2024 is now available on our website.
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Participants on a wine tour at Phantom Creek Winery in Oliver. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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BC Wineries Allowed to Source Non-BC Grapes for 2024 Vintage
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The Government of BC has announced a temporary measure to provide relief to BC Wineries, supporting job security within the industry and ensuring the continued availability of BC-produced wines. This targeted support will offer wineries the option to address costs associated with importing grapes and grape juice in relation to producing BC wine and allow them to plan for the production of a 2024 replacement vintage.
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Snowboarder embarking on train with VIA Rail Canad in Prince George. (Destination BC/Andrew Strain)
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Federal Government Announces Investment in Passenger Rail Across Canada
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The Federal Government has announced a significant investment in passenger rail service across Canada. VIA Rail Canada is receiving funding to replace the entirety of their Long-Distance, Regional and Remote (LDRR) fleet from coast to coast, serving over 400 communities across Canada, including trains that currently serve British Columbia.
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The Federal Government has announced funding for 3 BC-based conservation projects.
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Federal Government Announces $89.1 million for 10 greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Projects Across Canada
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The Government of Canada has launched the largest conservation campaign in the country’s history in order to support meeting its emissions reduction targets and to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Three of the projects receiving support are based in BC, with the BC Parks Foundation, Nature Trust of BC, and the Nuxalk Nation each receiving funding through the program.
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NEW! Working with the Travel Trade: Six-Part Tutorial Video Series
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Destination BC has developed a video series, based on the previously established written Working with the Travel Trade Guide, to help tourism businesses learn how to attract more international visitors.
This six-part tutorial series will help tourism businesses determine whether working with the travel trade is right for their business or community, provide guidance on how to work with them, and detail how local and regional Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) can help.
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Destination BC Tourism Industry Webinar:
August 1, 2024 - 10-11:30am (PDT)
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This webinar is an opportunity for the tourism industry across BC to learn more about Destination BC's current programs, including marketing campaigns, travel trade and media relations, destination development projects, and more. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.
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