As consumers and businesses continue to spend more time in the digital sphere, heightened throughout the course of the pandemic, the importance of having strong digital marketing skills is more important than ever. Thanks to our regional, provincial, and national tourism organizations, increasing your knowledge and skills is easy.

 

Tourism Digital Marketing Certification Program

Tourism businesses in the Okanagan can complete the Tourism Digital Marketing Certification for free through eLearningU thanks to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) membership with the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS). To achieve the Digital Marketing Expert certification, participants must complete 5 separate certificates in social media, content marketing, SEO/SEM marketing, and general marketing. Once registered with eLearningU, participants will also have access to live webinars and past recordings. Visit the TOTA website for more information about the program and to register. 

 

Digital Support & Literacy Services Program

Through the Tourism Resiliency Program, TOTA can also connect tourism businesses in the region with a digital expert who will provide one-on-one support and guidance with all things digital, including website, eCommerce, social media, and more. The program is free, thanks to funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). The deadline to apply for the program is April 2. Learn more and register online.

 

Destination BC (DBC) Tourism Digital Academy

DBC is now offering a free, self-guided version of their popular Tourism Digital Academy program, which can be accessed by registrants for up to 6 months. The program includes a marketing plan template so businesses can easily develop their own plan after working through the course material. 

Registration for the next guided Tourism Digital Academy, which is a complimentary 8-week program that offers interactive sessions, one-on-one coaching, audits, and more, will open in August 2021 for a program start date of October 4.

DBC's Learning Centre also provides additional resources and tools related to digital marketing, as well as other topic areas. 

 

Destination Canada Marketing Tips & Trips

Destination Canada team members created a six-part video series with tips and tricks on several topics:

Episode 1: Creating Video for YouTube
Episode 2: On Page SEO
Episode 3: Instagram
Episode 4: Making Paid Media Work
Episode 5: Public Relations 101
Episode 6: Good Data Matters

The videos range from 3 to 5 minutes in length, offering a quick and easy way to gain further insight into digital marketing.