Industry Updates
Apply to Use The Safe Travels Stamp Today
This specially designed stamp allows travelers to recognize destinations and tourism businesses around the world which have adopted globally standardized health and hygiene protocols so visitors can experience “safe travels.” Tourism stakeholders in the Vancouver Island region can apply for use of the Safe Travels stamp through Tourism Vancouver Island.

Eligible businesses will be able to use the stamp for their own promotion once they have met the health and hygiene protocols outlined by the WTTC.
BC Regional Tourism Secretariat Update
2020 TIAC Tourism Congress: co-presented by Ottawa Tourism 
You’re invited to the first ever virtual TIAC Tourism Congress on November 17 & 18, 2020.
Join TIAC for two days of thought-provoking content, insights and ideas to help rebuild the visitor economy and navigate the new tourism landscape. We’ll have a bustling virtual marketplace and plenty of networking opportunities—just like in previous years!
Discover Comox Valley Updates
Summer Ambassador Program
The three kiosk Ambassadors that were hired via the Canada Summer Jobs Grant, enabled us to provide visitor services directly to guests throughout the summer at the Comox Marina. The kiosk provided a higher visibility home-base which attracted visitors, with the intent to drive increased tour & activity bookings and business referrals, extend length of stays and the reach of the bricks and mortar services of the Visitor Centre. The Ambassadors staffed the kiosk 7 days a week 10 am to 6 pm until September 7th.
  • Visitor statistics for the period of July 10 through September 7, 2020 was 5,699 in 2020 vs 3,170 in 2019 a 79.78 % increase YOY as reported to Destination BC. Source: www.networkstats.tourismbc.com.
  • Over the course of the summer through the free Rod and Tackle Loan program provided by Go Fish BC the Marina Kiosk staff loaned out 317 rods to 620 people.
The Outdoors Are In Photo Summer Campaign & Contest
Launched the day Dr. Henry moved to Phase III of BC’s Restart Plan, the campaign was designed to drive referrals to tour and activity providers websites and social media channels, as well as to our accommodation providers. The main strategy of the campaign was to generate and inspire informative content, encourage longer stays in the Comox Valley, while addressing consumer concerns about safe activities. The primary campaign channels were on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and via weekly e-Blasts (17k+ dist.) targeting BC residents and encouraging them to travel. Through the date period of June 27th – Sept 25 over 4000 web referrals from DiscoverComoxValley.com to Comox Valley businesses, accommodators & tour operators from the summer campaign. Source: Google Analytics.

The Outdoors Are In summer campaign also featured a photo contest which ran from June 25 - Sept 18 and received 502 entries. Thank you to the weekly draw and People’s Choice Award prize sponsors for their amazing donations:
  • Big Animal Encounters
  • Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community
  • Island Pursuit Sport Fishing
  • Comox Valley Airport
  • Phat Parrot
  • Surf Side Fish & Chips
  • Compass Adventures
  • Glen Halverson Photography
  • Hi-Tech Brazen Screen Printing
Voters voted a total of 659 times, with the People's Choice Prize Package winner Sara Kempner’s photo of the Royston Wrecks taking 167 of them.
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre Update
Since the June 24, 2020 date of the Phase 3 BC Reopening Plan, and the launch and completion of the Summer Campaign, the Visitor Centre has seen:
  • A 26.09% year over year increase of BC travelers; with BC visitors being a total of 3103 for 2020 .
  • Local residents of the Comox Valley that are using the Visitor Centre services has increased 18.44% over 2019 figures (2826 locals in 2020 over 2386 in 2019).
  • Nights spent in the Comox Valley by visitors is down -32.3% over the 2019 figures, which is in line with industry stats as reported by Tourism Vancouver Island.
  • The most common inquiries over the summer months were for Maps and Directions, Adventure Recreation, Parks and Outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and marine water sports. 

Other VIVC Updates
  • New Fall Hours: The Visitor Centre has shifted its hours for the Fall season and will now be closed on Sundays and Mondays and open from 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
  • Vancouver Island Visitor Centre Facebook page has changed its name to @OfficialDiscoverComoxValley to align with the Discover Comox Valley brand.
Professional Development
Upcoming Education and Training Opportunities
COVID-19 Business Resource Centre
Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism continues to update the COVID-19 Business Resource Centre as information is released from all levels of Government and from numerous industry associations including Destination BC and Tourism Vancouver Island. Click here to view all links and resources and check back regularly.
Vancouver Island Visitor Centre, Comox Valley
visitorcentre@discovercomoxvalley.com | 3607 Small Road, Courtenay, BC | www.discovercomoxvalley.com