We have put together a list of resources for our tourism stakeholders to help you find information, support, and guidance for your business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vancouver Island North Tourism will continue to align our messaging with Destination BC and in accordance with the Provincial Health Office.
Please share the status of your business with us!
With the Province’s move to Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, Vancouver Island North Tourism is going back into market with messaging to encourage locals and BC residents to visit our region. We know that things are going to look different this summer. Our goal is to provide current information to potential visitors that will help them plan appropriately and so they know what to expect when they arrive.
We would appreciate you contacting us with the following information:
- Name of your business
- Business contact information
- Business website or Facebook link
- Hours of operation; If not currently open yet, when is the anticipated open date and what are the planned hours of operation; It is also important for us to know if a business is not planning to reopen
- Services being offering if adapted due to COVID
Get in touch by email info@vancouverislandnorth.ca or by phone 250 902-8281.
Tourism Resiliency Program
Consider registering for the Tourism Resiliency Program. This is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery. You will be matched with a Program Advisor who can assist you in navigating available programs and resources. They can also connect you with experts in human resources, finance, and business transition. The program team will support you in navigating the relief and recovery measures, as well as complete applications as they become available.
Small Business BC COVID-19 Support Service
Small Business BC live document of federal and provincial supports with links to program information.
Your local Chambers of Commerce are working hard to support businesses through this challenging time. They are providing resources, connecting at all levels of government, and advocating on your behalf.
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce
www.porthardychamber.com
Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce
www.portmcneill.net
Claim your Google My Business listing and ensure it is up to date
www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/attract-customers-online-with-google-my-business/
Claim your Tripadvisor listing and ensure it is up to date
www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/how-to-claim-your-tripadvisor-listing/
List your business on HelloBC.com
A basic listing on Tripadvisor is free and is required to list your business on HelloBC.com.
destinationbc.force.com
List your business on vancouverisland.travel
www.tourismvi.ca/marketing-opportunities/find-your-element/
List your business on vancouverislandnorth.ca
See vancouverislandnorth.ca/marketing-opportunities/website-listing/ or contact us info@vancouverislandnorth.ca / 250 209-2454
Destination BC Messaging & Toolkit
Updated weekly with messaging guidance for the tourism industry so we can collectively work together in the best interest of our province.
Content toolkit for the tourism industry that is aligned with current advice from BC’s Provincial Health Officer to spend time outside, but to do so locally, and respect physical distancing, hand hygiene and other protective measures.
www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/messaging-toolkit/
Destination BC Road to Recovery Webinar Series
A series of webinars to support BC’s tourism industry on the road to recovery from COVID-19.
www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/road-to-recovery-webinars/
Tourism Resiliency Program Webinar Series
This series of webinars and bulletins provides key information and training through this difficult time.
tourismresiliency.ca/webinars/
Destination BC Industry Calls & Recordings
Weekly calls with partners from across the province to share information on federal, provincial, and organizational plans to support BC tourism through this difficult time. Facts, trends, and data from research and analytics, as well as any updates from sectors will also be shared.
www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/destination-bc-response/covid-19-industry-calls/
Operating Guidelines
Businesses are required to use the WorkSafeBC guidelines and resources to develop their COVID-19 safety plans. Find information relevant to BC’s tourism industry.
www.destinationbc.ca/covid-19/industry-resources/operating-guidelines/
British Columbia Hotel Association Recovery & Guidelines
Working with key stakeholders, the BCHA has developed essential guidelines to assist accommodation operators in developing their own plan to restart or ramp up operations for Phase 3 of the restart plan.
www.bcha.com/covid-19-recovery–guidelines.html
Small Business BC Non-Medical PPE Marketplace
This marketplace has been created to connect businesses with suppliers of critical personal protective equipment such as face masks, gloves, and plexiglass that they need to operate.
marketplace.smallbusinessbc.ca/ppe