Tourism Vancouver Island is bringing tourism businesses together for its 53rd Annual Conference & AGM held October 4th – 6th at the Ucluelet Community Centre. This three-day event provides tourism businesses, suppliers, educators and government with a wealth of professional development and networking opportunities. Attracting over 150 attendees, including keynote speakers and workshop presenters, this event is expected to inject $78,000 into the local economy.
“Tourism Ucluelet would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegates of the 2016 Tourism Vancouver Island Conference! Ucluelet is a testament to how tourism can shape a community and its future while insuring it remains respectful to its environment. We are proud to be to collaborating on this event with the District Of Ucluelet, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, and the Ucluelet Chamber Of Commerce. In the spirit of ’building sustainable legacies’ we have partnered with the Pacific Rim Arts Society and local artists to celebrate our love for the West Coast.
The welcome reception will also feature Vancouver Island Music Award nominee Geoff Johnson, Tofino Brewery and Rocky Creek Winery, as well a vast array of locally sourced delights prepared by Executive Chef David Schiaffino and team of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.” said Tracy Eeftink, Chairperson of Tourism Ucluelet.
On behalf of the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce “We are thrilled to have been awarded the TVI AGM Conference in Ucluelet. It is timely to have such a strong advocate of tourism in our community at a time when tourism is thriving and increasing. It is also opportune to be able to celebrate ideas on practices of sustainability, with our peers, on our ecologically precious/rich/sensitive coast, while they are visiting biosphere/rainforest/geological/marine area.”
Attendees have the opportunity to experience a guided walk with the infamous Oyster Jim, founder of the Wild Pacific Trail; learn about the story of the tragic shipwreck, the Pass of Melfort, with Silva Johansson; catch some seaside air while stand up paddle boarding on the west coast or forage for flora and fauna with a local expert, Alex McNaughton. The Gala Dinner and Awards Night, emceed by Bruce Williams of CTV Vancouver Island, will take place at the Ucluelet Community Centre on Wednesday October 5. This glamorous evening includes a delicious three-course dinner, Tourism Industry Awards Ceremony, and live and silent auctions.
Keynote speakers and sessions throughout the conference have been selected to inspire, motivate and build capacity among tourism stakeholders. This year’s speaker lineup includes: Bosco Anthony, Owner, Bosco Anthony – Empowering Digital Brands; Paul Clark, Vice President, Destination & Customer Experience at InterVISTAS Consulting Group; Brent Barootes, President and CEO of the Partnership Group; Christine Willow, Partner/Owner, with Chemistry Consulting Group; Rebecca Hurwtiz, Executive Director, and Dr. Laura Loucks, Research Coordinator, with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust; Maya Lange Vice President of Global Marketing for Destination BC
Tourism Vancouver Island’s 53rd Annual Conference and AGM is open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, to get involved, or to register, please visit www.tviconference.ca<http://www.tviconference.ca> or contact Susan Lewis by phone at 1-866-594-3243 or by email at susan@lewissears.com<mailto:susan@lewissears.com> .
Tourism is a labour intensive industry directly employing 132,000 British Columbians. In 2013, British Columbia’s tourism industry generated $13.9 billion in revenue, an increase of 3.6% from 2012 and a 44.3% increase since 2003. Tourism generated a direct contribution to BCs gross domestic product of $7.3 billion, a 2.1% increase from 2012 and a 7.2% increase since 2007. (source: Destination British Columbia)
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