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Grad seeks adventure in trek across Canada Page A3
ARTS: Dancing to a sweet beat at Greek Fest /A12 NEWS: Harbour authority produces profit /A15 COMMUNITY: Camp gives meaning to cheer /A17
VICTORIANEWS Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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Municipalities look at different options for tourism role SECOND IN A SERIES: Tourism Victoria membership a hot button issue for local gov’t Danielle Pope
In 2012, the top-five incoming destinations were from Europe, the U.S. and Mexico, Washington, other parts of CanIt may be a tourist’s haven in the ada and B.C. And though Victoria is not seeing summer, but municipalities around the region have squabbled for years about the kind of tourists it saw 10 years ago, who pays to keep visitors pulling out Cowen said, that’s “a Canadian issue their wallets to come to Vancouver more than a destination issue.” “The figures can be really misleadIsland. ing,” Cowen said. “Sept. 11 “From our point of view, changed everything, and we look after our own the visitor economy is still residents rather than the trying to recalibrate in Cansummer touristy crowd,” ada, so we have to work said Langford Mayor Stew even harder to make sure Young. “Every municipality that happens.” has to look at its strengths, Currently, seven out of 13 and it is hard to do marsouth Island municipalities keting year round, but we hold a membership, which have our focus on pulling chimes in at $695 a year – in sports teams and giving or $395 for a reduced rate our residents great enter– and entitles participants tainment, and we do an to a listing on TourismVicexcellent job of that.” Stew Young toria.ca and in the annual Langford isn’t alone in that philosophy, and has made a con- Vacation Guide, social media tools, a broscious choice not to dedicate its hotel chure rack at the Visitor Centre, visitor tax to Tourism Victoria – the organiza- maps, decals and voting rights (reduced tion that is largely credited for drawing members lose their listing in the Vacain the estimated three million tourists tion Guide and visitor sections of the website). Members also receive special visit Victoria each year. Though Tourism Victoria stopped promotions, discounts and sales leads, doing exit surveys due to cost in 2009, and more benefits can be included for which tracked exact visitor numbers, $350 each add-on. The Town of Sidney is pleased with the said Tourism Victoria board chair Dave Cowen, more sophisticated marketing contributions its membership grants. tools through Trip Advisor, Stats Canada and web statistics keeps the organizaPlEASE SEE: tion knowing where to market. Communities benefit, Page A10
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Shot blocker Dustin Shea from team East Infection gets ready to block a shot at the ninth annual Victoria Dodgeball Championships at Royal Athletic Park on Saturday. Proceeds from the event support the City of Victoria’s Campership program sending disadvantaged children to camp. Over 300 players took part in the event.
62 Drop In Classes Each Week. 1 Pass. Drop in to registered, specialized, programs including a variety of SPIN classes, SWIM FIT, BOOTCAMP H2O and more with the Fitness Flex Pass. Visit esquimalt.ca/recreation for details.
Refreshing.