Destination BC announces funding for local visitor centres

Visitor services teams are using digital and social media technology to connect travellers with local tourism experts.

by Keith Powell — February 03, 2017

The Nelson "Info on the Go" street team. — Photo: Destination BC

One example of success in welcoming visitors was the Nelson Visitor Centre, says Destination BC. This past summer, the Nelson "Info on the Go" street team provided information to more than 1,730 visitors around their community.

Another example was the Delta Visitor Centre which enhanced its visitor services this summer with a street team equipped with iPads and increased their social media presence. The street team had a 69% growth compared to 2015 visitor engagements.

Recently, the 2017 Visitor Services Innovation Fund was announced and once again $300,000 is being made available for current, full-status Visitor Services Network members. Applications are now being accepted and can be submitted until November 30, 2017. New projects are expected to begin as early as April 1, 2017 and must be completed by December 31, 2017.

An increase in the use of social media as a trip planning tool as well as a place to share experiences online has created an opportunity for Visitor Centres across British Columbia. Destination BC’s Social Media Visitor Services Program was created to provide an innovative way to connect with travellers online and provide the same level of exceptional service that people are experiencing in Visitor Centres. Visitor services teams are using digital and social media technology to proactively reach out and connect travellers with local tourism experts, answer their questions and direct them to the many tourism experiences that British Columbia has to offer.

For more information about the Innovation Fund, please contact Karen Tunkara, Visitor Services Network Manager, at 250-356-5630 or [email protected]. For more information about the Social Media Visitor Services Program, please contact Erin Monaghan, Digital/Social Media Visitor Services Specialist at 604-365-4744 or [email protected].