PRESS RELEASE
VANCOUVER ISLAND ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
March 27, 2012
The BC Marine Highway @ Linking Island Business event in Qualicum Beach:
“The BC Marine Highway – A New Economic Development Opportunity and Tourism Sector” will be presented as one of the seminars at the Linking Island Business event in Qualicum Beach, April 11. “Every year thousands of boaters visit harbours and marinas large and small all through the coastal region. There are many untapped opportunities for local service, retail and tourism businesses to engage these visitors. This ‘Marine Highway’ initiative is designed to help coastal businesses and communities gain additional economic value from this existing stream of tourists” says event Chair, Kim Burden.
The Experience’s BC Department of Tourism BC (Ministry of Jobs, Innovation and Tourism) has recognized that the sector requires development to deliver a visitor and market ready product representing the entire BC West Coast. Community, Economic Development and Tourism representatives from Northwest BC including Haida Gwaii, Chilcotin, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island – Gulf Islands plus Aboriginal Tourism BC, BC Parks and the OaK Bay Marine group are working together to launch this unique BC product to the world in 2013.
According to session presenter, David Mailloux of the Nanaimo Port Authority, “Island communities provide historical and cultural opportunities along the BC Marine Highway with scenic harbour entry points for thousands of international visitors. There is lots of room for related business development in all of our coastal communities.”
With over 25 years experience in the tourism industry at a provincial, regional and community level, David Mailloux – Manager – Community Relations and Marina – Nanaimo Port Authority, will describe the new program and how your community’s unique port of call can benefit from this world class Marine Highway.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities and to register on-line visit www.viea.ca or email registration@viea.ca.
This year’s sponsors include Quality Foods, Tigh-Na-Mara Spa Resort, MNP, Island Radio, CTV, BC Hydro, Glacier Media, ProReg, Lewis & Sears Marketing & Event Management, Wallpepper Design, Black & White Party Rental, Array Studios, Community Futures Island Coastal Group and Venture Connect, Douglas Magazine, Impact Visual Communications, Alitis Investment Counsel, Britco.
