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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
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Foggy afternoons at Toba Inlet. (Wilderness International/Erik van de Perre)
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Thank you to everyone who attended!
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VCM Industry Forum: A Day to Remember!
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The energy was palpable at last month’s Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum, held at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Vancouver. This annual event brought together tourism leaders, businesses, and Community Destination Management Organizations for a day filled with connection, collaboration, and inspiration.
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This year’s agenda featured engaging panels on large events and Indigenous tourism, alongside insightful presentations on sustainability, digital accessibility, and ITBC and DBC’s Guiding Principles.
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The Invictus Games activation area added a dynamic and interactive element, offering a glimpse into this exciting upcoming event.
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Thank you to all the presenters, partners, and attendees who made the day such a success! Check out the event photos and presentations to relive the highlights.
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It's no surprise to locals that North Vancouver was named the most liveable city in Canada. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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North Vancouver: Canada’s Most Liveable City
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The Globe and Mail has named North Vancouver the most liveable city in Canada for 2024. Nearly 450 cities nationwide were evaluated on key factors like housing, safety, public amenities, and more. The City and District of North Vancouver stood out for its strong sense of community, exceptional public spaces, and vibrant amenities such as The Shipyards.
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Taylor Swift's Eras Tour generated an estimated $157 million for the Vancouver economy. (Destination BC/Albert Normandin)
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Taylor Swift’s Vancouver Shows Generate Estimated Economic Impact of $157 Million
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Destination Vancouver and PavCo have estimated a total economic impact of $157 million resulting from Taylor Swift’s three concerts in Vancouver this December. Of this, $97 million is direct spending on accommodation, food and beverage, retail and transportation. Over 15,000 Swifties attended the shows at BC Place with an estimated 82,000+ room nights booked across the region.
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All are invited to experience Indigenous gatherings and events this holiday season. (Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout)
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Celebrate the Season: All Are Welcome
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During the holiday season, Indigenous communities and organizations across BC invite you to experience the warmth and richness of Indigenous culture, knowledge, and hospitality. Many communities host special events and gatherings that bring people together to share traditions, art, and stories. Whether you want to experience a traditional ceremony, enjoy local art, or learn about Indigenous history and culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bookmark this link for an updated list of public Indigenous gatherings and events happening throughout the season. All are welcome to attend, celebrate, and learn.
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Travel trade tour operators explored the VCM region.
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Travel Media Relations & Travel Trade Update
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Destination BC and VCM hosted a “Season of the Wild” travel trade FAM to the region, including the Harrison River Valley and Chilliwack. Eight receptive tour operators experienced the new Sasquatch Museum, bald eagle viewing, hot springs, District 1881, and a number of hotels and other tourism suppliers. Thank you to Tourism Harrison and Tourism Chilliwack, and all the partners who supported the itinerary. Many of the operators report they are already developing new tours as a result.
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As Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour brought an estimated $157 million in economic impact to the region, VCM showcased the Swiftie spirit at the CITAP+ Winter Function with a friendship bracelet-making station. VCM was well represented to the 90 receptive tour operators in attendance with Destination Vancouver, Tourism Richmond, Tourism Chilliwack and many tourism suppliers participating in the annual industry event.
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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The Chinese Canadian Museum is this year's winner of Canada's most prestigious history museum award.
(MS Anne-Marie Brisson/Rideau Hall)
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Chinese Canadian Museum Wins Governor General’s History Award
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The Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver has won this year’s Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive!, Canada’s most prestigious history museum award. The museum opened July 1, 2023, coinciding with the centennial of the Chinese Exclusion Act, as Canada’s first museum to honour the contributions, history, heritage, and the rich and diverse stories of past, present, and future Chinese Canadians.
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The Harrison Tulip Festival was honoured at the World Tulip Summit in The Netherlands. (Harrison Tulip Festival)
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Harrison Tulip Festival: Most Instagrammable Tulip Farm
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The Harrison Tulip Festival was recently recognized as the “Best Instagrammable Tulip Farm” at the World Tulip Summit in The Hague, The Netherlands. "Photography has always been one of the core pillars that drives everything we do on our family farm," says Kate Onos-Gilbert, founder of the Harrison Tulip Festival. The awards recognize individual tulip attractions, organizations, and people for their accomplishments and contributions to the industry.
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Persephone Brewing has employed two dozen people with varying disabilities since it opened over a decade ago.
(BC Ale Trail)
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Business Feature: Persephone Brewing Company
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As businesses across BC continue to deal with labour shortages, Inclusion BC is encouraging employers to hire people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are underrepresented in the workforce. Global BC recently highlighted Persephone Brewing Company for their commitment to being an inclusive and accessible employer.
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Holly Jolly Chilliwack (Chilliwack): From twinkling lights to enchanting train rides and pop-up markets, visitors can enjoy joyful family outings, cozy date nights, or a magical staycation at Holly Jolly Chilliwack. Explore festive dining, unique shopping, and special hotel packages designed to make your holiday unforgettable. Dates: Now until December 24, 2024
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Christmas at Greendale Acres (Chilliwack): Celebrate the season at Christmas at Greendale Acres, a festive farm adventure featuring dazzling light displays, Santa’s Workshop, a holiday train ride, and a bustling Christmas Market. Marvel at the iconic lights from the Blackham Family, cherished by the community for years along Old Yale Road near the Whatcom exit, as they begin their new life on the farm. Kids can become elf apprentices and write letters to Santa. Dates: Now until December 23, 2024
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Shipyards Christmas Market (North Vancouver):
The Shipyards Christmas Market is free to enter and features over 75 wooden stalls brimming with artisanal gifts. Guests can listen to festive music, skate on the ice rink, and indulge in seasonal treats like bratwurst, mulled wine, and hot cocoa. Dates: Now until December 24, 2024
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Register for the VCM Sustainability Toolkit Workshop
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Are you ready to deepen your understanding of sustainability? Join us for a free learning session on January 23, 2025 (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.) to learn how to effectively use the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Sustainability Toolkit. Packed with practical tools like checklists, templates, and step-by-step instructions, the toolkit makes sustainability planning simple and actionable.
During this one-hour webinar, we’ll show you how to seamlessly pair the VCM Sustainability Toolkit with the existing VCM Sustainability Playbook, which provides all the essential ingredients for crafting a relevant, successful sustainability action plan. Whether you use each resource individually or together, the VCM Sustainability Playbook and Toolkit will help you along your sustainability journey—no matter where you are starting from.
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Join a free learning session on January 23 to deepen your understanding of sustainability. (Destination BC/Jordan Manley)
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BC tourism Climate Resiliency initiative (BCTCRI) UPDATES
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Over 70 tourism businesses have improved their sustainability strategies this fall through Project 1 of the BCTCRI.
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Project 1: Applications Open
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This program provides free, tailored support to tourism businesses that want to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations. Apply now to get your roadmap in time to apply for Project 2!
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Project 2: Next Intake Opens January 7
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Eligible tourism businesses can receive micro-grant funding up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification. Updated program guidelines are now available. The application window is January 7–28, 2025.
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The new intake of Project 2 of the BCTCRI opens January 7.
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Locality Brewing is one of many BCTCRI success stories.
(BC Ale Trail)
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BCTCRI Success Story: Locality Brewing
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Locality Brewing, located in Langley, received a sustainability micro-grant and implemented a grey water recycling project to conserve and repurpose water used in the brewing process.
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Supports and opportunities available to communities in the VCM tourism region.
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Apply for the General Manager, VCM Tourism Region role by January 8. (Destination BC/Hubert Kang)
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Now Hiring! General Manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region
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We’re hiring for the role of General Manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region! The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with exceptional planning, relationship building, and resource management skills to lead the continued delivery of regional services to the tourism industry in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region and build our presence throughout the region. The application deadline is January 8, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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Winter Intake for Tourism Digital Academy OPEN NOW!
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Destination BC’s Tourism Digital Academy is returning with two live, virtual programs starting January 2025 and registration is open now! This FREE eight-week program is designed to help tourism business owners elevate their existing digital marketing skills with training on SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more.
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Submit your nominations for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards by January 8.
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Nominations Open: 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards
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Nominations are now open for the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards. If you know a business, organization, or individual who deserves special recognition, nominate them by January 8, 2025. The winners will be honoured at the Awards Gala during the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Conference on March 6, 2025 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
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Apply for the WORTH Academy's next cohort by Decemnber 20.
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Deadline Approaching: WORTH Academy's Next Cohort!
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WORTH Academy is open for applications! This program is tailored to leaders across the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, offering a blend of:
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Self-paced online modules covering key leadership topics.
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Live coaching sessions to refine skills and strategies.
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A full-day leadership workshop focused on collaboration, inclusion, and communication.
This is an incredible opportunity for women to build their leadership identity, grow their skills, and connect with a network of supportive industry peers. Applications close on December 20, 2024.
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