Cultural Competency Training

The Sncewips Heritage Museum is running a four-part series that will raise awareness of colonial issues and expand knowledge on Syilx worldview, the history of contact, current affairs, and the way forward.

The series runs on September 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9 am to 3 pm.

Visit the Sncewips Events page for program details and registration opportunities.

Registration for BCTCRI Project 4 is Now Open - Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge

The Community Destination Stewardship Initiative's Project 4, Climate Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge, aims to create a provincial network across BC to enhance climate resiliency and sustainability in community destinations and the broader tourism industry. The program provides comprehensive learning opportunities through workshops, discussions, and peer-to-peer engagements, offering essential knowledge and tools. It emphasizes sharing successes and lessons learned to promote collaborative growth and connects communities to resources, programs, and initiatives supporting sustainable business practices and community engagement.

This initiative helps advance BC’s sustainable tourism development by equipping communities to adopt sustainable practices, support local businesses in climate emergency preparedness, and reduce impacts from extreme weather events. Participants can join workshops on topics such as Climate Resilience, Sustainable Tourism, and Decarbonization, that you can choose to join based on your community’s needs. The program is available in various formats to accommodate different schedules, and encourages networking with other communities to exchange successes and practical solutions for sustainability challenges.

Eligible Participants for Joining the Destination Stewardship Network:

• Any community or community organization that manages visitors as a destination

• BC-based Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs)

• Municipal government staff

• First Nations and First Nation Economic Development Corporations

• Communities with any level of experience in managing climate change resiliency, adaptation, mitigation, or sustainability in tourism are encouraged to participate, regardless of their experience level

Learn more about the course at www.destinationbc.ca

Register for the Workshop Today!

Working with the Travel Trade: Six-Part Tutorial Video Series

DBC has developed a 6-part video series based on the previously written Working with the Travel Trade Guide,

These tutorial videos will help tourism businesses determine whether working with the travel trade is right for them, provide guidance on how to work with travel trade, and how local and regional Destination Management Organizations can help.

Destination BC’s Tourism Industry Webinar

Destination BC invites you to join them on Thursday, August 1st at 10:00 am (PDT) for an update on the state of tourism in BC and the latest on their key strategies and programs.

DBC will include updates on their latest marketing campaigns, travel trade and media relations, destination development projects, and more followed by a Q&A session.

BC Rivers Day Micro-Grants Funding Opportunity from ORCBC

This year, for the first year ever, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is offering a limited number of small, one-time micro grants of $300 each to help outdoor groups host BC Rivers Day events in their community.

BC Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to promote the importance of British Columbia's rivers and watersheds. It was established in 1980 by ORCBC and outdoor enthusiast and river conservationist Mark Angelo. 

With support from the BC Parks Licence Plate program and other supporters, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is thrilled to launch the BC Rivers Day micro grant program. 

Learn more about the program and apply for the program visit ORCBC.ca.

Applications are open now until Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:59 pm.

BC Wine Industry Celebrates Direct to Consumer Shipping to Alberta

The BC wine industry welcomes the news that BC wineries can now ship directly to Alberta consumers, thanks to a new agreement between the provinces.

This comes at a perfect time as many Albertans visit BC wineries after the Calgary Stampede, marking an increase in summer travel for the Alberta market. Although the Alberta direct-to-consumer market is a small part of BC's wine sales, it is important for growth, offering high-end products and building customer relationships.

Industry leaders, including Wine Growers BC and Hester Creek Estate Winery, are pleased with the renewed connection, which supports BC wine tourism and the local economy. Wine Growers BC thanks both provincial premiers and local MLAs for their support in making this agreement possible.

Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses

GreenStep Solutions is hosting a webinar with FortisBC to introduce the FortisBC Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses program. Organizations can attend the 45-minute virtual sessions to learn more about the program.

About the Energy-Saving Support for Small Businesses Program:

FortisBC is offering small and medium-sized businesses free customized energy advice, members can connect with Business Energy Advisors with a 15 to 30-minute consultation via phone call, video call, or in-person visit to learn about:

• Low-cost/no-cost tips to reduce energy use and operating costs

• Information about FortisBC rebates on high-efficiency equipment

• Support in getting quotes from contractors and applying for rebates

• Applying for retroactive rebates on equipment installed in the last 365 days

Register below to attend one of the free virtual informational sessions: 

July 23, 2024 @ 11:00 AM PST

August 6, 2024 @ 11:00 AM PST

Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials course is now open for enrollment

Enrollment is now open for eLearningU’s Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials. The course uses real-world examples of what visitors are looking for and how brands can utilize this information for digital marketing opportunities.

What to expect:

• 11 on-demand modules that cover all aspects of digital marketing

• Short, practical video lessons

• Real case studies and examples from tourism brands

• Downloadable templates and resources that you can use right away

• Hands-on exercises

• Feedback from your instructor on each exercise

• Ongoing support that you can access any time

• Earn your dual certifications upon completion

This all-new course is convenient and allows learners to earn a professional certification, so it is ideal for people who have already completed the Tourism Digital Academy or those looking for a course they complete on their own time.

For a short period, eLearningU is offering preferred pricing to interested BC-based businesses who can use BC300 to get $300 off the course fee.

For more information and to register for the program visit the eLearningU program page.

I-CEDAR program registration is open for new, existing, or ready-to launch Indigenous business ventures

The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.

The program runs for 14 weeks and focuses on planning and development in the domestic Indigenous tourism sector. Participants will attend 3 courses a week starting in September 2024, and once they have completed the program will have a fully developed business plan and a certification from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

For more information and to register for the program visit the I-CEDAR program homepage.

Indigenous Tourism BC Cultural Safety: Free Online Training Sessions on June 25 & 26

Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.  

This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people.

We will delve into the intricate dynamics of lateral violence and lateral kindness, examining its roots in trauma and its manifestations, so we can move forward in the right direction for our common humanity.

It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.

This workshop is provided by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI), at no cost to participants.

Register →

Please extend the invitation for ITBC's Cultural Safety training to anyone in your network.  This is a great opportunity for a shared learning experience.

Eligibility for this course includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people – all are welcome!  

Outdoor Recreation BC Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities

The Outdoor Recreation Council released a new guide offering recreation organizations a roadmap for advancing reconciliation objectives and tools for recreation organizations embarking on discussions and relationship building with First Nations at the community level.

The toolkit is part of an ongoing effort to provide guidance and resources to the outdoor recreation sector on working cooperatively with Indigenous governments and communities on outdoor recreation projects. The hope for the guide is to spark dialogue within groups and to help foster genuine collaboration within Indigenous communities.

Read the Guide

2024 Summer Travel Outlook for Canadian Destinations | Deloitte Report

With the arrival of summer, Deloitte has released the Canadian Summer Travel Outlook. The report provides excellent insights for Canadian destinations and tourism businesses.

Highlights include:

• Most Canadians (77%) expect to spend the same or more on summer travel this year.

• Safety, inclusivity, and accessibility are important to visitors: respectively, 88%, 52%, and 49% think about these concerns when planning a trip.

• Canadians find fitness/sports options, all-inclusive packages, nightlife options, beach/pool access, and personalized customer service lacking in travel destinations.

• 63% of Western Canadians are traveling within their own home region.

• 80% of Canadians prefer food and drink available from local farmers, chefs, wineries, and breweries

• Awareness of Indigenous tourism experiences is rising

• Canadians are generally positive about tourism within their own communities. 43% said the benefits of tourism outweighed the costs in their town or city. But another 43% said they were neutral on the issue – which means we all have work to do to educate people about the importance of tourism.

Water Conservation Toolkit

The Tourism Emergency Management Committee has created a Water Conservation Toolkit for the tourism industry, with resources, shareable graphics, tips, messaging, and steps that businesses and industry partners can take, to promote and participate in responsible water use.

Click here to access the full toolkit.

Partnership Opportunities: 2024-25 Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research Survey

There are partnership opportunities available for Regional and City Destination Management Organizations in BC to better understand how residents view tourism in their communities.

RDMOs and CDMOs can contact DBC’s research and analytics team leads to confirm their participation and get more information on the following partnership opportunities.

Learn more about partnership opportunities and contact information at DestinationBC.ca

Trails and Outdoor Recreation in BC - 2024 Ipsos Poll Results

According to a recent poll conducted for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC), 56% of BC residents say access to trails and outdoor recreational amenities influenced their current choice of residence.

The new poll also shows that 89% of respondents are passionate about outdoor recreation and think that increased government investment in the development and maintenance of trails, parks and other recreation amenities will benefit them or their community.  

The top identified benefits included: improved physical and mental health (62%), protection of biodiversity and nature (50%), and support of the local economy, for example keeping residents spending locally rather than travelling (44%).

Community parks and trail networks (66%) emerged as the preferred recreational destination for BC residents who participated in outdoor recreation in the past 12 months, followed by beaches/coastal areas (48%), rivers/lakes (45%) and national/provincial parks (41%). 

Read more →

New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Courses by go2HR

go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their EDI practices.

Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace.

EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.

The online courses are:

• 2SLGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion Training - $50

• Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - $35

• Navigating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - $40

• Unconscious Bias in the Workplace - $40

Managing Crisis Communications | BC Hotel Association Education Series in June

BCHA's Fast Track Your Future Education Series returns for one more series this season - Managing Crisis Communications. Co-facilitated by Hatch Hospitality and tartanbond Communications

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, crises can range from natural disasters like fires and floods to complex HR issues and cybersecurity threats. Effective communication during these times is paramount to safeguarding the reputation of hotels and resorts while maintaining guest trust.

Preparation is the cornerstone of crisis management. In this series, we equip participants with essential issues management and communication tools tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector. From establishing proactive response plans to implementing best practices, attendees will gain the confidence and expertise needed to navigate crises responsibly and intentionally. Join us to ensure your team is prepared to face the unforeseen with resilience and professionalism.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

·       June 4th Preparedness Protocol

·       June 11th Strategic Responses

·       June 18th From Reaction to Recovery

Learn more and register

Destination BC Micro-Grant Opportunity - Applications Open May 13-31, 2024

Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive funding from Destination BC, through their BC Tourism Climate Resilience Initiative, of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.

Project Two of the BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI)–Micro-Grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation–offers micro-grant funding for organizations that already have a sustainability or climate adaptation plan and are ready to implement the recommendations into their organization by:

• purchasing equipment,

• updating infrastructure,

• implementing new systems, or

• pursuing sustainability certification.

Benefits to businesses and organizations receiving a micro-grant include:

• Support for creating long-lasting, positive impacts to help your tourism business prepare for the effects of climate change and align with provincial climate resiliency goals.

• Up to $15,000 to invest in projects in your tourism business that improve responsible practices in operations to support climate change adaptation.

• Potential long-term cost savings for your tourism business created by reduced energy or resource use.

• Introduction of a process that promotes continuous improvement in your tourism business.

• Potential recognition and credential through third-party sustainability certification.

• Confidence in knowing that your tourism business is better prepared to adapt to climate events.

Learn more about the Grant opportunity and who is eligible at DestinationBC.ca

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Wine Growers BC 2025 Operational Plan

Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) recently released its Fiscal 2025 Operational Plan. This year, the plan is focuses on five key Board-approved objectives:

• Build a world-class brand for Wines of British Columbia

• Position BC as a premier wine region with trade

• Make BC wine country a benchmark for wine tourism

• Strengthen wine industry leadership

• Leverage government advocacy efforts

In consideration of the challenges facing the BC wine industry, the Annual Operational Plan has been developed to address the current environment while still retaining the flexibility necessary to help industry and member wineries meet new and emerging challenges.

View Plan

Destination Canada Announces New Tourism Strategy

Destination Canada President and CEO Marsha Walden and The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism, launched the new tourism strategy at Rendez-vous Canada in Edmonton, titled "A World of Opportunity." 

This strategy focuses on transforming the tourism sector and positioning Canada back in the top seven global destinations by 2030. 

The plan follows four strategic drivers: sector advancement, brand leadership, destination development, and collective intelligence. 

For more information, see the Destination Canada Strategic Plan.