Happy Holidays from Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism
Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is now OPEN
Congrats to the team at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort and Pacific Group for the exciting start of 2019/20 operations yesterday! The resort and the mountain are significant tourism economic drivers for the region – be sure to share their social media postings and link to the resort from your websites. Happy snow season!
Sign-up now for the 2020 Destination Marketing and Event Opportunities
While sipping eggnog this holiday season, don't forget to think about registering for 2020 Discover Comox Valley events and campaign marketing opportunities to increase awareness to your business and visitation to the Comox Valley!

Après-Ski Comox Valley Winter Campaign: January 17 - February 8

Comox Valley Dine Around Festival: February 20 - March 15
Event Registration deadline is mid-January

BC Seafood Festival and Trade Expo: June 12 - 21

Fall Culinary Campaign:

Vancouver Island Visitor Centre (VIVC) Marketing Opportunities
On average ~30k visitors come to the Centre annually. Leverage that key group by leveraging the sales and marketing services at the Centre!

  • 15-30 second static image or video commercial of your business
  • Brochure racking at VIVC and Airport
  • Monthly hallway and bathroom signage rentals
  • Help with your Google My Business Listing Program (see below)
  • Boardroom Rentals
  • Free Comox Valley events listings on Discover Comox Valley website events page
  • Rezgo online booking service
  • Mobile Visitor Centre outreach

To learn more click here or contact the  Vancouver Island Visitor Centre to inquire about the above booking agreements, rate sheets, and even consignment opportunities: visitorcentre@discovercomoxvalley.com 1-855-400-2882.

Stay tuned for more Events and Campaign information!
BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association Survey
Share your experience.
 
The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association's 2020 Face of the Industry Survey is designed to help operators like you share your experiences and your inspirations as you strive to build your business in our changing marketplace.
 
Surveys are a valuable tool in helping the BCRFA identify emerging trends and understand market pressures. Please take 5 minutes to add your voice to this snap shot of British Columbia's restaurant industry and what will be influencing success in 2020. The goal is to hear from everyone: from mom-and-pop restaurants to chains, from fine dining to quick service to delivery.
 
Aggregated results will be shared - individual responses will be protected.
Thank You - Destination Marketing
Advisory Committee (DMAC) Members
On behalf of Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism, thank you to the Comox Valley Destination Marketing Advisory Committee (DMAC) for all their support in the development and implementation of the Comox Valley's destination and tourism plans in 2019, and their efforts and input into the creation of the 2020 plans and applications!

Destination Marketing Advisory Committee includes:

  • Bill Anglin, Chair
  • David Rooper/Karen Goldby, Old House Hotel & Spa
  • Grant Smith, Bayview Hotel
  • Rick Browning and Corinne Berg, Best Western Westerly Hotel
  • Kristy Pedersen, Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
  • Faruk Goez, Courtenay Travelodge
  • Mount Washington Alpine Resort / Ski & Outdoor Recreation
  • Brenda Hetman-Craig, 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery / Agritourism
  • Carolyn Touhey, Two Eagles Lodge / B&B Industry
  • Deana Simkin, High Tide Public House/ Restaurant & Culinary
  • Susan Wood, Heritage, Arts & Culture
Advertising Opportunity
Times Colonist, and Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism are collaborating to present this Comox Valley feature with special discounted rates and accompanying editorials in the next Discover Vancouver Island edition. View the rate sheet here. To view this year's edition, click here. Book today - space reservation deadline January 17, 2020.
Google My Business - Book Now!
Thanks to the following businesses that have already participated in the FREE Google My Business program!
 
  • Old House Hotel & Spa
  • Lupine Art Studio
  • Laughing Oyster Bookshop
  • K’omoks First Nation Economic Development
  • Qualicum Breeze Beach House
  • Shady Shores Beach Resort
  • Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery
  • Bayview Hotel
  • Locals Restaurant
  • 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery
  • The White Whale
  • Eaglesview Escape by the Sea
  • Ellerslie Bed and Breakfast
  • La Pause Bed and Breakfast
  • Fitness Excellence

In 2019 Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism (CVEDS) became a Google Trusted Verifier DMO Partner, to help support regional businesses to be digitally ready and visible across key online search engines like Google and TripAdvisor. CVEDS is working with local businesses to get them started with “My Google Business”. This program is helping businesses optimize their listing by updating business information, responding to Google reviews, post notices and events on their listing. The CVEDS team will also take 360-degree photos to further enhance the listing in Google. Click here for more information or click here to book your appointment.
News & Announcements
Check recent media coverage on the destination and the numerous awards & accolades being racked-up by Valley tourism businesses!

Chef Ronald St. Pierre - to be inducted into BC Restaurant Hall of Fame

Comox Valley Craft Beer Escape - article

Best Western the Westerly Hotel - Awarded Best Western Hotels & Resorts Director's Award for outstanding standard.

Island Joy Rides - Awarded The Remarkable Experience of the Year Award.

Harbour Air - Awarded the Innovator of the Year Award.

Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours - Awarded Exceptional Outdoor Cultural Experiences at the International indigenous Tourism Conference.


Ambassador Transportation Corp - Finalist in the Comox Valley Chamber Awards for Innovative Business category.

Church St. Taphouse - Finalist in the Comox Valley Chamber Awards for New Business of the Year.

Land & Sea Brewing Co. - Finalist in the Comox Valley Chamber Awards for New Business of the Year.

Manatee Holdings - finalist in the Comox Valley Chamber Awards for Sustainability Award.

Sailish Seafoods, Beaver Meadow Farms and Stone Croft Farm - Finalists in the Comox Valley Chamber Awards for Land of Plenty Award.
Tourism Industry Mini-Conference - A Success!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Tourism Industry Mini-Conference and Professional Development Week, held October 21st to 24th. This year's Mini-Conference and accompanying workshops were a resounding success; thanks to our partners, the Comox Valley Airport for sponsoring this event, and the 80+ attendees! We look forward to hosting a similar event in 2020! Partner booths included:

  • Tourism Vancouver Island
  • Comox Valley Arts Council
  • Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Sid Williams Theatre
  • Downtown Courtenay BIA
  • Destination BC
  • North Island College Student Employment Services
  • Harbour Air Seaplanes
  • Cumberland Museum
  • Compass Adventure
  • Big Animal Adventures
  • Amped Rides
  • Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
  • Campbell River Whale Watching
  • 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery
  • Wayward Distillery
  • New Tradition Brewing Company
  • Ace Brewing Company
  • Land & Sea Brewing Company
  • Shelter Point Distillery
  • Gladstone Brewing Co.