The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) is holding its annual general meeting (AGM) and conference in 108 Mile Ranch.
All regional tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders are invited to the conference at the Hills Health Ranch on Oct. 13-14.
Hills Health Ranch owner and CCCTA president Pat Corbett says some “new wrinkles” have been added to the event this year.
“We’re certainly honoured to be able to host this year’s annual tourism summit for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region.”
Corbett adds he is especially pleased to have the opportunity to introduce a lot of tourism leaders from Vancouver and elsewhere who will attend to see what the Cariboo-Chilcotin has to offer.
The event offers networking and educational opportunities to operators and businesses across the region, and will kick off with a pre-conference golf tournament hosted by the 108 Golf Resort.
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation director of partner marketing Peter Harrison will each provide updates on various government activities.
Municipal and regional electoral candidates are also welcomed to join the event and hear firsthand the tourism challenges and opportunities facing their communities.
The CCCTA will launch a Regional Social Media Strategy at the AGM, after a year in development with support from Think! Social Media.
Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia CEO Scott Ellis will deliver a keynote speech; and Green Tourism Canada program director Charlie James will be presenting strategies to industry owners for improving their branding and bottom line.
In addition to other industry speakers, this year’s AGM attendees have the chance to participate in the shaping of the next provincial Tourism Human Resource Action Plan.
CCCTA chief executive officer Amy Thacker says the five-year plan is in the final public consultation phase and will be soon implemented.
“We are looking forward to hosting go2 CEO Arlene Keis and engaging with all interested tourism and hospitality industry parties in this excellent opportunity to affect change in the region. This is our Region’s opportunity to provide input.”
The pinnacle of entertainment, food and fun at the event is the annual gala dinner, tourism awards and fundraiser auction, says CCCTA marketing manager Brad McGuire.
“This is a group that, by their very nature, is a lot of fun to be in a room with. We know how to enjoy a good time [and] blow off a little steam….”
Register online at www.landwithoutlimits.com/agm.html, or for more information, call Thacker at 1-800-663-5885.
