Creating accessible spaces helps ensure everyone can experience Northern B.C.’s amazing attractions. Thanks to an investment from PacifiCan through the Tourism Relief Fund, more visitors with accessibility requirements will be able to explore Northern B.C.
With this funding, the Northern BC Tourism Association created the Accessibility Enhancement Program. Launched in April 2022, the program has developed a number of resources for tourism operators to improve accessibility for visitors and residents. Through PacifiCan’s investment, the program provided non-repayable financial contributions to tourism operators to support enhanced access to their businesses. A total of eleven (11) projects were selected, with tourism operators matching the program’s contribution, for a total of almost $100,000 in accessibility enhancements.
The goal of the Accessibility Enhancement Program was to increase awareness and education about the benefits of accessibility in the tourism sector and to remove barriers for residents and visitors alike. Cultural and heritage tourism sites and operators, non-fixed-roof accommodation providers, and Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations were eligible for funding.
A sample of the completed accessibility enhancement projects includes:
A full list of the Accessibility Enhancement Program recipients is below.
“Northern B.C. is becoming a destination of choice for visitors around the world, and every visitor deserves the chance to experience attractions. The Accessibility Enhancement Program is ensuring tourism operators in Northern B.C. continue to bring people together, help Northern communities thrive and deliver unforgettable tourism experiences – for everyone,” says The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
Our summit will bring together industry experts, travel enthusiasts, and local businesses to discuss the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities in Northern BC's tourism sector.
Expect engaging discussions, insightful keynote speakers, and interactive workshops that will equip you with valuable knowledge and insights. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and gain inspiration to take the tourism sector to the next level in the region.
