Travel Trade

A key channel to reach consumers in overseas markets is through travel trade. Travel trade includes online travel agents, receptive tour operators, tour operators, wholesalers, and travel agents.

Located in the country they are selling to, the travel trade have an intimate knowledge of the travellers’ interests and motivations, and promote tourism experiences and vacations. Working with the travel trade in a variety of overseas markets helps us navigate changing demographics and economies, and can help your tourism business achieve a “balanced portfolio.”

Destination BC works with international tour operators on itinerary development support, product knowledge, training and education, familiarization tours, and joint marketing initiatives, to drive business.

A Travel Trade website for travel trade partners, including tools and resources, is available here.

Trade Shows

Representatives from Destination BC attend a number of trade shows throughout the year, to promote British Columbia to tour operators from around the world. Here are some of our key events:

Travel Trade Familiarization Trips (FAMS)

Destination BC, in partnership with Regional and City DMOs, invite key travel trade (tour operators, receptive tour operators, and travel agents) to experience British Columbia tourism products through familiarization tours (FAMs). Supporting FAMs is a cost-effective way of creating awareness of your tourism business, and an opportunity to negotiate future business with the travel trade. In consultation with our DMO partners, we coordinate FAM itineraries to educate travel trade on BC tourism experiences which align with their consumer audience. Tourism is based on building relationships and investing in opportunities. Please contact your Regional or City DMO to find out more.

Contacts

Asia and Mexico
Monica Leeck, Market Development Manager
[email protected]

UK, Germany and USA
Stephanie Fielden, Market Development Manager
[email protected]

Receptive Tour Operators
Leona Zheng, Sales Manager, Global Receptive Tour Operators
[email protected]