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Directions: News from Destination BC
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Snow on the mountains means ski season is almost here! (Destination BC/Dave Heath)
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Destination BC Launches New HelloBC AI Concierge (Beta)
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Destination BC has released in beta the HelloBC AI Concierge—a powerful chatbot tool that enhances visitor servicing on HelloBC.com. The Concierge offers a 24/7 resource for general tourism inquiries, providing customized assistance with trip planning and destination insights.
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The HelloBC AI Concierge offers around-the-clock, tailored support to BC visitors.
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Travel media practiced their new wildlife photography skills with Archie the Owl.
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Destination BC Hosts: The Great Wilderness Media Event in California
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As part of the launch of The Great Wilderness in California, Destination BC hosted a media event in Los Angeles for travel writers from Travel & Leisure, Outside magazine, Matador Network, and more. A highlight was Canadian Geographic’s 2023 photographer of the year, Brandon Broderick, leading a wildlife and nature photography workshop.
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Submit your Cowichan region tourism ideas by November 12.
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Last Call for “Spark” Cowichan Applications!
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The deadline is approaching to submit your tourism ideas for the Cowichan region! The Cowichan “Spark” program invites entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups to submit concepts for new tourism offerings, experiences, and collaborations for an opportunity to win funding and mentorship. The application deadline is November 12, 2024.
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Apply Now for Project 1 of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative
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Through Project 1 of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BTCRI), tourism businesses interested in incorporating environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations can apply to receive FREE, one-on-one, tailored support.
Advisors and experts work one-on-one with each business to help them develop a sustainability and climate adaptation roadmap and perform detailed assessments to identify the most impactful, customized measures for climate resiliency.
Applications are open now and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis while spots last.
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Our team of photographers, videographers, and talent on location in Northern BC.
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New Photo and Video Assets Available for Northern BC and Thompson Okanagan
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Destination BC’s Brand team led two successful productions this fall to capture new photo and video assets in the Northern BC and Thompson Okanagan regions. The assets will support current and future Iconic brands.
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We’re hiring a Coordinator, Market Development, Europe, USA & Cruise
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Destination BC is hiring for the role of Coordinator, Market Development, Europe, USA & Cruise! This temporary, 18-month contract involves coordinating and supporting all cooperative marketing, trade education, familiarization tours/press trips, and other marketing initiatives in our Europe, USA, and Cruise markets. Apply before November 20 at 4:00pm.
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Come work with us! (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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Angling for Change: How Reel North Adventures is Improving Accessibility in Fishing Tourism
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In 2021, Jerry Daoust, owner of Reel North Adventures, had a perspective-shifting conversation that helped him realize the services offered by his business were not inclusive, particularly for people with mobility issues. This led him down a path to research, redesign, and build a boat that would be fully accessible.
Visit the Learning Centre on our website to read the full story and access resources to improve accessibility in your tourism business.
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PacfiCan Announces Funding for BC Tourism Industry
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The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) has provided $2.7 million in funding for Small Business BC to support small businesses as they create local jobs, vibrant communities, and inclusive opportunities around the province. PacifiCan also announced $727,500 in funding through the Tourism Growth Program for four organizations based in the Thompson Okanagan, which will help to enhance outdoor recreation, increase visitors to smaller communities, and promote sustainable tourism in BC’s southern interior.
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PacifiCan has provided millions in funding supporting BC's tourism industry.
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The expanded agreement is expected to meet the needs of this important bilateral market for the long term.
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Canada Signs Expanded Transport Agreement with Australia
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Canada has expanded its air transport agreement with Australia. The agreement includes an unlimited number of direct passenger and cargo flights and enhances operational flexibility for each country’s airlines. It also includes access to any point in the other country’s territory.
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The announcement is an encouraging indicator of growing demand from China, a key tourism market for BC.
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Air Canada Increases Service Between Vancouver and China
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Air Canada has announced increased service between Vancouver and China with daily non-stop flights between Vancouver and Beijing resuming January 15, 2025. The airline will also increase the frequency of flights between Vancouver and Shanghai to daily service beginning December 7, 2024.
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The hub aims to help Australian travellers plan and book their dream Canadian holiday.
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Destination Canada Invites Australians to “Choose Your Canadian Adventure”
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Destination Canada is inviting Australians to “Choose Your Canadian Adventure” with a new Canadian destination hub on Qantas Travel Insider. The initiative encourages Australian travellers to explore Canada with regional itineraries, including Vancouver to Jasper, Vancouver Island to Yellowknife, Whitehorse to Whistler, and more. The hub promotes flights to Vancouver International Airport and includes new video content featuring winter activities in Vancouver and Sun Peaks Resort.
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Campbell River Whale Watching is committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and included. (Campbell River Whale Watching)
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Campbell River Whale Watching Becomes First Rainbow Registered Whale-watching Company in Canada
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Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours has made history as the first whale watching company in Canada to receive the Rainbow Registered accreditation from Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce. The achievement honours the company’s promotion of inclusive tourism and commitment to building a welcoming environment for all guests and employees.
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Several BC businesses have been nominated for the Canadian Tourism Awards. Cheer them on while attending the 2024 Tourism Congress!
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Register Today for the 2024 Tourism Congress & Canadian Tourism Awards
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The Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s 2024 Tourism Congress and Canadian Tourism Awards takes place at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, December 3-5, 2024. Register today!
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