Regional Destination Management Organizations Receive Funding

BC’S five regional destination management organizations will each receive $2.3 million to invest in regional tourism development. Destination BC, representing the Vancouver Coast and Mountains region, will receive $2.1 million. Regional tourism development projects include:

• connecting tourism experiences across a region, such as creating overnight trip itineraries or identifying points of interest along highway corridors;

• supporting the development of more Indigenous tourism experiences; and

• upgrading accessibility along a scenic route. Government’s $53 million in supports, outlined in Strongerbc: BC’S Economic Recovery Plan to create jobs and spur economic development for tourism businesses, include:

• $19.4 million to support tourism-dependent municipalities to build, adapt and diversify their tourism infrastructure; o Funds are expected to be sent to recipients in February 2021.

• $13.6 million for all six BC tourism regions to work with government to identify projects to create jobs and attract new businesses; o Funds provided to regions and projects for consideration will be identified by February 2021.

• $20 million to develop local tourism experiences, infrastructure and services; o Local governments, not-forprofits and First Nations are eligible for project funding to help bring back visitors to communities. o Funds are scheduled to be sent to recipients by March 2021.