Northern BC Tourism Association is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors elected by industry representatives. Our team is a diverse group of professionals with extensive experience in tourism development, united by a shared passion for exploring and showcasing northern BC. As an economic development agency focused on fostering a thriving tourism sector across the Northern BC region, we are dedicated to building a robust and sustainable visitor economy that drives growth and benefits communities while safeguarding our natural and cultural resources through responsible and sustainable practices.
We are currently seeking skilled and motivated candidates for two positions to join our dynamic team and contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Northern BC.
| Tourism Development Specialist - FILLED | Bookkeeping and Administration Specialist |
Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hrs/week Job location: Remote position within Northern BC Position Overview: The Tourism Development Specialist will support the tourism industry and support the responsible growth of the tourism economy by furthering the destination development strategies initiatives. They will be responsible for ensuring all destination development work aligns with and delivers on national, provincial, regional and local tourism and economic development strategies for the benefit of responsibly advancing our visitor economy at the regional level. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with proven strong project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. This isn’t just a job; it’s an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. Join us in shaping the future of tourism, where your strategic thinking and communication skills will be valued and celebrated. This role will appeal to an individual who wants to make a difference and take on new challenges. What Northern BC Tourism Offers You: - Flexible, remote role, based in the Northern BC Region, or hybrid in Prince George - A collaborative and supportive team Click here for the full job description and application process details. | Salary Range: $65,000 - $68,000/annually Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hrs/week Job location: Prince George / Hybrid Position Overview: As the Bookkeeping and Administration Specialist, you will oversee the financial aspects of the association including managing financial records, preparing budgets, and producing appropriate financial reports. In this role you will work closely with the CEO and be responsible for overseeing the financial health of the organization. As the Bookkeeping and Administration Specialist you will also assume administrative duties including but not limited to; administration of the association’s benefits plan, management of the society’s reporting requirements, and organizing board meetings and events. In this role, your bookkeeping experience, accounting knowledge, and your attention to detail are essential to your success. You are self-motivated and work well both individually and as part of a team. Are you passionate about northern BC? Interested in being a part of the tourism industry and promoting the region to the world? Would you like to work for a forward-thinking, innovative organization? What Northern BC Tourism Offers You: - Flexible, hybrid work environment, based in the Northern BC Region - A collaborative and supportive team Click here for the full job description and application process details. |
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We look forward to receiving your application.
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
NBCTA provides seed funding for the project through the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI) and covers gathering the content, design, and installation of these signs. Before proceeding, long-term maintenance agreements for the care of the signs must be in place. The Thematic Framework and Great Northern Circle Route Signage Master Plan remain guiding documents. The Thematic Framework is the foundation for the interpretive signage for the family of signs identified in the Great Northern Circle Route Signage Master Plan.
The signage project has been divided into three phases. Phase 1 signs for the 5 Alaska Highway rest stops are entering the fabrication stage, with installation in the spring. The majority of the signs for Phase 2 are slated for iconic locations such as the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark, Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway, the Ancient Forest, Fort St James Historic Site, Hudson Bay Mountain, 'Ksan Historic Village, Bear and Salmon Glacier and potentially Nisg̱a'a Memorial Lava Bed Park. (These iconic locations were determined through the Destination Development process, which has been ongoing since 2017 and included extensive outreach alongside Indigenous Tourism BC.) In most cases, long-term maintenance agreements are in place, and plans for gathering the content for the stories on the panels are shaping up. All the signs are to be installed by the end of August 2024.
As for Phase 3, we encourage all communities, regional districts, and First Nations to consider their signage needs and to contact us to discuss how we can expand NBCTA's Iconic Destination Signage Project. Overall, the program seeks to enhance the visitor experience by facilitating a deeper understanding of the region's connections and diversity. These interpretive and wayfinding signs and improved signage and storytelling throughout the region are also expected to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Northern Tourism Region. To learn more, please get in touch with April Moi, april@nbctourism.com or Martina Bancroft, martina@nbctourism.com
Tourism Prince Rupert is proud to announce that with the delivery and installation of our final two containers, our new outdoor marketplace in Cow Bay is complete and open for business! With the official opening of the site comes an opportunity to give it a name that pays homage to the long history of the land upon which it is situated. We are thrilled to reveal that the market site will now officially be named the "Lax Süülda Container Market."
The name was selected with support, direction, and permission from the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority. In Sm’algyax, the language of the Ts’msyen People, “Lax Süülda” means “on the ocean.” The name choice highlights the importance and significance of Ts’msyen language and culture in Prince Rupert, as well as the community's deep-rooted connection to the ocean and surrounding environment.
The Lax Süülda Container Market features refurbished shipping containers transformed into vibrant and weather-protected mini shops, providing an exceptional opportunity for regional small businesses, artists, and vendors to showcase their products to visitors and cruise ship passengers. The containers are fully accessible with wheelchair ramps available for each and intentional spacing to allow for mobility around the site. The marketplace's unique aesthetic and location aims to create a memorable experience for all who visit. With the summer season already well underway, we look forward to greeting visitors and locals alike at our new marketplace throughout the 2023 season. Prince Rupert is expecting 52 cruise calls this season, bringing over 80,000 passengers in total to BC’s North Coast.
Seed Funding for the Development of the Lax Süülda Container Market was provided by Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) through the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI). As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
Support for land-use and the installation of electrical at the site is provided by the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
Learn More:
QUOTES:
“Our government is proud to support the tourism sector in northern B.C., the people who work in it, and its sustained recovery,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting the Prince Rupert Lax Süülda Container Market, we are investing in tourism infrastructure that is sustainable and innovative, shining a light on Indigenous stories and strengthening community vibrancy for residents and visitors alike.
“Tourism Prince Rupert is thrilled to open this site and provide new opportunities for local small businesses, vendors, and artisans on the North Coast to access the international market created by the cruise sector. We are grateful to the Ts’msyen Sm’algyax Language Authority for their support of our work and for their guidance in the selection of the name ‘Lax Süülda Container Market.’ The name will serve as a testament to the significance of Ts’msyen culture in Prince Rupert and provide visitors with an immediate glimpse into our community’s vibrant culture,” says Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director of Tourism Prince Rupert.
“Projects such as the Lax Süülda Container Market strengthen the visitor experience and enhance
resident quality of life in the north. Northern BC Tourism Association is committed to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in northern B.C. and it’s fantastic to be supporting tangible infrastructure and experiences such as this,” says Clint Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Northern BC Tourism Association.
“The Lax Süülda Container Market aligns with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s efforts to improve Prince Rupert’s waterfront for the benefit of the community and generate new opportunities for local small businesses, community groups and artisans by showcasing what makes our community unique from other destinations in the northwest and Alaska cruise ports of call,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Adding renewed energy and vibrance to Cow Bay, the market helps enhance the experience for visitors and residents exploring the area.”
This project aligns with the Northwestern BC Destination Development Strategy, which notes the importance of support the continued development of infrastructure and shore excursions to encourage sustainable growth in the cruise ship sector, which benefits the entire Northern BC region.
Cycle 16 is a 12-kilometer multi-use trail that will seamlessly connect Telkwa and Smithers. This paved trail is a game-changer, providing a safe transportation option for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Last Saturday, June 10th, they celebrated the Grand Opening of Phase 1, exactly one year after the groundbreaking in 2022! The event brought together cyclists of all ages, joined by guest speakers including Smithers Mayor Gladys Atrill, Telkwa Mayor Brad Layton, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Director Mark Parker, and the lively Emcee, Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen. It was a community effort, with local radio station CICK providing the speakers and enthusiastic cyclists generating power so everyone could hear. As we mark this significant milestone, we eagerly look forward to the next phase, excitedly anticipating the trail's expansion and the increased connectivity it will bring to our region.
Through the Province of BC's TRTD fund, Northern BC Tourism Association supported the development and installation of the bench and informational kiosk at the scenic viewpoing where the grand opening of Phase 1 took place.
The project supports goals and actions from the Northwestern BC Destination Development Strategy by continuing to improve trails and trail networks to meet the needs and interests of existing and future visitors.
Congratulations to the Cycle 16 Trail Society who have worked hard to achieve this milestone!
NBCTA, Destination BC, and Indigenous Tourism BC have scheduled destination development planning sessions to create a regional destination development strategy that integrates the results from our Northeast and Northwest Destination Development Strategies. This important work will also prepare the region for success to deliver iconic experiences as part of Destination BC’s Invest in Iconics Strategy. Your participation is critical to the success of the destination development process.
Five in-person workshops will take place in June and July. Discussions kick off with a 3.5-hour introductory session the evening before the full-day session. Please register for the evening and full day separately through the Eventbrite format.
The May 17 and May 23 virtual sessions looked at the investments in destination development projects and progress made to date. Recordings are available here.
Collectively, tourism champions will review the progress to date, identify gaps and future opportunities and gain an understanding of the status of tourism interests and the capacity of all communities. The importance of providing input in this bottom-up process cannot be understated. With NBCTA’s support, the Indigenous engagement to involve community members and businesses is led by ITBC’s Northeast and Central Indigenous Tourism Specialist, Angela Keech (angela@indigenousbc.com) or Northwest Indigenous Tourism Specialist, Shawna Gosnell (shawna@indigenousbc.com).
If you are unable to attend the in-person workshop at a location near you but would like to provide input, please contact april@nbctourism.com. We will gladly arrange a one-to-one discussion so that you can contribute to this important work.
Kick-off: Virtual Sessions
In-person Workshops
Lheidli T’enneh Territory | Prince George
Wet’suwet’en Territory | Smithers
Kitselas and Kitsumkalum Territory | Terrace
Tsimshian First Territory | Prince Rupert
Treaty 8 Territory | Fort St. John
Overall, the outcome is intended to help guide and manage tourism growth, increase the competitiveness and visitor spend of the Northern Region, as well as enhance the quality of life for local residents. To learn more or to confirm your interest in participating, please email april@nbctourism.com
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Northern BC Spark Program after the finalist pitch session on January 11, 2023.
The three finalists who made winning pitches for the Northern BC “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.
Click here
to read the full media release
We are thrilled to be launching the Spark Tourism Mentorship and Grant program in Northern BC, with our partners across the region. Have you got a new tourism idea that will increase visitation to the region or create a new high-quality experience? This program is designed to assist you in developing the idea through the support of seasoned mentorship from the sector and some seed money.
Learn more at www.tourisminnovation.ca/NorthernBC
Click here
to read the full media releaseThrough the Province of BC's Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI), Northern BC Tourism Association, Ride Valemount (VARDA) and other sponsors, were able to fund the construction of the Zen Garden Trail and two kiosks in the new Swift Creek staging area at Valemount Bike Park.
This project, adds more variety to the trail network and has become popular with new riders, hikers, runners along with the biking community. The trail encompasses nearly 200 meters of board walk and 9 bridges crossing a creek!
"The Zen Garden has become so much more than just an mountain biking trail. Many non-biking members of our community have visited the trail just to walk, sit, listen and relax in the beautiful area. Our community offers a huge thank you to Northern BC Tourism for supporting this great initiative." Curtis Pawliuk, General Manager, VARDA
The funding for this project is part of a larger allotment of funding to mountain bike clubs and associations throughout Northern BC, which is meant to elevate the mountain biking experience in the region through infrastructure, trail and signage upgrades at mountain bike trail networks throughout the region. Develop signage at multiple mountain biking locations that link the different trail networks together and create a more cohesive visitor experience.
These projects directly support actions in both the Northwest and Northeast Destination Development Plan by building on the provincial mountain biking sector work and the Northern BC Mountain Bike Strategy that have been completed to further develop mountain biking in areas of Northern BC that have the attributes that would make them competitive.
March 11, 2022
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. See the full list of winners.
“We are honoured to have served B.C. tourism businesses and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support their survival,” said Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island and Chair, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “This program was designed by the tourism industry for the tourism industry, utilizing our sector’s specialized understanding of our own needs to guide the recovery of B.C.’s visitor economy.”
Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program led by the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), providing B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and six youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province. 1,333 participants have successfully secured aid from government relief programs and an estimated 3,694 jobs have been preserved.
“By working together across the province, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is maximizing our collective expertise and resources, and leveraging the local knowledge and long-standing relationships we’ve held with stakeholders in our five regions for over 50 years,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Treasurer, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network provided a vehicle for us to work together like never before and allowed the development of infrastructure that can be repurposed into managing other crises, but also future partnerships for the betterment of B.C.’s tourism industry.”
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA).
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat gratefully acknowledges funding for the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network from Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada, and support from numerous additional partners.
The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced and presented at an awards gala on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and British Columbia Hotel Association.
"The Tourism Resiliency Program was designed to support tourism operators in a deeply meaningful way when it was needed the most. We are incredibly proud of the resiliency, tenacity, and grit of the tourism sector as demonstrated throughout the pandemic and their trust in us to assist them in navigating the challenges of the pandemic. I'd like to acknowledge the tremendous effort our entire team at NBCTA and our regional partners across the Province for contributing to the success of this program" - Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association
Northern BC Highlights
• 256 businesses helped
• 25 average points of contact per business
• 43 actionable marketing strategies
• 113 businesses provided with digital support
• 42 one-on-one expert sessions
• 1 recruitment playbook
About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)
The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA). The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.
Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jennifer Moore, Business Resiliency Specialist
Northern BC Tourism Association
250-262-2714
January 11, 2022
Prince George, BC - Accessible washrooms, trail upgrades and new signage are just a few of the completed projects in Northern BC this year as part of the Province of BC’s Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative Fund (TRTDI).
In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, the Northwest and Northeast planning area Destination Development Advisory Committees, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits, and other partners, worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
“I am very pleased to see the progress on these accessibility and Indigenous culture focused projects in the Northern region, especially during these very challenging times,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Throughout the pandemic we heard from tourism organizations that they needed investment to support regional projects. These projects demonstrate how tourism infrastructure not only support projects that showcase more of what the region has to offer, but also strengthen community connection and create jobs in the future.”
Projects completed or near completion in 2021 include:
“Inclusive by Design is grateful for the funding from Northern BC Tourism Association, which is supporting us in increasing access to Northern BC’s outdoor recreation spaces. We have completed two of the planned eight installations of accessible amenities, which are a combination of outhouses, picnic tables and benches,” said Janis Neufeld, CEO of Inclusive by Design. “The manufacturing and installations are employing individuals with a disability and barriers to employment. Building spaces without barriers improves access and participation for everyone, which in turn builds community as we encounter new friends and new ideas in these shared and welcoming spaces.”
“The Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association (TRMBA) in partnership with Northern BC Tourism were able to accomplish a large and exciting project for Tumbler Ridge and the North in 2021; the Tumbler Ridge Pump Track!” said Jane Butters, TRMBA President. “This project was three years in the making and has had a tremendous impact on Tumbler Ridge in it's short existence. Tumbler Ridge has seen visitors at the track from every community within the North, and many communities from around BC and Alberta. These visitors support the accommodation, tourism, and food industries. The track is a new and exciting hot spot and is constantly busy. The Velosolutions Pump Track has created some very exciting anticipation of biking development in the North and TRMBA is excited, and thankful, to have had Northern BC Tourism as a partner for this project.”
TRTDI funded initiatives still underway in the region include implementing a comprehensive place-making signage strategy for the North, supporting multiple small First Nations communities to tell their stories through cultural and wayfinding signage and multiple accessibility and infrastructure upgrades to trails around the region through Rec Sites and Trails BC.
“Northern BC Tourism Association is committed to the sustainable development of the tourism sector in northern B.C. and it’s fantastic to be supporting these tangible infrastructure upgrades and installations happening across the region. Not only do they advance important actions and objectives from our 10-year Destination Development Strategies, but they also strengthen the visitor experience and enhance resident quality of life in the north,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association.
As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.
Learn More:
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
April Moi, Destination Development Specialist
Northern BC Tourism Association
250-793-0062
Jennifer Moore, Business Resiliency Specialist
Northern BC Tourism Association
250-262-2714
In early 2021, Northern BC Tourism Association received $2.3 million to invest in regional tourism development.
As part of the Province’s Stronger BC economic recovery plan B.C.’s six tourism regions will receive a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and spur economic diversification within communities.
Twelve new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the northern B.C. tourism region with support from the Province.
“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”
Northern BC Tourism Association, in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners, have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.
Initiatives underway in the northern B.C. tourism region include investing in accessibility adaptations at multiple recreation sites to improve access, implementing a comprehensive place-making signage strategy for the North and supporting multiple small First Nations communities to tell their stories through cultural and wayfinding signage.
Examples in other parts of the province include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and a series of Indigenous landmarks throughout a region. The Province has provided $2.3 million toward these projects.
“Northern BC Tourism Association is excited for this tremendous opportunity to further develop the tourism sector in northern B.C. As a result of working closely with partners from across the region, we have identified key initiatives that will not only advance important actions and objectives from the region’s 10-year Destination Development plans, but will also significantly strengthen the visitor experience and enhance resident quality of life throughout northern B.C.,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association.
As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.
The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.
Quotes:
Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine –
“This new funding is really important for the people and businesses within our tourism industry. It not only benefits our local communities through the creation of jobs, but it also encourages visitors to stay in our community and experience everything it has to offer.”
Janis Neufeld, COO, Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) and Inclusive by Design –
“Inclusive by Design, a subsidiary of KASA, is excited to be part of improving access to outdoor recreation in B.C. for both residents and visitors. Our project will not only improve accessibility in the province, it is also providing training and employing individuals with a disability, increasing employment for members of a community severely impacted by the pandemic. So, the work will be done by people who will directly benefit from the improvements being made – a source of pride as well as employment.”
Click here for a full list of TRTDI projects funded in the province.
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.
