BACKGROUNDER 2003CSE0028-000289 Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise March 24, 2003 REGIONAL TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS ABORIGINAL TOURISM ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 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: Greater Vancouver, Sea-to-Sky Country (including Whistler Resort), Mighty Fraser Country (including the Fraser Canyon) 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.