Tourism took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic as travel restrictions of the time were implemented to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
But now, the sector is beginning to re-open with more gatherings and events — and local residents are planning to hit the road for the summer.
In Coquitlam, a pair of tourism projects are getting some financial relief as recovery efforts continue.
Destination BC has awarded a combined $53,106 to Tourism Coquitlam and the City of Coquitlam for two initiatives that encourage people to get outside and explore the region — and are also team collaborations with other municipalities and organizations.
It's a piece of a $4.2-million investment by the Crown corporation for more than 80 projects province-wide. In a news release on Tuesday (May 31), the organization says it aims to foster a "Team BC" approach to support the sector's pandemic recovery.
"Collaboration has been fundamental to B.C.'s tourism industry over the last two years and will continue to be the driving force behind our recovery as we look to the future," explains Destination BC CEO Richard Porges.
"The co-op marketing partnerships program — and this year’s 84 projects that are finding unique ways to showcase every corner of our province — are a quintessential example of our successful 'Team BC' approach to tourism marketing, which we are continuing to build and leverage for our competitive edge and collective success."
Tourism Coquitlam is with the Lower Mainland Tourism Alliance, which are receiving $30,544 in funding for an online project that encourages visitors to try local restaurants and markets.
Known as West Coast Food, it's a platform to showcase foods and drinks of all cultures in an effort to revitalize a map for local foodies.
Other communities involved include Burnaby, New Westminster, Langley, Surrey, Richmond and Vancouver.
As well, Destination BC's Route 7 initiative is receiving $22,562 to boost marketing for hot spots along the Lougheed Highway, which features the City of Coquitlam.
"Scenic 7" maps out, what it describes as, the "off the beaten path" for places north of the Fraser River in hopes visitors can be drawn to "warm hospitality," "extreme adventures" and other attractions, such as fishing, camping, RVing spots, golf courses and wine tours.
Coquitlam is the most western community featured on the map in addition to Maple Ridge, Mission, Agassiz, Kent, Harrison Hot Springs and Hope.
Residents are encouraged to tag the city and Destination BC in photos so it can be widely shared on their respective social channels and website.
"In addition to sector-based funding, the [co-op marketing partnerships] program also supports community consortiums: a group of communities, Indigenous communities, regions and regional districts, business associations, and other community partners who come together to collectively market their unique selling proposition that links them together," the organization adds in its statement.
"These collaborative initiatives help visitors better understand the diverse areas of the province, the unique experiences available within them, and the numerous ways to travel among them, while increasing visitation and room night revenue in shoulder seasons. Consortiums can include regional travel routes, Indigenous education initiatives, self-guided itineraries and more."
You can visit Destination BC's website for more information.
