January 9, 2007
In this issue:

The Tourism Event of the Year
Nexus program upgraded in 2007!
Protecting Your “Risky” Business (or Limiting Your Liability)
Profitability in the Tourism Industry
Student & Youth Travel comes to Whistler!
Tour Operator Retires
eMarketing Update
Staff / Board Profile - Rebecca Vossepoel

The Tourism Event of the Year

Don’t miss the upcoming BC Tourism Industry Conference held from February 21-23, 2007 in Victoria, BC. This is a fabulous opportunity to get caught up with the latest trends in tourism, attend informative sessions, and participate in invaluable networking with your tourism colleagues. Visit www.bctourismindustryconference.ca for more information.

Nexus program upgraded in 2007!

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that the NEXUS program that is operated jointly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be expanded to all land, marine and air ports of entry. This program is an improvement from the old CanPass and PACE programs in that it is operated in agreement and involvement of both the US and Canada, with the same card applying to both sides of the border. It allows border crossers to use special “fast” lanes at border crossings and in airports to facilitate faster processing.

Along with the passport, the NEXUS card will fulfill the requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative as an approved alternative travel document when the requirement comes into force for air travelers on January 23, 2007. However, it is highly recommended that travelers obtain a passport prior to applying for NEXUS as it is a good foundational document to assist in securing NEXUS.

This is an exciting and much anticipated move. It means a single application process for all modes of travel for cards that expire at the same time – in five years. Existing card owners have their cards extended to all modes of travel (Air NEXUS members will receive new cards in the mail). However, note that current NEXUS cards are only valid to the expiry date of the original membership, after which the owner will have to renew membership.

Source: COTA News – December 21, 2006

Protecting Your “Risky” Business (or Limiting Your Liability)

Limiting liability is a key concern for any business owner or operator; but for those operating adventure tourism activities – be it land or sea – the issue becomes even more significant.

One key tool for tourism operators to limit their liability is through the use of waivers. Considered the first line of defense against operator liability, waivers ensure consumers have taken the time to review, acknowledge and accept the responsibility for participating in activities that assume a certain amount of “inherent” risk. Waivers can also act as a key deterrent to “frivolous” claims.

But, as we all know, waivers are useless without best practices, appropriate coverage and affordable insurance.

Read the rest of the story ...

Profitability in the Tourism Industry

Many businesses in the tourism industry have great longevity, but what critical success factors determine the profitability of these companies? In the tourism industry as with any other industry, there are key success factors that indicate whether a business is profitable or not. On the simplest level, any for-profit business can look at the bottom line. Additionally, healthy cash flow, particularly for small businesses, can be the difference that determines business longevity.

There is no simple formula for success in the industry, but one thing is certain, that things will always be changing in every industry. If your company can adapt to change, it will have a significant advantage over the businesses that stay stagnant in their old business model.

How do you keep the bottom line positive?

Read the rest of the story ....

Student & Youth Travel comes to Whistler!

The 2007 Annual Conference & Marketplace will be held this September in Whistler. Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is represented on the organizing committee by Kevan Ridgway, and on the Host City Committee by Jason Knibbs.

If anyone is interested in serving on the Host City Committee, please contact Jason by January 24th at Jason@vcmbc.com. You do not have to be a member of SYTA to participate.

Tour Operator Retires

Halifax was the place to be on Friday, December 8, 2006 for the retirement party of Shirley MacLean, President/Owner of Taymac Tours. For several years, Shirley has been a special friend to many of us in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and other regions of the province. We wish her well in retirement! It will be an equal pleasure to work with her son, Duncan, as he takes over the business.

 

eMarketing Update

Vcmbc.com - Site Statistics for 2006

With an average of almost 70,000 unique visitors a month, www.vcmbc.com, the official travel website of the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region, provides visitors with the tools they need to plan the vacation of a lifetime, or that perfect weekend getaway. Packed with information about traveling to the region, visitors use the site to choose where to stay, what to see, and what to do in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region.

Click here for the complete stats ...

Staff / Board Profile - Rebecca Vossepoel

Rebecca has been with Vancouver, Coast & Mountains for over a year. She came to us from Ontario after having completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Tourism Management from the University of Guelph. During her time in Ontario she helped manage a small country inn and worked at a local tourism office and Chamber of Commerce.

As a Program Representative at VCM, Rebecca coordinates newspaper advertising campaigns, assists with publications, starts new niche market initiatives and updates our Partner information.

Rebecca is enjoying living in the VCM region and plans to have many adventures over the coming years. This year she plans to learn how to snowboard and rock climb. She is also celebrating her birthday this week – we send her our warmest wishes!