Tourism Kamloops Hits the Road: Highlights from the Visitor Services Conference 2024
Last week, members of the Tourism Kamloops team hit the road to Vancouver for the Visitor Services Conference, hosted by Destination BC. This dynamic two-day event brought tourism professionals together from across the province, offering a mix of inspiration, learning, and collaboration. The energy of the conference left us with fresh ideas and practical insights to strengthen Kamloops’ position as a vibrant and resilient tourism destination.
Experiencing the Magic of Immersive Attractions
One of the highlights of the conference was visiting the Vancouver Christmas Market, where we explored the charm and festive energy of this annual event. It was a valuable opportunity to see how holiday attractions can create memorable experiences for visitors. A tour of the VanDusen Botanical Garden added another layer of inspiration, showcasing how nature-forward, immersive attractions captivate audiences. These experiences reinforced the importance of leveraging Kamloops’ own natural beauty and cultural vibrancy to create engaging, destination-defining moments.
Sharing Kamloops’ Innovation
Tourism Kamloops had its own moment to shine on stage during a PechaKucha-style presentation. We shared our innovative Mobile Visitor Servicing model through a playful Dr. Seuss-inspired format, blending rhyme and rhythm to deliver our message. The creative approach resonated with the audience, proving that a mix of fun and information can amplify engagement and highlight innovation.
Industry Insights: Challenges and Opportunities
The conference also delved into emerging trends and challenges for 2024. Destination BC’s CEO Richard Porges shared a sobering yet optimistic industry outlook, highlighting hurdles such as slower international travel recovery, weather impacts on ski destinations, and wildfire challenges. Despite these issues, a forecasted 3% rebound by 2025 offers hope for the future, underscoring the importance of resilience and adaptability—core values of Tourism Kamloops.
Key Themes for Kamloops Tourism
Several trends emerged during the sessions that align with opportunities for Kamloops:
- Personalized Travel: Visitors seek custom itineraries and seamless booking options.
- Wellness and Sustainability: From yoga retreats to plant-based dining and eco-conscious travel, there’s strong demand for experiences that prioritize wellbeing.
- Immersion and Inclusivity: Highlighting local culture while ensuring spaces are accessible and welcoming for all travelers.
- Technology Innovation: Leveraging tools like Destination BC’s Hello BC AI Concierge to enhance visitor engagement in real time.
Inclusivity, Reconciliation, and Climate Resilience
Inclusivity was a central theme, with practical strategies to create welcoming visitor experiences. From training staff in basic ASL to using apps like "Be My Eyes" for visually impaired travelers, the conference reinforced the importance of accessibility. We’re inspired to reflect this diversity more fully in all aspects of our work, including signage, programming, and community partnerships.
Reconciliation also featured prominently. A presentation by Tourism Chilliwack highlighted the importance of collaboration with First Nations leaders, aligning signage and language with local Nations, and embedding reconciliation principles into tourism strategies. These takeaways will guide us in fostering respectful and meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners.
A Bright Future for Kamloops
As the conference wrapped up, new ideas were shared for engaging visitors, from promoting programs like the BC Wine Ambassador certification to tools like the Farmers Market Tasting Passport app. These initiatives reaffirm the value of celebrating Kamloops’ local culture and flavors while driving destination appeal.
This year’s Visitor Services Conference highlighted that collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity are the keys to shaping tourism’s future. We’re energized to bring these insights home and continue building on the momentum for 2025 and beyond.
Got an idea or feedback to share? We’re always looking to collaborate as we work toward an exciting and impactful year ahead for Kamloops tourism. Let’s make it happen—together!
Author: Lisa White
Lisa is your go-to for industry relations, Golf Kamloops, corporate communications, tourism industry research/data, and how to get more involved with Tourism Kamloops.