Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) Celebrates 2021 Accomplishments and Welcomes 2022

ITBC Board and Staff thank those who dedicated skill and effort in 2021 to meet current environmental challenges for a sustainable Indigenous tourism industry that benefits Indigenous communities in British Columbia. We are grateful for your contributions to culture, governance, education, technology, research, health, tourism, finance, stewardship, and communication.

2021 taught us to work together, listen to each other, and share resources. We have expanded our vision beyond sustainable Indigenous tourism in BC. Together, we are moving closer to a system of support and connection that upholds Indigenous-led plans for thriving communities, cultures, and lands. We create a responsible and respectful tourism industry that encourages interest in Indigenous-led transformational and experiential travel in British Columbia.

The events of the year have shifted our perspective. This change has built new partnerships, expanded existing relationships, secured financial support, and created public and Stakeholder learning opportunities. As we greet 2022, ITBC reflects on our growth and celebrates the achievements of 2021.

We honour these accomplishments and acknowledge that they are only a sample of ongoing and extensive collaborative and creative work we share with our ever-expanding network of partners:

• Release and implementation of three-year Indigenous Alignment Strategy
• Launch of the Indigenous Tourism BC Road Map
• Partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Sports, Indigenous Tourism BC for distribution of $5 M through the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund (over 140 Indigenous businesses received non-repayable grant)
• Supported Stakeholders with funding from PacifiCan to navigate the challenges to run their day-to-day operations including buying personal protective equipment
• Hosting of three virtual workshops for National Indigenous Peoples Day with over 1,000 attendees from across the world
• Launch and delivery of Indigenous Community Business Fund 2021/22($2.89Million)
• Release of Labour Market Research, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy, and a Guide to Wise HR Practices
• Delivery of Indigenous cultural training session for Destination BC staff
• Launch and delivery of Co-Op Marketing Program, assisting 20 businesses with marketing dollars and tailored initiatives
• Development of Invest in Iconics Strategy, a long-term strategy whose goal is to increase tourism revenue and visitation to British Columbia responsibly
• Signing of MOU with Destination Vancouver to develop a coordinated, sustainable, and socially conscious Indigenous tourism industry.
• Signing of MOU with YVR to advance a sustainable Indigenous tourism economy in BC
• Launch of ITBC information kiosk at Vancouver International Airport
• Launch of Spark Program with partners Destination BC and Tourism Innovation Lab to spark new Indigenous tourism ideas and experiences which authentically represent, celebrate, and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine, and communities in British Columbia
• Delivery and support of over ten ITBC Stakeholders with one-on-one social media training
• Incorporating more video content to social media with launch of Instagram Reels and TikTok

Our past, daily lives, and future depend on each other and draw from the unique skills and community perspectives we bring to the circle. Thank you to all for showing up and sharing the best you have to offer for the good of all. May we carry our good work and collaborative spirit into this new year for the success of Indigenous cultures, communities, and tourism in British Columbia in 2022 and beyond.