The North Thompson Valley launched a new website on Monday, showcasing key experiences that invite the world to discover this unique destination within British Columbia.
An initiative of the North Thompson Valley marketing committee, a partnership of Tourism Sun Peaks, Lower North Thompson Tourism Society, Tourism Wells Gray, Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Tourism Valemount, the new destination brand and mobile-ready website invites visitors from around the world to discover what local adventure seekers have known all along.
Committee chair Christopher Nicolson commented, “The North Thompson Valley is an inspiring natural environment. The rivers, lakes and mountains feel untamed and wild, yet they are accessible through major highways and airlines. The collaboration of communities and regional tourism associations paints a picture of this part of Canada. And the website illustrates how adventure seekers from around the globe may immerse themselves in Canada’s wilderness.”
The area is replete with stunning natural wonders perfect for backcountry adventure tourism and is fast becoming a mecca for all levels of adventure seeking travellers. This strong online presence was designed to attract even more travellers from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
Project leader Simone Carlysle-Smith, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association’s (TOTA) community development specialist, explained that this branding and digital-strategy project is the latest in a series of community tourism pilot projects carried out in the Thompson Okanagan.
“The website was developed using the Canadian Tourism Commission’s sophisticated research-based market segmentation program, Explorer Quotient (EQ), which segments potential visitors based on their social values and travel motivations. The North Thompson Valley is now positioned as a visitor destination for international markets. The website is laid out to assist travellers throughout their planning and travel stages to get the most out of their adventure.”
Cooperative funding for this initiative was provided by the Community Tourism Opportunities program of Destination BC.
When you visit the site, you get an overview of the valley with a story rooted in the wild beauty of this part of Canada. Stunning and dramatic photographs with EQ story telling focuses on 14 experiences that tell the destination story of the North Thompson Valley. It does not take away from the individual websites of the five partners; instead, it serves as a portal to the more detailed websites. These sites then help visitors decide where to go, what to do, where to book their accommodations, and gives detailed information on what events and adventures await them.
The North Thompson Valley encompasses ranchlands, hundreds of lakes, wilderness areas, and soaring mountains. It includes the communities of Avola, Barriere, Birch Island, Blackpool, Blue River, Clearwater, Darfield, Little Fort, Louis Creek, Sun Peaks, Valemount and Vavenby. In keeping with industry standard the website is responsive and can be viewed on all mobile devices. It links to all sites that make up the North Thompson Valley and aligns with the Canada brand, Keep Exploring.
