This month I wrote our monthly column about tourism’s role in the recovery of downtown. With public sector office workers not returning to work, cruise ships arriving later than in the past and operational and perception challenges with BC Ferries to overcome, DGV is hearing from its members that they would like to see more visitors downtown. On many days we are seeing good vibrancy, but we are also receiving feedback that places such as the Royal BC Museum precinct is not as busy as it was pre-COVID. Small businesses are asking for more visitors for recovery and not less. We are rallying to do what we are able to do for this year but also preparing for 2024 through this lens.
There is still a need to rebuild flight capacity, particularly from the United States, and also to cement the recovery of our vital ferry partners, FRS Clipper and Black Ball Ferry Lines. 2023 is still on track to be a solid business year, where the first half of the year was a big success and conditions softened a bit in the second half of the year.
Concurrently, in Europe, we are hearing, and the press is reporting stories, that tourism overcrowding has returned in some cities were there is limited capacity and high demand. Small cities such as Bruges, Belgium, Dubrovnik, Croatia and others are feeling the pinch of tourism overcrowding. Yet I would caution not to apply hasty judgement of what is happening in Europe this summer to conditions in North America, or in Greater Victoria. In North America, population density is much less, citizens are afforded far fewer vacation days and North America does not have the high-speed rail or ultra low-cost carriers that are readily available in Europe. Each destination is different and at the end of the day it is really how the residents feel that matters most.
The visitor economy has strong support in Greater Victoria. Every two years Destination Greater Victoria engages independent research on this matter. The most recent report demonstrates that 94% of Victoria citizens are neutral, agree or strongly agree that the benefits of the visitor economy outweigh the potential disadvantages. The most recent report, taken during the depths of COVID, when there was fear of travel and fear of outsiders, can be found here. We are pleased with the results of the survey. As the industry recovers, we plan to undertake this research again soon.
At Destination Greater Victoria we are proud to work with our members towards improving environmental sustainability. Some of the work so far can be found here, and there is more underway. We firmly believe that our industry can continually improve and be good community partners at the same time.
Skift, the originators of the term Over Tourism have recently stated that it is time to ditch the phrase. More nuanced and localized solutions are required. This can be reviewed in depth in an interesting podcast. There are some policy ideas in Europe could be considered here. These include ideas such as travel bans, limits, surtaxes etc. This fall, we intend to discuss these ideas with not only our members but also key industry groups to ensure that DGV is aligned with the perspectives of our stakeholders. We have also had robust discussions and surveys through our destination master planning process this year.
The local press and business community are constantly asking how our tourism recovery is going. In 2022 it went very well due to pent up demand supported by DGV’s aggressive recovery strategy. 2023 recovery has been choppier for a variety of reasons ranging from economic softening to well publicized challenges on BC Ferries. Businesses are asking tourism to fill the gap of public sector workers not returning to the office. Concurrently there is a strong sustainability strategy underway. It is our perspective to stay balanced as we continue through recovery.
Wishing everyone a great rest of the summer.
Paul Nursey
CEO - Destination Greater Victoria
Miranda Ji and David Stempowski with the Business Events Team attended the CanSPEP (Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners) Annual Conference in St. John’s. The Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) represents a diverse group of Event Professionals that cater to clients in the corporate, association, government and not-for-profit sectors, as well as the special events market.
The team won the bid to host this Conference in Victoria next June 25-27, 2024 as part of a successful bid with our Cities in Sync Partners (Discover Saskatoon and Destination St. John’s). The host hotel, Inn at Laurel Point, led by Brooke Harris and Krista Sidhu, also joined in the Conference in St. John’s to welcome delegates to Victoria next year.
We look forward to starting the planning process and reaching out to our member businesses for partnership opportunities.
Enjoy drinks and snacks from a variety of Destination Greater Victoria members, mix and mingle, and celebrate successes with colleagues and fellow members at DGV’s corporate office.
Destination Greater Victoria would like to thankfully acknowledge our members who are hosting a sampling station at the upcoming Open House.
Sampling tables are still available! If you would like to partner with us, please reach out to the membership team atmemberservices@tourismvictoria.com
This is a fun day to connect with colleagues and work on your golf skills. On course, you'll find competition holes and food and beverage sampling. By becoming a single golfer or participating in a foursome, you are helping the Foundation raise money for the medical relief funding and for industry scholarships. After golf, you are invited to join us for a stand up reception, silent auction and buffet dinner.
Please help spread the word to your guests
We want to make sure that visitors to Greater Victoria are aware of the Your VICation Contest and have the opportunity to enter. In addition to the digital asset package, we can now provide you with a starter supply or booster supply of business cards perfect for placement inside hotel key card holders, or perched counter-top at your establishment. To receive your starter pack or request a second pack, please email gareth.speight@tourismvictoria.com.
Promoting Member Milestones and Anniversaries
What are you celebrating in 2024?
It’s the time of year when publications are reaching out to start assembling their top destination lists for 2024 – and of course we want Victoria to top those lists!
An element that drives those lists and stories is “what’s new”. This includes both new businesses and programs, as well as refreshed elements. It also includes anniversaries.
Please email Erin Sinclair at erin.sinclair@tourismvictoria.com if you have a notable anniversary in 2024. We want to showcase you and your milestones in these important, highly visible publications!
Tourism Industry Indicators Dashboard
Destination Greater Victoria maintains a dashboard that compiles key statistics for Greater Victoria’s tourism industry, such as accommodation metrics, booking pace, and visitor volume. The dashboard brings together data from a number of sources and is updated weekly.
Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, our show breaks barriers by incorporating both still and moving art.
Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear, and disappear, flow across multi-surfaces, the minutia of details titillating our heightened senses. The show is projected on every surface around you, this makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. We accompany the show with a beautiful score and include many other surprises!
Enjoy 15% percent off spa services* valued $100+ Monday-Thursday until December 31, 2023.
Experience relaxing treatments with natural products, in a peaceful and tranquil setting. It’s just that simple. From stress-relief and self-care to special occasions and spa days, our qualified team provides a wide-range of thoughtfully curated experiences. Offering organic and sustainable products from Eminence Organic Skin Care, guests can relish in the pure bliss of massage, facial, pedicure, or body treatments provided by a team of highly skilled therapists.
Exclusive Advertising Opportunities for Members
Advertise with DGV at the highly visible Visitor Centre at Victoria's Inner Harbour! With an average of 340,000 visitors to the Visitor Centre annually, this is a great opportunity to showcase your business.
There are currently openings for static screen ad displays and video on the big screen. For information and pricing, email Kathleen or Heather.
Member-to-member promotions
Post a member-to-member deal or offering through Destination Greater Victoria’s extranet portal! This exclusive space allows DGV members to share offerings and promotions with other members.
Nestled between forest and sea, come enjoy a bit of original BC history. Relax in a heritage orchard, join a farm tour, and breathe in the calming aroma of lavender as flowers are harvested and distilled in a Portuguese copper still.
Settled in 1851, historic Bilston Creek Farm is an experience not to be missed. Explore, shop, and relax on our beautiful lavender, apple and honey farm.
Picnics in the Park
Summer in Victoria is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic. And with Greater Victoria’s large number of parks and beaches, as well as forest and lake-side options, there really is a picnic spot for everyone. We’ve assembled a few favourites that include stellar views as well as vibes ranging from family fun to romantic. Whether you’re thinking breakfast, lunch or moonlit meal, we’ve got a picnic spot for you! Read on
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