September 15, 2021

• As of Monday, September 13th, Proof of Vaccination is required in order to enter certain social and recreational events and settings. This will help encourage more people to get vaccinated, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open, and allowing events to take place.

• TIABC, BCHA, Indigenous Tourism BC, Destination BC and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat have developed a new toolkit to summarize current guidelines, provide links to more information on topics like dealing with customers without proof of vaccination, and recruiting and training staff.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS

Submit your Special Offers! #LoveVancouver - AUTUMN Edition

Autumn is here and Destination Vancouver's #LoveVancouver theme is about to launch Fall in #LoveVancouver, and we want you to be involved!

The fall campaign will be expanded into Washington State, with aligned support from Destination BC and their city-focused promotion called Head North.  This is in addition to domestic promotions in BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec audiences.

We invite our attraction, event, sport, hotel, culinary, wellness, retail and arts & culture members to share special offers for this promotion, by emailing our Marketing Specialist.

If you have Thanksgiving or Halloween specific product or experiences, please send that information as well.

Please also ensure your member listings are up-to-date, including the COVID-19 Amenity updates (via the Member Extranet).

Season 20: Restaurant Registration Now Open

Dine Out Vancouver Festival returns for it's 20th Anniversary, January 14 - 31, 2022.  Restaurant registration is now open and the invitation email has been deployed so check your inboxes.  If you did not receive the invite, or you want to suggest a restaurant participate, please click below to register!

Season 20 : Culinary Experience RFP Open

DOVF organizers invite external “Event Producers” to coordinate and submit an event under the Dine Out Vancouver Festival umbrella.  If you are interested, there are a number of criteria that must be followed for DOVF brand integrity and for a seamless execution of the overarching guest experience. Click below for more information.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Receives Prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Region Designation

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO is proud to share the news that the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region has received the prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Region designation, a positive step towards biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation.

Becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Region is a recognition that is very prestigious and difficult to obtain. This designation, 5 years in the making, is a celebration of the region’s natural, historic and cultural abundance and will support local communities in finding innovative ways to build strong harmonious relationships between humans and nature.  We salute the efforts of those who have worked relentlessly at the grassroots level over the years to champion the nomination of the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region. There is no doubt that this new Biosphere Region will represent a key asset for sustainable tourism and economic development in British Columbia.

With climate emergency being one of our greatest challenges, the designation of Alt'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region will help the community work with key partners to develop local and innovative solutions to face the harsh realities of climate change and reconcile conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Biosphere regions are sites of exceptional international significance recognized by UNESCO and obtaining Biosphere Region status makes it possible to mobilize local stakeholders and rightsholders to develop a strong collective vision for the region that balance the conservation of this unique environment with sustainable development.

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Map

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Info Sheet

DESTINATION VANCOUVER NEWS

We Are Hiring!

Specialist, Business Insights

Destination Vancouver’s business planning approach is defined as Strategy Led, Insights Driven, and Industry Partnered. Reporting to the Manager, Research & Business Analytics, the Specialist, Business Insights is a key position that supports the Destination Vancouver Team to promote Vancouver as a premiere travel destination responsible for destination management and stewardship. The position works closely and collaborates with all internal business units to support timely and effective business decision-making for the on-going development and evolution of the organization, industry partners and the destination.

Vice President, Global Marketing

This key leadership role will collaborate and work effectively with all business units to establish long-range goals, strategies, and plans. The VP, Global Marketing will function as a change agent for driving and amplifying destination awareness and revenue growth through destination promotion strategies and tactics. The VP will lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for brand, digital platforms, marketing, content creation and distribution, social media within target Canadian, US, and international markets.

Event & Producer Open Innovation Session Recap

Last week Destination Vancouver hosted another Event & Festival Producer Open Innovation Session. We heard from Dr Mark Lysyshyn, Deputy Chief Medical Health officer for the Vancouver Coastal Health region and Lisa Houle, from WorkSafeBC, Prevention Division who shared their knowledge and insights relating to the safe and healthy return to live events. They focused on how producers can work with new and changing guidelines, while leaving attendees with a positive experience.

Questions from the producer group varied, including how to differentiate proof of vaccination/testing requirements for Staff, Contractors and Volunteers. Dr Lysyshyn and Lisa gave presentations on the current guidelines and an estimated forecast of our upcoming winter season, which is positive. Producers and stakeholders still have lots of questions regarding the return to live event health guidelines, but it is refreshing to talk about live event production. In a short poll taken at the start of the meeting, most producers are launching events this fall and many of them are for more than 1,000 attendees. All of which is encouraging news for our tourism industry as these live events are an important part of our tourism economy.  

To assist producers to understand health protocols and vaccine guidelines for your volunteers, please review the WorkSafeBC document called “Volunteers in B.C.'s Performing Arts Industry: Frequently Asked Questions”

The City of Vancouver’s FASE team reminds everyone to apply for permits as soon as event dates are known even if the event is held in 2022. Remember to consult the Special Event Permitting Handbook

Most Vancouver producers were receiving positive feedback on their health protocols. Their key to success is to thoroughly communicate to attendees and stakeholders and to proceed with a policy that provides the highest safety measures to all staff, volunteers, and attendees. Our community is being supportive which will lead to positive experiences being shared of attending a live event.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Destination BC Messaging Guidance for BC Vaccine Card

Destination BC has published a new messaging guide and FAQ for industry regarding the proof of vaccination card, based on information provided by Government Communications and TACS.  Destination BC will continue to update the information as new questions arise and information is available from the Province.  Industry can forward additional questions to DBC directly.

Fairs, Festivals & Events Grant Program - Letters of Support

Destination Vancouver is providing letters of support to members for grants under the new BC Government's Fairs, Festivals & Events Grant Program,   If you require a letter of support, please contact Michael Drake, Director of Sales, Meetings & Conventions directly.

Does your hotel or business offer Covid-19 Testing Onsite?

With travel now open to U.S. and international travellers we are seeing an increase in requests for locations where Covid-19 tests are administered for travel. If your hotel or business is offering Covid-19 testing please update a new Covid-19 'testing onsite' amenity in the Member Extranet so we can compile a list of our members that are offering this service. If you are unfamiliar with how to update your amenities in the Member Extranet, please review the Covid-19 Amenity Update instructions.

Having Trouble Finding Staff? Help Us Understand - Take the go2HR Survey Today

Calling all BC tourism and hospitality employees! Participate in the survey and enter into a draw for prizes valued at $1,500.
go2HR is the human resource and health & safety association for BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Even before COVID-19, the industry faced some significant human resource challenges. We know those challenges will only increase as we emerge from the pandemic. With funding from the Governments of BC and Canada, go2HR is responding to these challenges by undertaking an ambitious labour market research project.
go2HR needs your help! They need to hear from a representative sample of employers across all sectors and regions of the province, about your experiences working in the tourism and hospitality industry, the challenges you face, and your future plans with respect to continuing to work in the industry.

Do You Have Francophone Visitors?

The Réseau de développement économique et d'employabilité (RDÉE Canada) and its members wish to initiate a study that will focus on the evolution of the Francophone and bilingual tourism offer in Canada almost 15 months after the beginning of the pandemic. The study will focus on tourism businesses located outside of Quebec that offer services to a Francophone clientele.

The results of the survey will allow RDÉE Canada to establish a general data report on the situation of tourism businesses after the COVID crisis in order to target their needs to better help them prepare to welcome visitors from the French-speaking markets of Quebec, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Eastern Europe.

The survey link (available in both languages) so that you can share yourr reality and needs to welcome French-speaking visitors

Vancouver Takes 2nd Place for Top Cities in Canada

According to a new survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, readers have voted Vancouver as the second best city to visit in Canada.

6 Corn Mazes Near Vancouver You Can Visit in Fall 2021

Finding your way through a corn maze is a fun fall activity for all ages. In 2021, six Vancouver-area farms have corn mazes you can explore.

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Announces 40th Edition Festival Lineup

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) celebrates its 40th edition with a vibrant festival program that includes more than 110 feature films, 77 shorts, and 20 events.

Vancouver Goes Electric: An Energetic Step Toward a Sustainable Future

Vancouver, surrounded by mountains and water, is a city where nature influences our way of life, and we embrace it wholeheartedly.

Vancouver’s Rainforest Canyons

Vancouver and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most spectacular temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest. Did you know that 25% of the world’s temperate rainforests are in British Columbia? Our coastal rainforest is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, plants, old-growth trees, and our breathtaking canyons.

Explore South Asian Heritage and Public Art at the Revitalized Punjabi Market

Gulzar Nanda has a deep and enduring love for the Punjabi Market. The area, located on Main Street, from roughly East 48th to East 51st Avenue, represents the historical heart of Vancouver’s South Asian community.

Your Vancouver Outdoors Fall Bucket List

Fall in Vancouver is all about changing colours, celebrating the harvest, and squeezing in some snow-free outdoor adventures before winter arrives. Here are our picks for Vancouver outdoor activities you’ll want to add to your fall bucket list.

DESTINATION VANCOUVER WEBINARS & EVENTS

Save the Date! Annual Christmas Luncheon - December 15th, 2021

Destination Vancouver is excited for the return of this annual tradition after a brief pandemic-induced hiatus.  This event sells out every year and after months of restrictions on social gatherings and events, this year will be especially popular.  The Luncheon may be adjusted to accommodate PHO restrictions and guests will require the BC Vaccine Card to attend.  Tickets will be more limited than in previous years - especially in Phase 3 - so act fast when the invite rolls out!  Stay tuned for further details coming soon! 

Live In-Person, Client Site Visits to Vancouver Kickstart September!

The Destination Vancouver M&C Team will be quite busy this month as we are hosting five real live, in-person site inspections; International Combustion, Talley Management Group with one of their most important large-scale clients, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, International Contractors Association and a Corporate Insurance Firm. Client site visits are one of the most important and essential components in the sales process in helping to increase our booking/conversion ratio and secure M&C business for Vancouver. We use this important opportunity to showcase our destination to our clients as well as to develop and nurture our relationship with them. Our goal is to create a Vancouver experience for each client during their site, helping them to see themselves and their companies and organizations holding their business events here. These are the first clients we have welcomed since March of 2020 and we are extremely excited to do so.  

Meetings & Conventions – Generating Business in Today's World

SEPTEMBER

New York Society of Association Executives – Meet NY 2021
September 30 (Sales calls September 28, 29) | NYC
Meet NY is a one-of-a-kind mini trade show, bringing together association, and non-profit leaders, convention, corporate and meeting planners and their hospitality partners for an afternoon and evening of networking and cocktails, capped off with a Broadway theatre experience. Jackie Kavcak will be attending on behalf of Destination Vancouver.

OCTOBER

AMC’s Re-Engage
October 4-6 | Louisville, KY
This event usually meets prior to ASAE’s Annual Meeting. The group has opted to meet in-person this year. Program is geared towards the AMCI staff and not the AMCI owners. Whether one is on the leadership team of an experienced association management company, a new owner navigating the first few years, or an emerging leader looking to advance their career, they are encouraged to attend Re-Engaged where the sessions explore issues and opportunities AMCs are facing and will face in a post-COVID world.  Jackie Kavcak will be attending on behalf of Destination Vancouver.

PCMA Capital Chapter – Horizons: workplace Innovation in Ever Changing Waters
October 14 | Hybrid, Washington DC Region
This is event is an MTV (Montreal, Toronto & Vancouver) joint sponsorship. All day in person event will focus on the return to the workplace - Where people work and how well they work (remotely or together) is just the tip of the iceberg “as we navigate the yet-uncharted waters”. How would you prefer to be sailing into 2022? Let’s start the new journey across the waters by fostering an innovative workplace. When leadership cultivates the intelligence, skills, and passion of everyone in the organization, everybody creates, everybody is connected, and everybody contributes. Jackie Kavcak will be attending on behalf of Destination Vancouver.

Canadian Meetings and Events Expo (CMEE)
October 19-20 | Toronto
This will be the first and only Meetings & Events tradeshow in Toronto this year. This annual event features Corporate and Association clients from the Greater Toronto area in addition to Montreal and Ottawa. Suppliers are destinations, hotels, venues, tech companies, décor and more. CMEE will be providing industry focused education. Destination Vancouver has a booth already confirmed. Please reach out to us if you are interested to join us in our booth. Michael Drake and Michelle Taylor will be attending on behalf of Destination Vancouver.

SITE Canada Education Day
October 27 | Toronto
The SITE Canada annual education day is the first live event for SITE Canada since the pandemic started. This full day event attracts the top clients and agencies working in the Canadian incentive industry. It is always a fantastic day of networking and education. Destination Vancouver is the Title sponsor of SITE Canada’s education day.  Michael Drake will be attending on behalf of Destination Vancouver.