The new Community Tourism Foundations^® development program is underway and seven BC communities have hosted their initial meetings. Meetings are attended by local tourism stakeholders, Tourism BC, the regional tourism association and the Tourism BC program facilitator.

The initial meeting is a chance for the program facilitator to meet the local community working group and to better understand the tourism economy, the challenges and opportunities.

Oceanside Tourism on Vancouver Island held their meeting on March 9, 2006. In addition to the Past Chair and other representatives from the Oceanside Tourism Association (OTA), attendance at the meeting included representatives from the Coombs Fair, Oceanside Cultural Coalition, Town of Qualicum Beach, Beach Acres Resort, Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce, Brant Wildlife Festival, Regional District of Nanaimo, Lighthouse Country Business Association, and the City of Parksville.

"I am thrilled that the Oceanside Region has been selected by Tourism BC for the Community Tourism Foundation^® Program," said Richard Varela, Oceanside Tourism Past-Chair and operator of Horne Lake Caves. "For the provincial government to spend money and direct resources with the aim of growing tourism in this community is an incredible gift and one that will generate great benefits for Oceanside as we head toward 2010 and beyond."

Tom Osborne, Manager of Parks and Recreation for the Regional District of Nanaimo, was impressed with the outcome, "The meeting was a great launching pad for the initiative. With the assistance of Tourism BC, the group determined the combined qualities that are unique to the many communities in Oceanside. The focus will now be on how the area can develop, enhance, maintain, and promote these qualities in order to capitalize more on the important tourism sector which is a significant backbone to the area's economy."

"I am excited to be involved in the Oceanside Community Tourism Foundations^® Development Program. The initial meeting with key stakeholders in our community was very productive and we look forward to helping move this important initiative forward. Desired outcomes, such as the establishment of an ongoing research plan, will not only benefit our tourism partners but the entire Oceanside business community," said Blain Sepos, Executive Director of the Oceanside Tourism Association.

The Squamish session was held on February 22, 2006, and in addition to the Mayor and other representatives from the District of Squamish, attendance to the meeting included representatives from the Squamish Sustainability Corporation, Squamish Adventure Centre, BC Centre for Tourism, Leadership and Innovation, Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Centre, Squamish Nation, Squamish Arts Council and the Squamish Town Centre Association.

"The information exchanged reinforced all the opportunities that are before us. Clearly, we have the pieces needed to make Squamish a top destination for years to come," commented Squamish Mayor, Ian Sutherland.

Workshop facilitator Suzanne Denbak was impressed with the outcome, "I am delighted to be working with Tourism BC and the community of Squamish. A dynamic group of people attended our first of many sessions and brought their enthusiasm and insight to the table. I look forward to bringing my background and examples of best practice to Squamish to help them meet their tourism development goals."

The Community Tourism Foundations^® development program offers a range of tools, proven resources and customized destination development assistance. The program accommodates the needs of communities at different stages of the tourism development process through a step-by-step approach, and aims to work with 20 communities in British Columbia per year. Squamish is the sixth community to have started this process.

"The Squamish Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to be involved in the Squamish Community Tourism Foundations^® Development Program. The initial meeting with key tourism stakeholders in our community was very productive and we look forward to helping move this important initiative forward. Desired outcomes, such as the establishment of a tourism marketing organization, will not only benefit our tourism partners but the entire Squamish business community," said Kim Stegeman, First Vice President Squamish Chamber of Commerce.

The next steps in the work plan for Oceanside and Squamish will be outlined in recommendations to come from Tourism BC. As each community advances through the program, consultation will be required with the community.