Destination BC, with the support of PacifiCan, recently announced the completion of 11 new community tourism plans, representing mostly small and rural communities across the province, through a Community Tourism Planning initiative, including one in Elkford.

Each plan aims to ensure that tourism growth respects local culture, supports businesses, and brings benefits to residents. This approach allows for balanced and sustainable growth, where tourism enhances the community’s well-being for residents and the experience for visitors.

“Elkford is a wilderness destination with distinctive natural mountain landscapes, stunning vistas, and abundant wildlife. This new plan identifies opportunities to enhance our tourism offerings and provides a roadmap for strategic long-term destination development, helping us attract visitors and diversify our local economy,” said Jeremy Johnston, Director of Planning and Development Services, with the District of Elkford.

The Community Tourism Planning initiative was designed to support communities to develop tourism in a way that works for them. The initiative assisted BC communities, particularly smaller and more rural ones, in developing a long-term vision for tourism and supporting the recovery and rebuilding of the tourism sector post-COVID.

It also connected communities with experienced facilitators who led a collaborative planning process. As a result, participating communities developed comprehensive tourism plans, engaged with a wide array of local partners, and explored opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Communities that participated in the initiative and their Champion Organizations:

Elkford (District of Elkford);

Clinton (Village of Clinton);

Cortes Island (Cortes Community Economic Development Association);

Dawson Creek (City of Dawson Creek);

Delta (Tourism Delta/Delta Chamber of Commerce);

Kitimat (Kitimat Chamber of Commerce);

Lake Country (District of Lake Country);

Lillooet (Lillooet Chamber of Commerce);

Metchosin, Sooke to Port Renfrew (District of Metchosin, District of Sooke, WorkLink Employment Society);

South Kootenays (Trail and District Chamber of Commerce);

100 Mile House and the South Cariboo (District of 100 Mile House).

“From breathtaking natural beauty to unique cultural experiences, British Columbia is a world-class destination. Supporting organizations like Destination BC demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to propelling economic development throughout the province. Investing in tourism plans across British Columbia will help these vibrant communities attract visitors, create jobs, and thrive well into the future,” said Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.

“Small and rural communities are integral to the success of British Columbia’s tourism industry. By supporting these communities in planning, we’re ensuring that tourism growth meets the needs of local communities while also enhancing the visitor experience,” stated Lana Popham, BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Alison McKay, Vice President, Destination Management for Destination BC added, “Thanks to the generous support of PacifiCan’s Tourism Relief Fund, Destination BC partnered with small and rural communities, supporting them in overcoming challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud the strong local leadership and thoughtful tourism plans created by these communities, developed with valuable input from residents and businesses.

“Partnerships like these are important for building a strong and resilient tourism industry, and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts for communities and the province as a whole.”

e-KNOW file photo

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