Tourism Marketing Committee: Call for Applications 2025-2027 Term

Destination BC is seeking representatives for its Tourism Marketing Committee (TMC) beginning on January 1, 2025.

There is one available, three-year term position in the Thompson Okanagan, running until December 31, 2027.

Interested applicants should possess the following experience and skills, to complement those of the current members:

• Understanding of the tourism industry, its issues, trends, and opportunities.

• Experience with destination marketing on a global, national, and/or provincial scale demonstrating a thorough understanding of the tourism industry.

• Experience with destination management with a focus on industry development/training, cooperative programming, sustainable tourism development, visitor management strategies, resident engagement and familiarity with provincial, regional, or local destination development strategies.

Plus, at least one of the following, as an area of specific expertise:

• Sector knowledge – representative of one of our 2025 priority industry or experience sectors or stakeholders including wine, culinary, golf, fishing, camping, transportation, etc.

• An owner/operator/senior manager of a tourism business based in BC.

Learn more about the TMC and read the full Terms of Reference.

Visit the TMC homepage for more information.

BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops “Conservation Minutes” YouTube Series on Fire Prevention

The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops hosts educational YouTube series called "Conservation Minutes." This series offers practical, actionable, advice on how people, businesses, and organizations can make changes to take care of the planet's ecosystems and wildlife.

From water conservation tips to poisonous plants for pets, these videos are designed to educate and inspire. The most recent installment is a fire prevention segment to help individuals and organization be more fire smart.

Learn more and watch the "Conservation Minutes" series on YouTube.

Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy Registration Opens

Destination BC has once again launched the Tourism Digital Academy. The Tourism Digital Academy is a free, 8-week digital marketing program for BC tourism businesses who are interested in building their knowledge and skills in digital marketing to an intermediate level.

Designed for business owners or their marketing team members, this comprehensive program is focused on providing practical, actionable guidance to complete your digital marketing plan. From setting your goals, to building a better understanding of SEO, website usability, content, email marketing, analytics and more – you’ll leave the program with the confidence and knowledge to put that plan into action.

Intake for October 8, 2024 - November 27, 2024 is now open!

Intake for October 15, 2024 - December 4, 2024 is now open!

Learn more and Register for this program by visiting Destinationbc.ca/Learning-Centre.

Thompson Okanagan Launches the “Travel Now to the Thompson Okanagan On Us” Campaign

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is inviting visitors to enjoy lazy days at the beach, picturesque landscapes, and all the charming communities nestled within the region with its latest campaign entitled Travel Now to the Thompson Okanagan - On Us.

Visitors to the region and locals enjoying a staycation can share their vacation photos within the region to be entered to win one of ten $1,000 cash prizes toward a 2024 trip.

Visit thompsonokanagan.com/on-us for full contest details and share the campaign via social media via @Thompson_Okanagan post on Facebook and Instagram.

Read the full press release by Hatch Comms for full campaign details.

New Accessible Viewing Platform at Helmcken Falls

A new fully accessible viewing platform has opened at Helmcken Falls, ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the iconic waterfall while also enhancing the park’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Wells Gray Provincial Park invites visitors to plan their trips as they offer the beauty of the park to a broader audience.

Learn more about the newly opened platform from the full press release.

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!

Indigenous Tourism BC Job Opportunity: Indigenous Tourism Specialists

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is looking for candidates for an Indigenous Tourism Specialist position in four of the province’s regions including the Thompson Okanagan.

This is a full-time position and the Indigenous Tourism Specialist will support the advancement of Indigenous Tourism by providing responsible and respectful regional-specific support through meaningful engagement with local communities and tourism partners.

Interested candidates can submit a cover letter, resume, and references to gail@IndigenousBC.com by August 9, 2024.

New Flight Routes Coming to Kelowna International Airport

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) will welcome 3 new routes in late 2024 and early 2025.

Pacific Coastal Airlines has announced a new direct flight route connecting Prince George to Kelowna. This flight will run 6 days a week from Sunday to Friday, starting October 28, 2024.

Alaska Airlines has announced a daily, non-stop, seasonal route connecting Los Angeles to Kelowna. This service will start on December 19, 2024.

WestJet has also announced new routes connecting Seattle and Kelowna, starting in January 2025.

Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey

Accommodators in the Thompson Okanagan are invited to take the BC Hotel Association’s (BCHA) short survey on plastic use and sustainability.

Results from this survey will be used to assess the current landscape of plastic use and reduction efforts among accommodators, contributing to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) annual reporting commitment.

Take the Accommodation Plastic Use and Reduction Survey.

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.

Relief for BC wineries 2024 vintage

BC wineries will receive temporary support in response to the loss of grapes and damage to vines effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Wineries will be able to use grapes and grape juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage year. This measure aims to help wineries produce a 2024 vintage, maintain job security, and ensure the continued availability of BC-produced wines.

“B.C. wine growers and wineries are an integral part of the province’s economy and this year they have been hit by devastating losses due to extreme weather events,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “By extending this support, we are providing badly needed help for our wineries during this challenging period. This relief for the 2024 vintage is essential to protect jobs and maintain the cultural and economic vitality this sector brings to our communities.”

Details on eligibility and related requirements will be available to the industry this fall.

The Amazing Race Canada heads to the South Okanagan

The South Okanagan was featured on The Amazing Race Canada on July 23, 2024.

Racers flew from Vancouver to Penticton to check out the SS Sicamous on the shore of Okanagan Lake, the Area 27 Motorsports Park in Oliver, and Dirty Laundry Vineyard in Summerland.

WestJet announces new flights from Seattle to Kelowna

WestJet will connect Kelowna and Seattle with a new daily service starting in January 2025. This route will enhance connectivity between these regions and a wide network of U.S. destinations via Seattle, thanks to WestJet's partnership with Delta Air Lines. WestJet's Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill emphasized that this service will offer convenient and affordable travel options for both business and leisure throughout the year.

WestJet will serve 12 destinations from Kelowna this winter with up to 20 daily departures out of YLW during peak winter travel.

Read the full announcement from WestJet.

Jasper Employees Seeking Work & Staff Accommodation

The wildfires in Jasper have displaced many residents and caused significant job losses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. These people will be searching for work during the recovery; many are currently living temporarily at campgrounds or in hotels.

Anderson Vacations is supporting affected employees by compiling a list of employment opportunities *that include staff accommodations* across BC and Alberta to help these displaced workers find new homes. Pet-friendly accommodations are in dire need.

If you are currently hiring for immediate (or soon) start AND have staff accommodations available, share your opportunity in this form: https://forms.gle/sq4AAGSmNRhd53zj8

If you know of places that have staff accommodation available, please share the form with them. Any information or connections you can share to help those find their next home and job would be invaluable.

This list of information will be shared on the Jasper Evacuees Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499022265946978

The individuals will be directed to apply on their own to these listings through the contact information provided.

Please feel free to forward this email to your colleagues and peers who may have contacts within the industry to call upon. 

Note: This information has been shared with go2HR and TIABC.

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.

Review and Provide Feedback to the New DriveBC Website

The DriveBC website is undergoing improvements, and people are invited to test the new version and provide feedback.

The updated site will be easier to use, more reliable, and personalized, helping drivers plan safe and efficient trips. Key features include a simplified map, clearer event notifications, and enhanced mobile experience.

Individuals can test the new site and complete a survey to provide feedback and help to improve the new site.

Drivers should continue using the current site for travel planning until the updates are finalized.

Visit the DriveBC test site to review and participate in the survey here.

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