Lizzie Doyle… promoting BC’s regions at the International Media Marketplace in Sydney last week. Lizzie Doyle… promoting BC’s regions at the International Media Marketplace in Sydney last week.

Get your clients out and about, British Columbia urges Kiwi advisors

Generating provincial dispersal and encouraging clients to explore the popular cities and then head out further into the regions is a key objective of Destination British Columbia, says Lizzie Doyle, who handles PR and media for the organisation in Australia and New Zealand.

‘Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria are all top of mind for New Zealand travellers. Advisors have some great opportunities to develop bespoke itineraries and get their clients to places in BC that they haven’t considered.

‘The dispersal strategy will suit New Zealanders – they like to explore and see new things.’

She says Destination British Columbia is assisting agents by developing suggested itineraries that can be adapted to clients’ needs.

‘Northern BC spans from the Rockies to the rainforest and there are so many lesser known but rewarding destinations and attractions  in British Columbia – Yoho National Park in the Kootenay area, The Golden Skybridge and (opening in May) the Railrider Mountain Rider.

‘We are also seeing indigenous tourism experiences develop and these really focus on the culture. Kawatsi Tours on Vancouver Island is just one example.’

While dispersal is key, Doyle also says that agents should encourage customers to stay in Vancouver for three or four nights. ‘Feedback we get is that when people fly into YVR and fly straight out again they come away feeling robbed. There is so much to do and with Kiwis staying three or four weeks when they come to Canada there is definitely time to explore Vancouver before heading out to the regions.’

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