tourism Archives

New and Improved Public Spaces and Tourism Experiences

The Government of Canada is making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, in turn supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout the East…

Regulations Urged for Short-term Rentals

The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) has made 13 requests of the province to consider in order to establish a regulatory framework for the short-term accommodations industry, similar to those in place for ride-hailing and other regulated industries. Read The Report Here

New Support Programs for Small & Medium-Sized Businesses

Help BC small and medium sized businesses bounce back and build for the future with Government of BC non-repayable grants of up to $30,000 for eligible businesses, and up to $45,000 for eligible tourism businesses. Spread the word and apply at gov.bc.ca/businessrecoverygrant. For more detail information, click here.

Indigenous Tourism in BC — Welcoming Visitors, Preserving Culture, Growing Businesses

Indigemnous tourism is on the rise in BC

From the arid climate of Osoyoos in the south central part of British Columbia, to the misty shores of Kitimat on the central coast, the landscape of the province is full of exhilarating and unique Indoigenous tourism destinations. In keeping with centuries-old traditions of hospitality, the Aboriginal peoples of BC welcome thousands of visitors to…

Experiential Tourism?

A conversation with Dana Blouin of Between a Lake & a High Place. Not every rural citizen is a fan of tourism as an economic driver. But most rural folks would agree that the sort of experiential tourism advocated by Dana Blouin and her husband, François — tourism that respectfully celebrates local culture, talent,…

Between a Lake and a High Place

Experiential tourism operations are popping up all over rural BC, taking full advantage of the province’s varied — and spectacular — terrain, its rich cultural resources, and the hunger among jaded city dwellers to experience “something unique.” This article by Gina Begin, originally posted on kootenayrockies.com, describes a small, rural BC company that takes the word “experiential” quite…

The Power of Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous tourism can provide a culturally sensitive boost to First Nations’ economies.

Experiential, Adventure Tourism in Rural BC

Between wrenching structural changes in the forestry industry, the pine beetle epidemic, and other significant economic and social changes, countless rural BC communities are struggling to reinvent themselves. For many of these communities, tourism seems a viable economic option. Experiential tourism In this context, in much of rural BC, experiential tourism is of particular…

“Overtourism” Protests Spreading Throughout Europe

Rural BC communities seeking to reinvent their formerly resource-based economies, communities that happen to be located in beautiful areas — so-called “high amenity” places — face a unique challenge. In many cases these communities have turned to tourism as a means of revitalizing the local economic scene. The idea is straightforward enough: more tourists means…

Small, Remote — and Successful!

Small can be beautiful. Remoteness and rugged surroundings are often cited as negatives in discussions regarding rural communities and regions. But there are cases where these apparent challenges are turned into positives. Mountain Trek, a boutique health & wellness destination in BC’s West Kootenay region, and Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn stand as highly successful examples…