December 12, 2007
In this issue:

Briefing Note from COTA
"Transforming Communities Through Tourism" Program Announced for May 2008
Rivermania Hosts BC Lunch at Canada's West Marketplace
Meaty Yet Always Substantial Trade Report
Passing on a Lead from Canada’s West Marketplace
2008 Employee's First Award: Submission Deadline Extended to December 21
BC Tourism Student Case Competition Announced for February 20th, 2008
More Communities Join Community Tourism Foundations Development!
A Big Welcome!
All the Best to Our Partner – the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Briefing Note from COTA

Please click here to review a Briefing Note highlighting B.C. support for Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) Tourism Day on Parliament Hill.

The event took place on November 27, 2007. In addition to dozens of meetings organized by TIAC on the 27th, COTA encouraged and/or facilitated a series of ten more meetings with select federal representatives on the 28th. 

B.C. delegates participating under the COTA banner included:
Jim Storie, Chair, COTA, Past Chair, Tourism Vancouver
April Moi, Executive Director, Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Association
Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Aboriginal Tourism BC and Director, COTA
Ryan MacIvor, Tourism Development Coordinator, Tourism Dawson Creek
David Littlejohn, Director, COTA and Director, BC Lodging and Campground Association
Fred Jarvis, Mayor, District of Taylor and First VP, Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Association
Shelley Middleton, Councillor Northern Rockies Regional District and Director, Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Tourism Association
Geoffrey Howes, First Deputy Chair, Tourism and past Chair, BC Restaurant & Food Services Association
Garr Oker, Aboriginal Tourism Coordinator, North East Native Advancing Society
Bruce Christensen, Councillor, City of Fort St. John and Director, Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Association
Peter Larose, Director Policy and Planning, COTA
Stephen Regan, President & CEO, COTA

B.C. delegates participating under the accommodation sector banner included: 
James Chase, CEO, BC Hotel Association
Graeme Barrit, Coast Hotels & Resorts
Kevin Grayson, CHIP Hospitality
Kevin Walker, Oak Bay Beach Hotel

"Transforming Communities Through Tourism" Program Announced for May 2008

Many communities across BC are discovering that the tourism industry can greatly benefit their economies and lifestyles. Success can only be achieved, however, if decision-makers are properly equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to integrate tourism into a community’s economic mix. 

Transforming Communities Through Tourism is a unique 5 ½ day “hands-on” learning experience designed for local government officials and decision makers who are involved with, or plan to undertake, tourism planning and/or destination development initiatives in their communities.  The program brings together educators and experts from the BCTLI knowledge network of 20 institutions offering tourism and hospitality education across BC, as well as trusted industry partners from lead provincial organizations.

Building upon the success of last February’s inaugural workshop, the program will be offered this May in Squamish - the heart of the Sea-to-Sky corridor, and a perfect tourism laboratory.  Like the inaugural attendees, this coming year’s participants will receive an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the province’s leading academics and tourism industry professionals. 

Participants will benefit from this May 2008 professional development opportunity by:

• Meeting top industry leaders and obtain current knowledge on how the tourism industry works – and the opportunities presented to communities by the 2010 games.  Guest faculty from Tourism BC, the Union of BC Municipalities, the Council of Tourism Associations, Aboriginal Tourism BC and 2010 Legacies Now will be sharing their destination development expertise.
• Learning about effective guidelines for successful community tourism planning.  Our experienced instructors come to us from Capilano College, Royal Roads University, Thompson Rivers University and the Tourism Research Innovation Project at Malaspina University College.
• Walking away with practical new tools and techniques.  One satisfied participant from the initial group commented: “I’ll be able to use the experience (and networks) from the program to develop a tourism strategy for my community”, while another said: “I learned a lot of useful, implementable material”.
• Obtaining ideas and resources to ensure tourism grant dollars and/or other funding is invested to maximize success. Learn about other programs available to support community tourism economic development.

Due to the interactive and intensive nature of the Transforming Communities through Tourism program, space is very limited. Contact us today to reserve your spot. Please also help us spread the word about this unique educational event.  If you know somebody who might benefit from the program, or who might be interested in attending, please forward them this information.

To request more information or to reserve your spot, contact Kim McLeod, Events Coordinator for Transforming Communities through Tourism, at 604.990.7804 or bcresearch@shaw.ca. 
An electronic version of the flyer can be found at: http://www.bctli.ca/UserFiles/File/ProjectOps/TransformingCommunities08.pdf

Rivermania Hosts BC Lunch at Canada's West Marketplace

"On a clear crisp day on the Mighty Fraser River, in the silence you canhear the voices ofthosethat have been before us.You can imagine the proud and mighty Nations that have lived along the Fraser for over 10,000 years, and extend an open hand of welcome to Rivermania visitors.You can feel the ghost of Simon Fraser whose 36 day journey changed the course of history and who we are today. Rivermania is a journeyof exploration, of our history, our heritage, our Peoples, our lands in the Northern BC, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains regions of Super, Natural British Columbia."

Now repeat those words with dimmed lights and a hush over a large room -that was the dramatic introduction that delegates heard at the beginning of the extremely successful luncheon at the recent Canada’s West Marketplace. The lunch was hostedby Rivermania, and the introduction was followed by details of Rivermania, including where and how international tour operators should book segments of the journey.

Now only 8 months away – the website, www.bcrivermania.com, will be continually updated. Stay tuned for more information!

Meaty Yet Always Substantial Trade Report

It has been a busy start to the season in the cozy Travel Trade office. Jason Knibbs has been on his toes, attending trade shows and making sales visits this past autumn. Here is a little sample of findings so far:

National Tour Association (NTA) Annual Convention                 Nov 3 – 7, 2007
In November, Jason traveled south to Kansas City, MO to attend the 2007 National Tour Association Annual Convention, which Vancouver, Coast & Mountains attends every second year. Pre-scheduled meetings with 33 operators (the most appointments ever for VCM), from around North America were conducted with discussions focused on itinerary planning and product development. In addition to the pre-scheduled meetings, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains also attended valuable networking functions and educational seminars. Jason will be following up with each contact, providing the information requested during the appointments and assisting with any future itinerary planning. Partners interested in becoming an NTA member and participating in this convention can visit www.ntaonline.com.

Jonview Canada Training                                             Nov 20th & 21 2007
Also in November, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains partnered with Tourism BC to conduct interactive information and training sessions at Jonview Canada’s Toronto and Montreal offices. The objective of the trip was to raise awareness and to increase the agents’ knowledge of VCM partners who are currently contracting with Jonview Canada. In Toronto, Jason gave 20-minute roundtable presentations to 80 of Jonview Canada’s reservation and sales team. The following day, the delegation travelled to Montreal to give training presentations to members of that office. Jonview Canada is the country's largest incoming receptive tour operator (RTO), offering an ever-growing selection of Canadian products to the international market since 1981.

Canada’s West Marketplace                                          Nov 25-27th, 2007
Kevan Ridgway and Jason Knibbs recently attended the Annual Canada’s West Marketplace, this year held in Whistler, BC. Meetings were held with tour operator partners, primarily from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. CWM rotates between BC and Alberta and offers the opportunity to meet with new operators, and industry partners who are specifically interested in product from Western Canada. The overall feeling was one of optimism and positive feedback about all our Destination Areas, with interest in all areas for 2009 and beyond. Jason will be following up with each contact, providing the information requested during the appointments and assisting with any future itinerary planning. 

Canadian Inbound Tourism – Asia Pacific (CITAP) Annual Winter Function       Dec 5, 2007
Last week, Jason attended the annual CITAP Winter Function, held this year at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside. He participated in seminars consisting of informative presentations by receptive tour operators (RTOs) from respective Asian markets, and also exhibited Vancouver, Coast & Mountains in an informal Marketplace where CITAP RTO member staff can access updated information for planning, operations and reservations.

CITAP is a non-profit organization with members from various market segments of the hospitality and tourism industries devoted to further developing Canada as the preferred destination for Asia Pacific travellers. Partners interested in becoming a CITAP member can visit www.citap.ca.

What’s Happening in the New Year?

Upcoming Trade Shows:
Addison Travel Marketing – Calgary & Edmonton                                                  Jan 29 & 30
American Bus Association Marketplace & Convention – Viginia Beach, VA         Feb.2 -6th
Addison Travel Marketing - Montréal & Ontario                                                   Feb 18 -21
Two Nation Vacation Travel show – TX, AZ, CA                                                    Feb 25 – 29

Inter-Regional Travel Trade Programs:
The travel trade departments of Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) have joined forces to provide the industry with new multi-day niche product itineraries.

The new 6-day Wine and Culinary Tour Planner combining the Fraser Valley with the Okanagan, (“Two Valleys, One Delicious Adventure”) proved to be a huge hit with tour operators at the recent Canada’s West Marketplace in Whistler, and at both Kanata Japan Travel Show and the Showcase Canada in Korea via our friends at TOTA. Feedback from operators suggests that some have already begun plans to include the routing and product ideas into their offerings for 2009. Based on direct requests, upcoming joint itineraries will focus on BC History Touring and First Nations Attractions through both regions.

If you have any questions about Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Travel Trade program, contact Jason Knibbs at Jason@vcmbc.com or 604-484-5363.

Passing on a Lead from Canada’s West Marketplace

Calling all interested export ready partners!

itravel2000.com is one of Canada’s largest online travel retailers. Their Canadian destination website at www.itravelcanada.ca is looking for commissionable packages that can be promoted on their very popular website.

Targeted at the domestic getaway market, the website features themed packages (romantic getaways, family fun, skiing, spas) that often include one or two nights’ accommodation, some meals and other activities. Tour operators or accommodators who wish to take advantage of this free promotional opportunity must be willing to pay at least a 12% commission on any sales made through this program. In addition, itravel2000 is requesting that hotels and other accommodators submit their net FIT rates for 2008 which may then be included in their online accommodation search engine.

For more information, contact:  Janice Ketchen, Director of Business Development, at jketchen@itravelcanada.ca or phone 1-866-969-3325 X 2079.

If you wish to discuss packaging or have any travel trade questions, contact Jason Knibbs at Jason@vcmbc.com or 604-484-5363.

2008 Employee's First Award: Submission Deadline Extended to December 21

Behind every successful company is a team of people who are well managed, highly motivated, and viewed as the company’s most important asset. If this sounds like your tourism business then you deserve some well-earned recognition for valuing your people as much as your customers.

The go2 Employee’s First Award is presented each year to a British Columbia Tourism industry employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in human resources and people management practices. The next recipient will be honoured at the 9th Annual British Columbia Tourism Awards to be held during the BC Tourism Industry Conference in Vancouver, February 20–22, 2008.

Why Apply? Employees First Award Winners Enjoy...

Stellar Staff - attract success-minded people; the best want to work for the best.
Increased Brand Recognition - winners, runners-up, and candidates are often included in the exposure that typically follows awards celebrations.
Market Exposure - reinforce to clients, loyal and new, that they have picked the best.
Industry Status - be respected as a leader in the field.
Increased Sales - corporate award winners typically experience 37% more sales growth than the competition according to a recent study.
Better Business Relationships - financial institutions and suppliers place a high value on companies that are succeeding.

How to Nominate

Companies can be self-nominated or can be nominated by other companies or agencies. Please address the following points on your nomination submission:

1. Describe your corporate culture and the extent to which your vision, values and leadership practices work to promote a positive work environment for your people.
2. What are the effective HR/people management practices of the organization and describe how they are implemented.
3. To what extent have these practices positively impacted your organization’s ability to attract and retain staff? (Please provide as many quantifiable indicators as possible, such as turnover and/or retention rates, customer satisfaction and/or the length of time it takes to fill a vacancy.)

Submit Your Nomination Today!

Employees First is one of nine awards open to competition amongst BC’s top tourism industry contributors and innovators and recognized each year during the BC Tourism Industry Conference.

BC Tourism Student Case Competition Announced for February 20th, 2008

In 2008, the BC Tourism Industry Conference will open with the annual Tourism / Hospitality Student Case Competition, where talented student teams from across the province will present their answers to current industry challenges, in the hopes of winning first prize and catching the attention of future employers.

With intense competition in the industry for skilled graduates of tourism and hospitality programs, BC’s tourism employers are encouraged to mark their calendars for 9:00 AM on February 20th, and this special opportunity to connect with the next generation of industry professionals.

Teams composed of four students each will bring the ballrooms of the Sheraton Wall Centre alive with simultaneous presentations on challenges facing the industry – from creative approaches to hiring the next generation of staff, to hospitality yield management, to the goal of growing tourism revenues in the face of environmental issues.

Programs competing include diploma and degree-level teams from tourism and hospitality programs at BCIT, Camosun College, Capilano College, Malaspina University-College, Thompson Rivers University, Royal Roads University, Selkirk College, the University of Victoria, and Vancouver Community College.

“These presentations are a showcase for the talented staff available through a network of over 20 colleges and universities province-wide,” explains Jim Storie, Chair of the Council of Tourism Associations. “For every student competing, there are several more behind the scenes worth hiring – and the Case Competition is a great way to experience what these committed students have to offer.”

Adds Kelly Miller, former BCIT student and current coordinator of partner services at Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism: “participating in the 2007 Case Competition was a great opportunity – it helped me secure my practicum, landing me a great job.”

To attend the BC Tourism / Hospitality Student Case Competition, register for the 2008 Tourism Industry Conference by visiting: http://www.bctourismindustryconference.ca/register.php

To sponsor a student attending the conference, visit: http://www.bctourismindustryconference.ca/sponsors/adopt_form.php

More Communities Join Community Tourism Foundations Development!

Lillooet and Hope are off to strong starts in completing Tourism British Columbia's CTF development program. They join the Fraser Canyon Strategy Committee, North Vancouver and Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows in this year's intake. Each community has a dedicated group of volunteers that includes business owners, municipal elected officials and staff and community leaders in deciding what kind of tourism is best suited to their community. Working under the guidance of skilled facilitators provided at no charge by Tourism British Columbia, the end result will be a marketing plan ready for implementation. Additional support from Tourism British Columbia and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region will be available when communities "graduate".

A Big Welcome!

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad and Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun to all of our new and long time partners. We have entered into a season of lights, snow and of family gatherings… at Vancouver, Coast & Mountains we are always looking to increase our family of tourism businesses. It is for you, the businesses, that we represent this great region and welcome visitors from all over the world.

Over last month, through emails and also direct mail to individuals who are operating tourism related business in our region, we have gained 21 new Tourism Partners. These are the new partners we have welcomed into our organization:

Emerald Dive Charters – Powell River www.emeralddive.com
SnowBus – Vancouver www.snowbus.ca
C&C Destination Tours – Langley www.destinationsnow.com
Halfmoon Sea Kayaks Outfitting and Coastal Activities – Sechelt www.halfmoonseakayaks.com
Old Salt Charters – Sechelt www.oldsaltcharters.com
West Coast 4x4 Touring Adventures – Port Moody www.4x4touringadventures.com
Whistler Platinum – Whistler www.whistlerplatinum.com
Suncoast Cycles – Powell River www.suncoastcycles.com
Sunshinecoast-bc.com – Gibsons www.sunshinecoast-bc.com
Aphrodite’s Organic Pie Shop and Café – Vancouver www.organiccafe.ca
Vancouver Police Museum – Vancouver www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar – Vancouver www.brixvancouver.com
George Ultra Lounge – Vancouver www.georgelounge.com
Ashby House B&B – Vancouver www.bbcanada.com/ashbyhouse   
Pacific Motorcycle Adventure Tours and Rentals – Madeira Park www.pacificmotorcycle.com
Coast Raven Design Studio – North Vancouver www.coastraven.com
Blue Sky Motel – Sechelt
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Vancouver www.fairmont.com/hotelvancouver/
Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel – Richmond www.fairmont.com/vancouverairport/
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel – Vancouver www.fairmont.com/waterfront/
Mier’s Rest B&B – Lillooet

For a list of all our current partners please visit our website or click here.

Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region would like to welcome all of our new partners, and we look forward to working with each and every one of you. For information regarding any of our marketing programs, please visit our website at www.vcmbc.com/page.cfm/5505, or if you have any other questions, please contact Kelly Miller, Partner Service Coordinator at 604-484-5366 or kellym@vcmbc.com.

All the Best to Our Partner – the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa Joins Relais & Châteaux

Vancouver's celebrated luxury boutique hotel is set to join some of the finest for 2008.

After 23 years in operation and numerous invitations by distinguished international hotel groups, Eleni Skalbania, owner & operator of Vancouver's Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is delighted to announce the selection of the Wedgewood to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, which is recognized as "The collection of the world's finest restaurants and hotels".

The association's philosophy of the 5 C's - Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine, coincides perfectly with Eleni's own views and matches the Wedgewood's own style of hospitality. Relais and Châteaux properties have always been her own preferred choice of accommodation when she travels.

The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is the first and only Relais & Châteaux hotel to be selected in Vancouver and joins the celebrated Relais Gourmand Lumiere Restaurant, the exquisite Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino and the unique and exciting Little Beaver Creek Ranch in Quilchena to form an alliance of the finest in British Columbia.

"We are delighted to be associated with such an outstanding group of properties and as part of the Relais & Châteaux Family, we look forward to assisting travellers from around the world to experience and taste British Columbia at its finest" explained Skalbania.

Congratulations on this new partnership!