APRIL 2014
   
INDUSTRY E-NEWS
In this issue
MarketingMarketing & Advertising

goVancouverIsland!
Alberta Campaign April - June, 2014 

 

Partnered with the Comox Valley Airport, Discover Comox Valley is currently promoting the region through Tourism Vancouver Island's goVancouverIsland campaign. This multi-media campaign puts unique island messages in front of Albertan's over 40 million times. goVancouverIsland! incorporates an interactive website, stakeholder television segments, campaign editorial, broadcasts, online search support, and TV coverage on Shaw Direct. 


Click here to view Discover Comox Valley promotional video.

 

Leverage Marketing with the 2014 BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival 

 

The eighth annual BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival - happening from June 13 to 22, 2014 - is expanding this year with a greater focus on expanding culinary activities, educational events and tours, and helping to showcase the importance of the Valley's role in the shellfish industry in British Columbia.

 

 

One of the biggest changes for the 2014 BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival is the move of the event from Marina Park to Filberg Lodge & Park on June 21, 2014 (Comox by the Sea Shellfish and Seafood Celebration). In partnership with the Comox Business in Action, the event will feature many of the much anticipated events that have traditionally occurred in Marina Park including the Oyster Shucking and Chowder Competitions, Shellfish and Seafood Tastings, Chefs Demonstrations and more, and expand to include industry demonstrations and interactive educational experiences. The goal of the event is to celebrate the BC aquaculture industry itself and the products it produces through a diverse collection of sensory experiences. Click here for latest press release 

 

Want to be involved?


Allow your business to influence and gain access to industry contacts as well as consumers. Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at $500.

 

Click here for Sponsorship Package.

 

To confirm sponsorship or to find out more please contact: 

 

Susan Lewis or Wendy Sears

Lewis & Sears Marketing & Event Management Inc.

1-866-594-3243 or email [email protected]

 

VisitorServicesVisitor Services Opportunities 

Free Events Calendar  

 

Make sure to upload your festivals and events on discovercomoxvalley.com for additional exposure!
Click here to upload!

 

Save on spring advertising at the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre and online


Is your tourism business bookable at the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre? If so, you can take advantage of these special advertising options to boost your bookings!

  • Brochure racking in Visitor Services area 
  • Restroom & Hallway Signage 
  • Tear-off map advertising 
  • WIFI Login Screen advertising
  • 30 second on-screen advertising near the Visitor Service counter
  • Feature Display Space at on-site centre locations
  • Event Sponsorship
  • Special Events Banner
  • Small Road Welcome Sign Sponsorship
  • Consumer newsletter banner advertising

Book any 3 items and receive a 10% discount! Call Better Mousetrap Marketing to book today at 250.871.8727 - click here to download the current rate sheet!  

 

Advertise at the Comox Valley Airport

 

The Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is an exceptional venue to increase awareness of local business. Racking and backlit opportunities are available at excellent locations! 

  • YQQ is offering ongoing contact with local residents, outgoing passengers and inbound tourists, YQQ can provide year-round exposure to a range of demographics. 
  • Passengers are primarily local residents, leisure travelers and tourists, the main demographic target for most Vancouver Island businesses.
Click here to download the current rate sheet and get your business noticed at the Comox Valley Airport - contact Cathy Dyck 250.729.4232 - [email protected] or Keith Currie 250.334.4722 - [email protected] for more details!
MediaMedia Relations
Canada Media Marketplace

 

The 27th edition of Canadian Tourism Commission's annual Canada Media Marketplace was held in San Francisco this year. Taking place over two days, March 31 - April 2, 2014, the marketplace consists of one solid day of meetings and one day of industry panels, briefings by Destination BC and the CTC and networking events. 

 

On behalf of Discover Comox Valley, the Tartan Group, conducted 44 sit down meetings with media outlets during the rapid 15 minute rotational format. Top outlets included:  MSNBC.com, Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, YAHOO.com, AFAR.com, Canadian Doctors, AAA Western Journey, AAA Home & Away.
 
To view report and complete list of media outlets click here.
Calling ALL photographers!

 

We are looking for FABULOUS Comox Valley photos to use in upcoming campaigns! Do you know someone who has that WOW shot of the valley? Share it with us and assist in the destination marketing efforts today!

Email [email protected] with any questions! 

Coverage on the BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival

TradeTravel Trade
The 2014 Tactical Plan outlines a clear direction to further develop and attract the Travel Trade business coming to the Comox Valley. This will include attending trade shows, educating travel agents and building relationships with tour operators to include the Comox Valley in their tours. 
 
Discover Vancouver Island Trade Show 
  
In March, Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism attended the Discover Vancouver Island trade show in Victoria hosted by Tourism Vancouver Island. A total of 16 tour operators were in attendance from the Lower Mainland. From this event, valuable contacts were made and new business secured.

Businesses and attractions are encouraged to send in any tours that are available for the Travel Trade. Tour ideas can be for individual travelers, groups or private custom trip options. Please e-mail to [email protected].
MarketMarket Research & Development
Discover Comox Valley Tourism Industry Professional Development Workshop

Mark your calendar - May 28th, 2014

Discover Comox Valley Tourism Industry Professional Development Workshop will provide tourism professionals with two engaging and informative workshops. There will be opportunity for networking throughout the workshops, as well as during the evening Reception. 

Online Reputation Management Workshop - Hosted by Destination British Columbia with Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism
Speaker: Daniel Edward Craig, founder of Reknown

Preparing Your Business for the Travel Trade
Speaker: Peter Lloyd Jones, Principle and Strategic Marketing Consultant at SpectacularINK, Vancouver

Reception to follow. Enjoy Industry booths, appetizers and no host bar. 
 
Click here for complete Workshop details and to Register!
 
Tourism Vancouver Island New Corporate Website

Tourism Vancouver Island has re-launched the organization's new and improved corporate website to support the tourism industry in the Vancouver Island region. The website boasts a completely new look, improved navigation and increased opportunity for stakeholder engagement through social and multimedia capabilities, stakeholder forums, blogs and industry event listings. Visit site here.
Power and Sail Cruise Sector - Sector Development Strategy

The Power and Sail Cruise Sector Development Strategy presents highlights from the Sectors Tourism Development and Marketing Plan, which was developed through the Experiences BC Program of Tourism British Columbia, as part of the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.  The Power and Sail Cruise Sector Tourism Development and Marketing Plan was created with input from a provincial sector Steering Committee, in addition to over 100 sector stakeholders along BC's coast.

Click here for report. 

 

NewsIn the News
Comox Valley Secures 2015 Island's Agriculture Show

The Islands Agriculture Show is coming to the Comox Valley February 13/14, 2015. The annual show provides a forum for public education on agricultural products, services, and initiatives as well as an opportunity for farmers on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to network. While the show has been successfully held in Duncan for the past 3 years, the Central location of the Comox Valley will provide easy access for members of the agricultural community to connect with each other, as well benefit the tourism industry by attracting out of town guest to the Valley. 
 
Thank you to the industry partners that worked with Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism to supported the bid to bring the agricultural show to the Comox Valley, including Comox Valley ExhibitionComox Valley Farmers' Market, and the Comox Valley Farmers' Institute.

Click here to read more. 
Comox Valley hosts the 2014 Mini World Cup and PGA Tour Canada
 
Supported by the 2013 Comox Valley Sport and Event Attraction Pilot Program, these two events are bringing significant visitation and awareness to the region. 

Mini World Cup - May 10 -11, 2014
Approximately 1,250 players/coaches will be attending the 2014 Mini World Cup in the Comox Valley. This includes 54 registered teams from the Comox Valley and 50 registered teams from outside of the Valley. 

Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community 
Players of the PGA Canada Qualifying School will have an opportunity to qualify for status on PGA TOUR Canada. With fields of 132 players maximum, the top 18 will earn exempt status for 2014. 
STAY IN TOUCH
 
Discover Comox Valley
Phone: 250.334.2427
#200 - 580 Duncan Ave, Courtenay BC V9N2M7