Tourism Vancouver Island engages with the travel trade on a number of different distribution channels. Our trade team facilitates creative, collaborative, win-win partnerships with operators in Canada, U.S. and in the overseas markets. They have the experience, connections and enthusiasm to assist operators with the creation and fulfillment of new itineraries best suited for their clients.
Travel Trade Services
Tourism Vancouver Island engages with the travel trade on a number of different distribution channels. Our trade team facilitates creative, collaborative, win-win partnerships with operators in Canada, U.S. and in the overseas markets. They have the experience, connections and enthusiasm to assist operators with the creation and fulfillment of new itineraries best suited for their clients.
Tourism Vancouver Island supports the travel trade in a variety of practical, efficient and rewarding ways. These include:
- Providing sample itineraries to the travel trade to support planning and creation of new tours.
- Coordination of logistics for familiarization tours.
- Assist in connecting the travel trade with stakeholders in the Vancouver Island region.
- Keeping Vancouver Island top of mind when selling to their clients.
- Attending travel trade marketplaces and events
- Assist with travel-trade planning by providing online resources, publications and access to Destination BC’s Content Hub.
Stakeholder Support
Our registered stakeholders value client relationships at all levels of the business: customer, receptive tour operator (RTO), tour operators/travel operators, and retail travel agents alike. As export-ready suppliers, they are committed to:
- Offering fair, industry standard rack or retail pricing, agent commissions and wholesale net rates.
- Providing contracted wholesale net rates to RTOs . Traditionally RTOs and tour operators will require a 20%+ commission for attractions and transportation, and 30%+ commission for accommodation.
- Preparing detailed pricing and program information at least a year ahead of the selling season while also involving RTOs in any marketing and sales promotions.
- Acting in a fully professional manner (i.e., same-day booking confirmations, effective billing arrangements, accepting client vouchers as confirmation of payment for reservations, etc.).
To determine if your business is ready to work with travel trade, please review Destination BC’s Travel Trade Standards and Self-Assessment.
More resources:
- Destination BC- Working with the Travel Trade https://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/working-with-the-travel-trade/
- Destination BC – How to Work With Receptive Tours Operatorshttps://www.destinationbc.ca/learning-centre/how-to-work-with-receptive-tour-operators/
Travel Media
Faced with the delightful prospect of travelling on assignment to Vancouver Island? Begin the journey by contacting our Travel Media Manager to capitalize on a wealth of knowledge, insights and connections.
Tourism Vancouver Island works with journalists, freelance writers, social influencers, editors and broadcasters to assist with suggested itineraries customized for the particulars of story assignments, fact-checking, image sourcing, stakeholder connections and story ideas.
You’ll also find us at media marketplaces including Go Media and various Travel Media Association of Canada events throughout the year. Please stop by and say hello!
Online Resources
- Hello BC’s Media Room – https://www.hellobc.com/media/