http://www2.canada.com/chilliwacktimes/news/community/story.html?id=c315971a-093d-4c14-aefa-ab96bf064d55
Friday, August 21, 2009
More on Tourism BC
A great letter to the Editor from an old friend of the industry....Jean Anderson, who gave years to the betterment of tourism in the province:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
IF IT AIN'T BROKE - BASH IT!!!
If it ain't broke....do your best to break it!
The Ministry of Tourism has turned the British Columbian Tourism industry on its ear this week by firing a very professional manager, Rod Harris, firing the TBC Board of Directors and announcing that Tourism BC (the marketing arm for all things Tourism in the province would be moved back into the Ministry.
In 1997 the Province made the unprecedented move to remove the marketing division from the Ministry to end the ongoing challenge of forward planning and budgeting to the politicians and allow a Board of Tourism Professionals to monitor the new Crown Corporation. This move was very radical and with the move, allowed the industry to grow exponentially. Tourism BC attracted many professionals from industry to formulate visionary plans for the future. They, most recently, had taken on the Premier's challenge of doubling tourism revenues by 2015 (or thereabouts).
Now, we are back to the challenges of the '90's. We have a minister who has been in place for about 3 months. How long he will last? Who knows? Every decision will be political vs professional. The 'advisory committee' they hope to have will have who involved? Rumour has it that they are getting more 'declines' than acceptances.
With this move and the implementation of the HST which is going to make the Canadian Inbound tourism industry totally non-competitive in world markets, the tourism industry has some VERY tough years ahead.
The following is the official announcement from the Ministry:
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009TCA0001-000234
August 17, 2009
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
B.C. STRENGTHENS AND ALIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION
VICTORIA – Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts,
reducing administrative costs and better co-ordinating all of the Province’s marketing initiatives,
Minister Kevin Krueger announced today.
“While Tourism BC has served British Columbia well, in these difficult economic times
it is critical that we maximize every tourism dollar for marketing B.C. to the world,” said
Krueger. “Consolidating tourism operations in the ministry will allow for co-ordinated marketing
campaigns, while ensuring resources are focused on getting the best results for British
Columbia’s tourism sector.”
Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts next year
will reduce administrative costs and allow these funds to be re-invested into marketing
initiatives. The integration of Tourism BC, effective April 1, 2010, will result in a new
program under the leadership of the ministry with a renewed focus on marketing the regions
of British Columbia.
The minister will be replacing Tourism BC’s board of directors with a new Minister’s
Advisory Council, which will continue seeking input and advice on marketing plans from the
tourism industry. The council will report directly to the minister.
“We must continue building on the successes B.C. has had over the past few years and
remain top-of-mind with travellers,” said Krueger. “These changes will ensure we are
maximizing our opportunities to showcase British Columbia, the best place on earth, to the
world.”
Created in 1997, Tourism BC was the marketing arm for the Province, with primary
offices in Vancouver and Victoria, approximately 146 employees and in-market representation in
key markets including Australia, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, South Korea and Taiwan.
These changes will enhance B.C.’s international presence and ensure that the value of B.C.’s
tourism potential is maximized at home and abroad.
Tourism generated an estimated $13.8 billion in 2008, providing more than 120,000
direct and 170,000 indirect jobs across the province. The Province of British Columbia has
supported the development of a strong infrastructure for the tourism industry since 2001.
For instance, the Province has:
· Provided $25 million to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for its Community
Tourism Program.
· Provided $12 million in one-time funding to the province's six tourism regions.
· Invested $8 million toward the construction of six Provincial Gateway Visitor
Centres.
· Provided $5 million over four years to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of
B.C. to implement its Aboriginal cultural tourism strategy.
-30-
Contact:
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
250 356-8177
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using
RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
These are the official responses from Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region and aTourism BC advisory. COTA (the Council of Tourism Associations) is still to be heard from.
In a recent board meeting of The Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism Region, the board acknowledged fears that the Ministry would move to eliminate the “SuperNatural BC” brand in favour of “The Best Place on Earth” brand. Our board unanimously expressed concern that “The Best Place on Earth” brand could do further damage to our industry’s marketing efforts in the international marketplace. While we agree that it is an excellent brand for intra-provincal marketing, it could have a very negative effect beyond that.
The wording of the Ministry’s communication suggests that a change to the brand may be coming.
Although VCMBC’s Board disagrees with Government’s decision to move Tourism BC back under Ministry control, we support COTA’s efforts to forge an effectual relationship with the Ministry, so that a the industry has a meaningful influence on the ministry’s future tourism marketing plans. We understand that the Industry’s role in this regard has yet to be agreed upon between COTA and the Ministry. However, given our Board’s discussion and concern regarding the expanded use of “The Best Place on Earth” brand, we felt it imperative to bring our concern to the attention of COTA’s leadership.
IMPORTANT: Tourism British Columbia Update
VICTORIA - On Monday the government of B.C. announced that Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. We want to reassure industry stakeholders that it is "business as usual" and that all current marketing programs are fully operational.
We understand this announcement came suddenly to many in the tourism sector. We want to stress that the Province continues to support a strong tourism industry with innovative and consistent branding and marketing programs.
We have already begun consulting with industry with the goal of making the transition efficiently, and we expect full integration to be completed by April 1, 2010.
We will advise Industry stakeholders of any changes to Tourism BC activities as key decisions are made.
For more information on Tourism BC programs and activities, go to tourismbc.com
The Ministry of Tourism has turned the British Columbian Tourism industry on its ear this week by firing a very professional manager, Rod Harris, firing the TBC Board of Directors and announcing that Tourism BC (the marketing arm for all things Tourism in the province would be moved back into the Ministry.
In 1997 the Province made the unprecedented move to remove the marketing division from the Ministry to end the ongoing challenge of forward planning and budgeting to the politicians and allow a Board of Tourism Professionals to monitor the new Crown Corporation. This move was very radical and with the move, allowed the industry to grow exponentially. Tourism BC attracted many professionals from industry to formulate visionary plans for the future. They, most recently, had taken on the Premier's challenge of doubling tourism revenues by 2015 (or thereabouts).
Now, we are back to the challenges of the '90's. We have a minister who has been in place for about 3 months. How long he will last? Who knows? Every decision will be political vs professional. The 'advisory committee' they hope to have will have who involved? Rumour has it that they are getting more 'declines' than acceptances.
With this move and the implementation of the HST which is going to make the Canadian Inbound tourism industry totally non-competitive in world markets, the tourism industry has some VERY tough years ahead.
The following is the official announcement from the Ministry:
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2009TCA0001-000234
August 17, 2009
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
B.C. STRENGTHENS AND ALIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION
VICTORIA – Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts,
reducing administrative costs and better co-ordinating all of the Province’s marketing initiatives,
Minister Kevin Krueger announced today.
“While Tourism BC has served British Columbia well, in these difficult economic times
it is critical that we maximize every tourism dollar for marketing B.C. to the world,” said
Krueger. “Consolidating tourism operations in the ministry will allow for co-ordinated marketing
campaigns, while ensuring resources are focused on getting the best results for British
Columbia’s tourism sector.”
Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts next year
will reduce administrative costs and allow these funds to be re-invested into marketing
initiatives. The integration of Tourism BC, effective April 1, 2010, will result in a new
program under the leadership of the ministry with a renewed focus on marketing the regions
of British Columbia.
The minister will be replacing Tourism BC’s board of directors with a new Minister’s
Advisory Council, which will continue seeking input and advice on marketing plans from the
tourism industry. The council will report directly to the minister.
“We must continue building on the successes B.C. has had over the past few years and
remain top-of-mind with travellers,” said Krueger. “These changes will ensure we are
maximizing our opportunities to showcase British Columbia, the best place on earth, to the
world.”
Created in 1997, Tourism BC was the marketing arm for the Province, with primary
offices in Vancouver and Victoria, approximately 146 employees and in-market representation in
key markets including Australia, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, South Korea and Taiwan.
These changes will enhance B.C.’s international presence and ensure that the value of B.C.’s
tourism potential is maximized at home and abroad.
Tourism generated an estimated $13.8 billion in 2008, providing more than 120,000
direct and 170,000 indirect jobs across the province. The Province of British Columbia has
supported the development of a strong infrastructure for the tourism industry since 2001.
For instance, the Province has:
· Provided $25 million to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for its Community
Tourism Program.
· Provided $12 million in one-time funding to the province's six tourism regions.
· Invested $8 million toward the construction of six Provincial Gateway Visitor
Centres.
· Provided $5 million over four years to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of
B.C. to implement its Aboriginal cultural tourism strategy.
-30-
Contact:
Public Affairs Bureau
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
250 356-8177
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using
RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
These are the official responses from Vancouver Coast & Mountains Tourism Region and aTourism BC advisory. COTA (the Council of Tourism Associations) is still to be heard from.
In a recent board meeting of The Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism Region, the board acknowledged fears that the Ministry would move to eliminate the “SuperNatural BC” brand in favour of “The Best Place on Earth” brand. Our board unanimously expressed concern that “The Best Place on Earth” brand could do further damage to our industry’s marketing efforts in the international marketplace. While we agree that it is an excellent brand for intra-provincal marketing, it could have a very negative effect beyond that.
The wording of the Ministry’s communication suggests that a change to the brand may be coming.
Although VCMBC’s Board disagrees with Government’s decision to move Tourism BC back under Ministry control, we support COTA’s efforts to forge an effectual relationship with the Ministry, so that a the industry has a meaningful influence on the ministry’s future tourism marketing plans. We understand that the Industry’s role in this regard has yet to be agreed upon between COTA and the Ministry. However, given our Board’s discussion and concern regarding the expanded use of “The Best Place on Earth” brand, we felt it imperative to bring our concern to the attention of COTA’s leadership.
IMPORTANT: Tourism British Columbia Update
VICTORIA - On Monday the government of B.C. announced that Tourism BC will be brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. We want to reassure industry stakeholders that it is "business as usual" and that all current marketing programs are fully operational.
We understand this announcement came suddenly to many in the tourism sector. We want to stress that the Province continues to support a strong tourism industry with innovative and consistent branding and marketing programs.
We have already begun consulting with industry with the goal of making the transition efficiently, and we expect full integration to be completed by April 1, 2010.
We will advise Industry stakeholders of any changes to Tourism BC activities as key decisions are made.
For more information on Tourism BC programs and activities, go to tourismbc.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Vancouver Coast & Mountains E-update
This is the link to the Vancouver Coast & Mountain's Tourism Region's latest newsletter. There is so much in it, I could not do justice by copying and pasting sections... so here's the link....read for yourself. GREAT STUFF: http://www.vcmbc.com/enews/2009/enews_july28.html
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
This is SO TRUE.. .not only for American soldiers but Canadian as well....
Written by a soldier in Iraq.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson . As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was anentertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villian to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn’t the point.Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the Amercian people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a “moment of silence” for his passing? Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he’s a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America . Where is there moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying “good ridence,” and “thank God for IEDs?” When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a “Pop Icon?”I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxory and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to pass this along if you want.
Written by a soldier in Iraq.
I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on Michael Jackson . As we all know, Jackson died the other day. He was anentertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a villian to many people. I understand that his death would affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his death, but that isn’t the point.Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the Amercian people find the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress sees the need to hold a “moment of silence” for his passing? Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden he’s a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to defend the Constitution and the United States of America . Where is there moment of silence? Where are the people flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a Soldier dies, there are more people saying “good ridence,” and “thank God for IEDs?” When did this country become so calloused to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves into mourning for a “Pop Icon?”I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan . They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost so that the American people can live their callous little lives in the luxory and freedom that WE, those that are living and those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait, that would take too much time, because there have been so many willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood, sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.
Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to pass this along if you want.
Friday, July 10, 2009
United Airlines
Oops....not the best "guest comment".......
http://travelinglight.professionaltravelguide.com/2009/07/dave-carrolls-united-breaks-guitars.html
http://travelinglight.professionaltravelguide.com/2009/07/dave-carrolls-united-breaks-guitars.html
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Rocky Mountaineer's #1
This is great news!
Largest Travel Writers Organization ranks
Rocky Mountaineer as Top train experience in the world
The Society of American Travel Writers also places Whistler Mountaineer in the “Top 10”
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (July 7, 2009) – Rocky Mountaineer is proud to announce that two of its rail journeys have been selected by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) as the most exciting and scenic train experiences in the world. SATW, the world’s largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers with members in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, recently conducted a poll on the “Top 10” train rides. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer took the number one spot along with the Whistler Mountaineer, coming in at number eight.
“It is truly an honour for our Rocky Mountaineer train to be recognized and singled-out as the best in the world by SATW, a prestigious organization with members who are highly respected for providing expert travel advice,” says Randy Powell, President of Rocky Mountaineer. “Having both of our trains selected in the “Top 10” is an amazing acknowledgement and gives us further indication that we are providing our guests with premier travel experiences.”
Both the Rocky Mountaineer and the Whistler Mountaineer trains continue to delight international writers, editors and producers alike, offering an exceptional onboard experience, sumptuous Western Canadian cuisine and stunning views that only the British Columbia coast, interior and Canadian Rockies can deliver.
The Society of American Travel Writers, comprised of more than 1,300 writers, photographers, journalists, film producers and public relations professionals, aims to promote responsible journalism and encourages the conservation and preservation of historic sites and natural wonders worldwide. Holding several travel related opinion surveys each year, this talented and respected group provides insight and expertise on destinations and attractions across the globe.
Rocky Mountaineer offers unique Canadian vacation packages and four spectacular rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. Best known for the internationally-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, the company also offers trips onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, a daily three-hour experience between North Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and welcomed its one millionth guest in 2008. Rocky Mountaineer has been honoured with three World Travel Awards as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” and was recently named by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips.”
- 30 -
Contact: Nancy Dery
Manager, Communications
Rocky Mountaineer
(604) 606-8419
ndery@rockymountaineer.com
www.rockymountaineer.com
www.whistlermountaineer.com
For more information, images and story ideas visit: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/media
Largest Travel Writers Organization ranks
Rocky Mountaineer as Top train experience in the world
The Society of American Travel Writers also places Whistler Mountaineer in the “Top 10”
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (July 7, 2009) – Rocky Mountaineer is proud to announce that two of its rail journeys have been selected by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) as the most exciting and scenic train experiences in the world. SATW, the world’s largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers with members in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, recently conducted a poll on the “Top 10” train rides. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer took the number one spot along with the Whistler Mountaineer, coming in at number eight.
“It is truly an honour for our Rocky Mountaineer train to be recognized and singled-out as the best in the world by SATW, a prestigious organization with members who are highly respected for providing expert travel advice,” says Randy Powell, President of Rocky Mountaineer. “Having both of our trains selected in the “Top 10” is an amazing acknowledgement and gives us further indication that we are providing our guests with premier travel experiences.”
Both the Rocky Mountaineer and the Whistler Mountaineer trains continue to delight international writers, editors and producers alike, offering an exceptional onboard experience, sumptuous Western Canadian cuisine and stunning views that only the British Columbia coast, interior and Canadian Rockies can deliver.
The Society of American Travel Writers, comprised of more than 1,300 writers, photographers, journalists, film producers and public relations professionals, aims to promote responsible journalism and encourages the conservation and preservation of historic sites and natural wonders worldwide. Holding several travel related opinion surveys each year, this talented and respected group provides insight and expertise on destinations and attractions across the globe.
Rocky Mountaineer offers unique Canadian vacation packages and four spectacular rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. Best known for the internationally-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, the company also offers trips onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, a daily three-hour experience between North Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and welcomed its one millionth guest in 2008. Rocky Mountaineer has been honoured with three World Travel Awards as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” and was recently named by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trips.”
- 30 -
Contact: Nancy Dery
Manager, Communications
Rocky Mountaineer
(604) 606-8419
ndery@rockymountaineer.com
www.rockymountaineer.com
www.whistlermountaineer.com
For more information, images and story ideas visit: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/media
Monday, July 6, 2009
What did Sarah Palin really say?
I am still confused with the real reason why she resigned.
This New York Times article is a great 'read'.
This New York Times article is a great 'read'.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Social Networking
WOW..... I was looking at the Facebook page for A Couple of Chicks (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/acoupleofchicksonlinemarketing?ref=nf) and read the posting about the Ipsos Reid Study saying that 54% of Canadians are utilizing social networking sites:
A Couple of Chicks e-Marketing Online Canadians now spending more than 1/3 of their Internet time each week participating in, and browsing, online social networks http://tinyurl.com/m9fa3j
IF you are not using Facebook and Twitter as part of your Marketing effort, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity!
A Couple of Chicks e-Marketing Online Canadians now spending more than 1/3 of their Internet time each week participating in, and browsing, online social networks http://tinyurl.com/m9fa3j
IF you are not using Facebook and Twitter as part of your Marketing effort, you are missing out on an amazing opportunity!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Hello Again
I know I had a blog. It was attached to my web page www.eaglecliffhospitality.com
But then, I also had Adobe Contribute to edit things in my web page, but lost it too. Gotta love technology. Well, I've re-purchased Contribute. I've subscribed to BLOGGER and will attempt to link this to my webpage so it all will seem to flow as one, and I hope you'll enjoy reading my musings.
I'll be posting interesting articles that I pick up thru Twitter, emails, newletters on Hospitality Marketing, Charitable Fundraising and operations and who know what else that may strike me as something that someone else just might wish to read.
Hope you enjoy!
But then, I also had Adobe Contribute to edit things in my web page, but lost it too. Gotta love technology. Well, I've re-purchased Contribute. I've subscribed to BLOGGER and will attempt to link this to my webpage so it all will seem to flow as one, and I hope you'll enjoy reading my musings.
I'll be posting interesting articles that I pick up thru Twitter, emails, newletters on Hospitality Marketing, Charitable Fundraising and operations and who know what else that may strike me as something that someone else just might wish to read.
Hope you enjoy!
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