Destination British Columbia

The Great Blue Heron Way project is an amazing example of what #reconciliation in destination development can look like. Through the leadership by Elder xwasteniya (Ruth Mary Adams) and support from stakeholders in #OutdoorRecreation, #ActiveTransportation, and #tourism this project will have far-reaching benefits for the community of Tsawwassen First Nation, neighbouring communities, and visitors to the area. #BCTourismCounts #DestinationDevelopment

👏 Congratulations to Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George on being appointed as Chair of the BC Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA) or the 2024/25! The BCDMOA announced the appointment in their press release this week, which also included new Board Member and Officer appointments. 💡 Established in 2008, the BCDMOA is a non-profit society advocating for over 50 community-based #DestinationMarketing and management organizations. ➡ Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDnBSwvv #BCTourismCounts #DMO #DestinationManagement

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating wildfires in Jasper and Jasper National Park - residents, visitors, and a tremendous amount of people around the world who have cherished memories from time spent in that beautiful corner of the world.   As Minister Ma said yesterday, “British Columbians will always do everything that we can to help our neighbours in crisis”, and we will continue to support our neighbours to the east in any way we can.   With wildfires also impacting parts of BC, we want to stress the importance of staying informed. We always want people to travel safely and responsibly, and this summer is no exception.   For anyone travelling in BC, Know Before You Go: ➡Visit Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page at HelloBC.com/planahead for the latest updates, and links to official information sources to help keep you informed throughout your trip planning and travels. ➡Conditions can change quickly. Monitor official information sources (such as DriveBC, the BC Wildfire Service, and Emergency Info BC) regularly before and during your trip. ➡Download and allow notifications from Alertable, which delivers geographically relevant updates from sources like the provincial Alert Ready system, Environment Canada, and Drive BC. ➡Be a responsible traveller – obey road closures and any area restrictions in place to ensure the safety of you, communities, and first responders, and report any wildfires you see – even if you think they’ve already been reported – to either *5555 on a cell or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free. ➡Connect with the Visitor Centre in the community or communities you plan to visit. Visitor Centres are a wealth of local information, and can help with anything from providing local travel tips and recommendations, to providing alternate itineraries and help with rebooking if your destination is impacted.   For our tourism industry partners, we have a number of emergency resources available on our website to help you respond to emergencies, including messaging guidance and shareable infographics: https://lnkd.in/ddPu87B

It's been a busy week for tourism-related #transportation news. Here are some of the notable stories from the past week: 🚗 Uber Now Providing Door-to-Door Service at Kelowna International Airport - YLW: https://lnkd.in/gG8im7Sk 🔋 Harbour Air debuts it's first fully electric plane, the eBeaver, at the #AirVentureShow in #Wisconsin: https://lnkd.in/gtXpbQxe 🚆 VIA Rail Canada to replace aging fleet across #Canada through new Federal funding: https://lnkd.in/gsD3Qa9i 🛳 Greater Victoria Harbour Authority considering options for cost-effective and future-proofed electrification of #cruise ship terminal: https://lnkd.in/gzXf39tx 🛫 WestJet doubling it's non-stop service between #Toronto and #Kelowna for 2024/25 Ski Season: https://lnkd.in/gZ5wdbVu 🚢 #Victoria set to receive 15 cruise ships carrying 43,000 passengers this week: https://lnkd.in/gf8c_U7C ✈ Pacific Coastal Airlines announces new route connecting #Kelowna and #PrinceGeorge: https://lnkd.in/g9mgA9v7 #BCTourismCounts Tourism Kelowna Big White Ski Resort Ltd Destination Greater Victoria Tourism Prince George

🤝 “British Columbians will always do everything that we can to help our neighbours in crisis..." said Minister Bowinn Ma, describing the #hospitality shown by residents of #Valemont and #Clearwater to those following evacuation orders across the provincial border in #JasperNationalPark this week. While many communities in BC are also experiencing challenging #wildfire conditions, the response by these rural communities has been incredible. ➡ Read more: https://lnkd.in/guuePscs. #BCTourismCounts #Alberta #EmergencyManagement

📢 We're Hiring! Our Research & Analytics team is seeking a Data Scientist to provide expert data analysis, design, modelling, and quality services. In this role, the #DataScientist will leverage a strategic understanding of technology and #PerformanceData to provide end-to-end support on tourism economic indicators and #marketing web analytics, supporting cross-functional teams in making #DataDriven decisions. ➡ Learn more and Apply: https://lnkd.in/gfZfGrx9 #BCTourismCounts #Hiring #JobPosting #DataScientist #Analytics

🍻 Congratulations to The BC Ale Trail on launching the redesigned #BCAleTrail mobile app. Download or update the app now to discover upcoming events, promotions, and local breweries near you! #BCTourismCounts #ExploreBC #BCShopLocal #CraftBeer #SipAndStay #Brewery

🗳 Nominate or Vote for BC's Small Business Awards – The Small Business BC (SBBC) Awards is British Columbia’s largest awards competition dedicated exclusively to #SmallBusinesses and an incredible opportunity for business owners to learn, secure financial support, and be recognized by a province-wide audience. ✅ Nominations are published on the Award's website for voting, with the business with the most votes walking away with a $5,000 cash prize at the Awards Reception in November. ❗ Nominations and voting are open now until August 16, 2024. Learn more and get involved today: https://lnkd.in/greXnRDD #BCTourismCounts #Tourism #SmallBusinessAwards #TourismIndustry

🔥 There is a continued and increased risk of wildfires across the province. Be prepared and access the resources you need: 🚨 Follow EmergencyInfoBC for official emergency information: https://lnkd.in/gSD3qN6c 🚵♂️ Resources for Tourists and Travellers: https://lnkd.in/gp2Absjs 🤝 Resources for Tourism Industry Partners & Businesses: https://lnkd.in/ddPu87B ☎ If you see signs of a #wildfire, report it on the BC Wildfire app, by dialling *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 from any phone. #BCTourismCounts #EmergencyPreparedness

📋New research available! The May 2024 International Visitor Arrivals report is now posted to Destination BC's website. The report summarizes customs entries to BC and Canada from key markets, providing monthly and year-to-date data, with percentage changes compared to last year. In positive news, visitation to BC from the US increased 15.5% over the same period in 2023. For more data, download the full report below. #research #visitorarrivals #tourismdata