DBC Learning Centre - Who are the Travel Trade?

This is part three of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This short video helps tourism operators learn who the travel trade is, why and how to work with them, and how your local and regional DMO can help you start your journey working with the travel trade.

Resources for Canadian Workers and Businesses

The Government of Canada has put in new measures to help Canadian workers and businesses navigate the impact of the recently imposed tariffs.

This includes:

• Launching the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada.

• Making $500 million in favourably priced loans available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains.

• Providing $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.

Take the Canadian Tourism Data Collective Utilization Survey

The Canadian Tourism Data Collective (CTDC) was launched in May 2024, and Simon Fraser University is running a survey to assess the awareness and usage of the CTDC tool.

Participant feedback will help improve data accessibility for industry stakeholders and support research on tourism resilience.

This anonymous survey will take 5–10 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by March 27, 2025, for a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift card.

Vernon Youth Job Opportunity with Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) - Applications Closing Soon

There are some exciting youth climate action job opportunities coming to Vernon this summer! Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) is hiring 5 youth (aged 17-30) to mobilize community climate action in the Vernon area. One Program Lead, one Program Coordinator, and three Community Climate Action Mobilizer positions are available.
 
The following positions are now open for application. Click the links below to access the job postings:

• Program Lead, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Program Coordinator, Vernon (deadline to apply: March 6)

• Community Climate Action Mobilizer, Vernon (deadline to apply: April 6)

DBC Learning Centre - Are you Travel Trade Ready?

This is part two of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This tool will provide a set of criteria and standards to help BC’s tourism industry assess whether they are ready to work with the travel trade.

Tourism Kelowna is a Finalist for the 2025 BC Tourism Awards

Tourism Kelowna is one of the three finalists for the Professional Excellence DMO or Sector Association Award at the 2025 BC Tourism Industry Awards.

The winners of this award will be announced during the BC Tourism Industry Conference on March 5 - 7, 2025.

DBC Learning Centre - Working with the Travel Trade

This is part one of nine in DBC’s Learning Centre series “Working with the Travel Trade”. This initial learning material will guide you through who the travel trade is, why to work with travel trade, and how to work with travel trade.

Congratulations to the Boundary Country Spark Program Winners!

Three finalists from Boundary Country who made winning pitches have been awarded a $3000 seed grant and mentorship to help them kick start their new tourism ideas.

The Boundary Country “Spark” Program winners are: 

• Lisa Houston – Christina Lake Sauna Experience

• Carissa Boynton – Hotel Midway as a Tourism & Community Hub

• Rocio Graham – Christina Lake Mushroom Festival

Take the Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey

As a partner of Destination BC, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is excited to invite you to take part in the first-ever Tourism Climate Adaptation & Environmental Sustainability Business Survey. Your input will help shape a custom report for the region, so we can work together toward a sustainable future! Don’t miss out—complete the survey today!

New Short-term Rental Registry, Host Registration Required

The Province is launching a new short-term rental (STR) registry in order to give hosts who are operating legally to continue to welcome visitors.

Anyone operating a short-term rental will have to register with the province which must be displayed on all listings in BC, effective May 1, 2025.

Join WORTH for the 2025 WORTH Leadership Summit

Join WORTH Association for Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality—an inspiring event designed to uplift women, elevate organizations, and drive progress across our industry.

The Summit will take place on March 11, 2025, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Summit will bring together aspiring leaders and seasoned executives to address industry challenges and create actionable pathways for change. Participants will gain the tools and strategies to accelerate their careers and drive transformative change within their organizations. For companies, the Summit represents more than an investment in their people —it’s a commitment to shaping the future of the industry.

Highlights of the day will include:

• Melanie Mark in the welcome address.

• Amal Masri, founder of Fix the Broken Rung, in the keynote presentation. 

• Panels and Presentations featuring industry leaders such as Jen Murtagh (Maturn), and Talaysay Campo (Talaysay Tours).

• Breakout Sessions tackling real-world challenges for women in the industry.

• Networking at the closing reception.

Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing, available until February 1, 2025.

BCTCRI Workshop #6: Climate Resilience, Governance and CDMOs

Join DBC on January 22, 2025, for a one-hour workshop focused on government partnerships within the context of climate resiliency. The workshop will focus on the importance of provincial, regional, and municipal partnerships to enhance climate resiliency strategies.

Community Meets Adventure in Blue River

Where Community Meets Adventure – Discover Life in Blue River!

Imagine waking up to breathtaking mountain views, endless outdoor adventures, and the warmth of a welcoming community. Blue River, BC, isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle.

Why Blue River?

• Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness

• Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more!

• A tight-knit, supportive community

• The perfect balance of tranquility and modern conveniences

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, a new adventure, or a place to grow, Blue River is calling!

ETSI-BC Has Been Approved for Over $800,000 in Funding for the Southern Interior

The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) has been approved for $804,230 in funding to support 26 projects that will help support the economic growth of the Southern Interior of B.C.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is among the 26 other approved projects that will receive funding from ETSI-BC.

Read the full press release for information about the project.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council Attraction Criteria Early Adoption Program

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has launched an early adopter program for the GSTC attraction criteria.

The early adoption program will begin in January 2025, interested parties can find more information about the program’s activities and applications here.

BC Tourism Industry Conference Award Nomination Open Until January 8

The BC Tourism Industry Conference Awards recognize and celebrate the leadership, innovation, and excellence in the BC tourism industry.

These awards will be presented at the conference Awards Gala evening on March 6, 2025.

Nominations are open until January 8, 2025.

Early Bird Pricing Available for BC Tourism Industry Conference 2025

Early bird rates are available until January 15, 2025, for the BC Tourism Industry Conference 2025.

Register for the conference on March 5-7, 2025 in Vancouver, BC.

UN Tourism Finds Travel Spending Growing Faster Than Arrivals

UN Tourism has found that global tourism is set to recover by the end of the year. Destinations are exceeding 2019 numbers, and the global tourism sector has recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels.

Read the full release by UN Tourism for full details.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program Brings Innovative Ideas to Boundary Country

Boundary Country has officially announced a new program to support innovative tourism ideas in the area.

The “Spark” Mentorship and Grants Program matches selected applicants with tourism mentors and provides a $3000 grant to develop and support new or current tourism ideas that encourage longer stays, address tourism needs, and enhance experiences in the region.

Interested applicants can apply by January 6, 2025.

For more information about the Boundary “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program and upcoming Info Sessions, visit https://www.tourisminnovation.ca/boundarycountry.html

ITBC Leads the Development of a BC First Nations-led Tourism Destination Fund

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has been appointed by the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to lead the development of a BC First Nations-led tourism destination fund.

This fund will prioritize a distinctions-based approach in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).