Winter 2007

NBCTA Wishes Everyone a Happy Holiday

The staff at Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (Left to right: Jay Graham, Amanda Stregger, Heather MacRae, Susan Hubbard, Clint Fraser, and Anthony Everrett) would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and best wishes for 2007.

So that we can celebrate the season with family and friends, the office will be closed from December 21st to January 2nd.

The Final Word on Passport Regulations

Starting January 23, 2007, Canadian citizens flying to the U.S. will require a passport to enter the country. The new travel requirement was originally scheduled to begin January 8 but has been delayed until January 23, 2007

Canada has reported a 34 per cent increase in passport applications as the date approaches for the change. The new rules in the U.S. will cause long delays for Canadians applying for passports, officials said. "The new U.S. requirements that have just been made official for January 23 for people travelling by air, combined with our peak season, which usually runs from November until March, has led to confusion and longer line-ups in the Passport Canada offices,"
Confusion still exists in that people think they must get a passport for all travel to the U.S. - but people can still drive across the border without a passport.

If you are planning to travel to the US in the new year, apply early for your passport to avoid travel delays or customs issues. For detailed information, the U.S. Travel Industry has started a new website designed to reduce confusion and help people receive passports quicker. Find it here: www.GetAPassportNow.com.

Terrace AGM a Success

The Annual General Meeting of the Northern British Columbia Tourism Association took place this October in Terrace. “We were delighted to be able to host Mr. Rod Harris and Minister Stan Hagen,” says Anthony Everett, “They were very impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the tourism professionals in the north and I think they gained a better understanding of some of the challenges for tourism operators in northern BC.”

New members of the Board were elected and included: Natalie Fournier of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site; Megan Gibson of VIA Rail Canada;

Andrew Merilees, Park Coordinator of the Old Masset Village Council and President of the Haida Gwaii Tourism Association; Bud Powell of the City of Dawson Creek.

Returning and remaining Board members include: Gladys Atrill of the Town of Smithers; Doug Barrett of Coast Inn of the West; Debbie Davis of Prince Rupert Adventure Tours; Stieg Hoeg of the Prince George Airport; Bonnie McCreary of Hudson Bay Lodge; Victoria Olmstead of Prophet Muskwa Enterprises.

The meeting also saw the presentation of the 2006 “Northern Exposure” Tourism Awards. Tourism Prince George was honoured with the Northern Pride Award for their success in representing the diversity and significance of the Northern experience. Tourism Dawson Creek received the Northern Promotion Award for their “Stay and Play” marketing program. Tourism Smithers was recognised by the Northern Advertisement Award for the creativity of their advertisement in the 2006 Northern British Columbia Tourism Travel Guide.

Trade Show Report

The travel trade season has begun. Northern British Columbia Tourism Association has already attended 3 shows (National Tour Association Marketplace, Ontario Motor Coach Association Marketplace and Canada’s West Marketplace) with a great deal of interest in products available in the north. Over 100 appointments have already taken place and fulfillment is being delivered before Christmas to each of these appointments.

Jay Graham, Trade and Industry Development Coordinator says “ This year is very exciting. Many operators are looking at expanding operations in Northern British Columbia and we have a lot of quality shows and appointments to look forward to in the New Year that will likely yield the same results.” Northern British Columbia Tourism Association will be attending four more shows for this trade season (American Bus Association, Spotlight Canada, ITB Berlin, and Rendezvous Canada).

Trade Show Report

New Names for Northern Ferries

BC Ferries is pleased to announce that it has selected a new family of names for its northern vessels that celebrates the beauty and wonder of exploring and traveling in northern British Columbia. The new vessels earmarked for the Inside Passage and Prince Rupert/Queen Charlotte Islands routes will bear the northern family names in recognition of the uniqueness and pride of the northern communities they serve. Beginning next spring, the Northern Adventure, formerly known as the Sonia, will be sailing the Inside Passage route from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert.

By the spring of 2009, the Northern Expedition, the replacement vessel for the

Queen of Prince Rupert, will have joined the BC Ferries fleet on the northern routes. When the vessel begins service, it will operate on the Inside Passage route between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, with the Northern Adventure moving to the Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte Islands run. At that time, the Queen of Prince Rupert will be retired.

BC Ferries is currently negotiating with the provincial government on a replacement strategy for the Queen of Chilliwack, which services the mid-coast. This process will take several months and when a new vessel is eventually put in service it will be called Northern Discovery.

Northern Announcements

Newest Team Member

NBCTA is happy to introduce Susan Hubbard in the position of Accounting Coordinator. She comes to us with 7 years experience in an accounting firm and a communications background. We are thrilled to have her on board. Feel free to contact her with your questions any time at susan@nbctourism.com

Deadline Approaching:
Nominations for BC's Tourism Industry

TBC and COTA are calling for nominations for the 2007 Tourism Industry Awards, which will take place on February 22, 2007 at the Victoria Conference Centre.

Nominate a tourism business for one of nine categories found listed here:

Tourism Awards

BC Government Approved Accommodation List

Don’t miss your chance to be included on the approved government employee listings in your community. Deadline is approaching fast to get included on the list. Find information and RFP’s here:

BC Gov Accommodations List