In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Tourism Kelowna started working with Bandwango to create the #exploreKelowna Local Savings Pass, designed to encourage and entice locals to explore their community while being asked to stay close to home. Since then, the #exploreKelowna Passes have evolved and now cover a wide variety of experiences; pass holders check in at participating businesses to collect points, which can then be redeemed for Kelowna-related prizes.
The #exploreKelowna passes support our team's marketing initiatives by allowing pass holders to sign up for consumer marketing emails, growing our direct-to-consumer marketing lists and qualifying visitor data that shows alignment with target markets using postal code information.
Through our Marketing Programs, the following passes have been created as a program benefit:
We'll also be launching an Arts & Culture program pass in September, which will support local art galleries, performing arts organizations, and museums.
In addition to those passes listed above, we have been updating the Local Savings Pass annually in the early fall to bolster visitation and spending at businesses through the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
We have also partnered with the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) to create the #exploreKelowna Dine Around pass, used to execute their contest during the annual Dine Around festival.
Lastly, the #exploreKelowna Rutland Murals Pass has been extended to all Central Okanagan communities and includes murals, sculptures, and statues in our communities, creating the #exploreKelowna Public Arts Pass.
If you have questions about any of the passes or are interested in being included, please email me at carla@tourismKelowna.com.
