BACKGROUNDER

2003CSE0028-000289 Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise March 24, 2003

REGIONAL TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS

ABORIGINAL TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF http://www.atbc.bc.ca/aboutus.asp

Chair: Richard Krentz Phone: 604-684-0056 E mail: [email protected] The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia is the voice of aboriginal tourism throughout B.C. The association’s board of directors consists of community leaders with excellent planning and communication skills. Membership is extensive and includes all parts of the province (see members listing at http://www.atbc.bc.ca/about_all_list.asp ).

The association began meeting in early 1996 as the BC Aboriginal Tourism Group to share information, network, and explore ways to strengthen the aboriginal tourism industry. The core group of 20 consisted of representatives from large, established aboriginal attractions such as accommodations, cultural centres, development corporations, education and training, entertainment, operators, First Nations and tourism support services. Today, a formal society exists to oversee development of the business plan, program applications and product delivery.

The association is receiving $50,000.

VANCOUVER, COAST & MOUNTAINS TOURISM REGION Regional funding organization: Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism Association http://www.vcmbc.com/

President and CEO: Kevan Ridgway Phone: 604-739-9011 Email: [email protected]

The Vancouver, Coast and Mountains tourism region includes four destination areas: , Sea-to-Sky Country (including Whistler Resort), Mighty Fraser Country (including the ) and the Sunshine Coast.

Vancouver, Coast and Mountains is a not-for-profit society governed by a board of directors representing business and community tourism interests throughout the region. Members work together to develop, co-ordinate and deliver tourism-marketing programs to motivate potential visitors to come and experience all of the spectacular things that the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region has to offer.

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The region is marketed to North America, Europe and Asia. The society also works closely with travel writers, and assist tour operators and travel influencers with familiarization tours and itinerary planning.

The society is receiving $75,000.

THOMPSON TOURISM REGION Regional funding organization: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association http://www.thompsonokanangan.com/

CEO: Deanna Rainey Phone: 250-860-5999 Email: [email protected]

The Thompson Okanagan tourism region includes the cities and towns of Armstrong, Ashcroft, , Cherryville, Christina Lake, Clearwater, Enderby, Gold Country, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Kamloops, , Logan Lake, Lumby, Nicola Valley, North Shuswap, Oliver, , Penticton, Salmon Arm, Shuswap, Sicamous, Similkameen Country, Summerland, Vernon and Valemount. Tourism opportunities include ski resorts, hiking, fishing and water sports, guest ranches, wineries, agritourism and historical and cultural tours.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s goal is to increase gross regional tourism revenues. Strategies include encouraging and increasing visitor numbers, extending the length of visitors’ stays and inflating visitors’ per diem expenditure by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of regional marketing activities. The association extends the buying power of its advertising and promotional budgets by co-operating with the private sector. In addition, marketing research indicates the key visitor markets of Alberta, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia respond to “regional” marketing initiatives. The co-op program was designed to create integrated private sector and regional marketing initiatives. Marketing on a regional basis will result in campaigns that focus on the general image of the region. The association plans, executes and administers the marketing plan, while Tourism B.C. provides consultative services and a 35, 50, or 60 per cent share of marketing costs.

This association is receiving $75,000.

NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA TOURISM REGION Regional funding organization: Northern British Columbia Tourism Association http://www.nbctourism.com

Executive Director: Dan Stefanson Phone: 250-561-0432 Email: [email protected]

Northern British Columbia is a land of unlimited adventure that extends 1,000 kilometres from east to west following the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). It is an elusive and stimulating blend of old and new comprising vast wilderness, mountain ranges, heavily forested valleys and world-class provincial parks. The parks range from pristine wilderness areas accessible only by horseback, charter plane or on foot to idyllic lakeside campgrounds with every amenity. - 3 -

The Northern British Columbia Tourism Association is an industry-led, not-for-profit association governed by a board of directors elected annually by the membership. The board’s mandate is to generate increased visitation and tourism revenues through the development and implementation of cost-effective marketing programs, in partnership with members and the tourism industry. The annual marketing program includes, but is not limited to, lure brochures, attendance at consumer and trade shows, media relations, trade relations and sector advertising. Membership is broad-based, consisting of small and seasonal tourism operators, the accommodation and hospitality sector, visitor services and adventure and outdoor recreation operators.

This association is receiving $75,000.

CARIBOO, CHILCOTIN, COAST TOURISM REGION Regional funding organization: Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association www.landwithoutlimits.com

Executive Director: Mark Nichiporuk Phone: 250-392-2226 Email: [email protected]

Bordered by the wild Cariboo and Columbia mountains to the east and the forested fjords of the central coast to the west, the region encompasses three unique areas – the Cariboo, the Chilcotin and the Central Coast. Tourism opportunities include ranch vacations, eco-adventures, historical and cultural tours, fishing, hiking, trailriding, mountain biking and winter and water sports.

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association is the regional tourism marketing office for the Cariboo, Chilcotin and Central Coast. The non-profit, non-government body is registered under the Societies Act and administered by staff who report to an industry oriented board of directors. All efforts are aimed toward external tourism promotions, servicing, and industry development.

This association is receiving $75,000.

B.C. ROCKIES TOURISM REGION Regional funding organization: Tourism Rockies www.bcrockies.com

President: Chris Dadson Phone: 250-427-4838 Email: [email protected]

B.C.’s Rockies region comprises a series of valleys and mountain ranges that extend from north to south, including the Monashee, Columbia, Selkirk, Purcell and world-renowned Rocky Mountains. The region is popular for touring and year-round outdoor recreation with developed ski and golf resorts, backcountry lodges, guest ranches, heritage communities, four national parks, renowned wildlife viewing and a mild climate with plenty of year-round sunshine.

Tourism Rockies is a destination marketing organization registered as a society. Its principal mandate is “to generate tourism revenues by the development, co-ordination and execution of collaborative destination marketing programs on behalf of the members of Tourism Rockies.” To this end, the association has contracted with Tourism British Columbia to market the region’s tourism product. - 4 -

Tourism Rockies is based in Kimberley and structured as a user-pay, user-governed organization. The board of directors is elected by the active membership at the annual general meeting and charged with directing policy under which management functions.

Tourism Rockies is receiving $75,000.

VANCOUVER, VICTORIA AND THE REGION Regional funding organization: Tourism http://www.islands.bc.ca

Executive Director: David Petryk Phone: 250-754-3500 E mail: [email protected]

Vancouver Island was recently voted No. 1 Temperate Island in the World by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. The region offers a banquet of tourism opportunities that range from fishing, golfing and island-hopping to whale-watching, bungee jumping, mountain biking and more.

Tourism Vancouver Island is one of six regional destination marketing organizations in B.C. It includes the Tourism Victoria destination marketing association – a separate entity with its own marketing programs and membership benefits – within its jurisdiction.

Tourism Vancouver Island receives financial support from Tourism British Columbia to administer its co-operative marketing and advertising projects. These projects are part of Tourism Vancouver Island’s mission to “claim and receive funding provided through the Tourism Partner Program of Tourism … and to administer this program for our members in each community of our region.” The annual marketing plan is developed through a committee of industry professionals and endorsed by Tourism British Columbia. A Tourism Vancouver Island marketing committee meets regularly to identify priorities and new opportunities. In 2002/03, Tourism Vancouver Island expects to co-ordinate just over $1 million in partnered programs.

Tourism Vancouver Island is receiving $75,000.

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Visit the province's Web site at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for online information and services.

Media Gayle Downey contact: Public Affairs Bureau 250 952-0152