Getting Set for 2024
Happy New Year Valued Member. As we prepare for the coming months in hopes of a promising season for our region and sector I, like all of you, have my fingers crossed for great weather and an emergency free year. However, while we strive for recovery and growth, it is imperative that we continue to confront the pressing issues and the impacts on our sector. The need for adaptation, preparedness, resiliency, and sustainability has never been more urgent.
Tourism and hospitality have always been catalysts for economic growth, cultural exchange, and community development. And you are the visionaries of our industry. Your dedication and forward thinking will determine who succeeds amidst change. By embracing environmentally friendly practices, incorporating sustainable technologies, and promoting responsible tourism, we can collectively minimize our impact on the environment. As we embark on this new year, it is vital that we acknowledge our responsibility in shaping a future that is not only prosperous but also sustainable for future generations.
As you are busy preparing for the coming year and getting your operations ready to welcome the travelling public, you are also doing the tough work of getting prepared for any challenges that may arise. Today’s newsletter has links to various tool that can help – and always remember that all of us at the CCCT are here to help you flourish!
Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2024.
– Amy
Microgrants to Help Boost Sustainability
A new provincially-funded program aims to help local tourism operators improve their sustainability through equipment purchases, infrastructure updates, implementation of new systems, and pursuit of sustainability certification.
Delivered through Destination BC and the BC Tourism Sustainability Network, Businesses and non-profit organizations that provide tourism experiences within British Columbia are eligible to receive free, one-on-one, tailored support to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into their operations, strategy and storytelling and/or receive a microgrant of up to $15,000 to implement a project or obtain sustainability certification.
The funds must build on an existing plan to implement lasting measures for environmental sustainability or climate adaptation – it is not for planning. Applicants must have been in operation for two years and must match 50% of their own funding (25% for non-profit or First Nations owned organizations). Project work must be completed by March 31, 2025.
Spots are first-come, first-serve basis for both planning support and the microgrant. Applications for support and planning open January 18.
Applications for microgrant open January 29.
More information is available online at BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative
If you have questions, contact Alexandra sustain@landwithoutlimits.com.
Enhancing Our Accessibility Program
The CCCT Accessibility Program is ramping up over the coming months with the addition of Accessibility Program Assistant Mike McMurray, who has joined us through a collaboration with Neil Squire. Mike, who has lived experience with physical challenges, is enthusiastic to share his perspectives and ideas. He will be working with Judith Call, our Destination Experience and Accessibility Manager, over the next several months.
CCCT is focused on advancing accessibility and building inclusive experiences for everyone across the region. Accessibility and inclusion extend beyond just the physical realm into cognitive, sensory, visual, and hard-of-hearing areas, to name a few. As demographics shift, with a higher percentage of our population aging and facing new challenges with mobility, sight, or hearing, we aim to offer opportunities for equal participation for all, regardless of age, ability, size, gender or culture.
CCCT is currently working on completing on-site accessibility assessments for operators and partners. These assessments can also be shared with Hello BC and Spinal Cord Injury BC, to share with potential visitors. We welcome any requests for more information or to schedule an assessment with our Accessibility team.
Please feel free to contact either Mike at inclusive@landwithoutlimits.com or Judith at advisor2@landwithoutlimits.com for more information.
Head Online to Seek Out New Staff
The National Tourism Job Fair is slated for February 1, 2024 and it’s going to be held all across the CCCTA – not to mention all of B.C. and Canada. The approach this year is a new one for the Tourism Industry Association of Canada in partnership with Tourism HR Canada and Baxter Media with the Fair being held virtually.
Employers and potential employees can come together at the event, as well as access speakers and learning opportunities. The Fair is open to any domestic tourism and hospitality employers who are looking for eager, qualified staff.
This standard participation is free and you can register online now.
Succession Planning through Community Futures
A critical and often overlooked part of running a business is succession planning, especially for someone thinking of transitioning out of the business over the next few years. The right preparation and the right plan can improve your chance of securing a successful sale – and securing your own future.
If you’re on this path, you can check out the PASS program (Planning a Successful Succession) offered through Community Futures. The program offers a number of critical services, including:
- Coaching & Navigating:to help business owners decided where to start and what to do and guide through the process.
- Price Determination: experts at Community Futures assist with pricing a business for sale, along with exit options and strategies to reach potential buyers.
- Business Fact sheet: a multi-page professional marketing and sales document presenting the key elements of the business to interested buyers.
- Sale Preparation Packages: support to take business from where it is today to maximizing the return from its sale, all done step-by step and at the owner’s pace.
- Business Transition Plan: A well-prepared transition plan to ensure clients are taken care of and quality is maintained after the sale of your business.
For more information connect with:
Laurie or Larry at Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin
Greg or Siggi at Community Futures Quesnel
Linsie at Community Futures Sun Country
More information is available on the PASS YouTube page!
Lillooet Community Tourism Planning Open House
Over the last few months a Lillooet community tourism plan that aligns with local values, aspirations, and Lillooet’s unique assets. Mike Furey, a consultant for Destination British Columbia, has been working collaboratively with the Lillooet Chamber of Commence and other tourism partners on the plan.
Mike is hosting a community open house to share his findings and seek community feedback and input. The session runs from 4:30 to 7 pm, Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the HUB Community Centre, 633 Main Street, Lillooet. All are welcome and soup will be served.
Why is Employee Training So Important
In today’s ever-changing market, the importance of on-the-job training has never been greater. Training is a foundational step to ensure employees can do their jobs correctly and efficiently. It’s also a way to keep your employees up-to-date with the latest and greatest company information, trends, and best practices for their roles.
Read the full article
CCCT Travel Patterns – December update
As a founding member of the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat, the CCCT is pleased to be part of the regular measuring of travel trends in the region and across the province. This report is to help the industry understand what is happening on a weekly basis. With these stats and the baselines they establish, we can get a better focus on exactly what is happening on the ground by the numbers.
Key finding for Week 51 (Dec. 18-24) included:
- Domestic Overnight Visitation to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast was up 5% compared to the same week in 2022
- Visitation to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast increased by 47.6% compared to the previous week
- British Columbia increased 27.9% compared to the previous week
- Year over year Cariboo Chilcotin Coast saw a positive percentage change in visitation, unlike B.C. overall.
