Did you know Destination BC (DBC) has a Tourism Marketing Committee, which includes three members from each of BC’s six tourism regions?
The committee comprises 18 regionally based members, one nominated by the Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia, and up to two additional members appointed by DBC’s Board in consultation with RDMOs to ensure broad representation of the tourism industry.
In addition to my participation on the committee on behalf of Tourism Kelowna, the Thompson Okanagan region is also represented by Ellen Walker-Matthews, President & CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Ian Jenkins, Director of Sales, Marketing & Accommodation, SilverStar Mountain Resort.
As noted on DBC's website, a key role of the committee is to provide the organization's “CEO and Board with input on Destination BC’s tourism marketing strategies, tourism performance indicators, and with recommendations on how to encourage collaboration and joint funding marketing programs.”
The committee typically meets three to four times a year, for one or two days at a time. Past meetings have covered topics such as updates on DBC's corporate plan, brand development, market research overviews for international markets, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) strategies. The group also shares information, perspectives, and case studies from around the province.
DBC strives to keep the committee “fresh and vibrant,” so members may not serve on the committee for more than six years through terms lasting one, two or three years. To be selected for the committee, nominees must demonstrate several key characteristics, which include a willingness to collaborate, a depth of knowledge regarding tourism marketing and key issues within the industry, and a desire to provide a meaningful contribution. Nominations and selections for the committee usually occur in late fall each year.
To learn more about the Tourism Marketing Committee and to view its current members, click here.
For more information about Tourism Kelowna’s representation on the committee, please contact me at chris.shauf@tourismkelowna.com or (250) 861-1515 ext. 203.
