The goal is to expand Vernon's role as a tourism destination.
The third annual Tourism Vernon industry familiarization tour runs May 15 and May 16.
During the tour, local front-line staff and visitor centre teams from around B.C. will visit and experience local tourism providers to showcase attractions, venues and accommodations. The tour will include heritage, golf, agritourism, arts and culture, accommodators and restaurants.
“We want to engage our community and provincial tourism professionals to actively promote Vernon as a destination with lots to see and do for visitors,” said Ange Chew, tourism manager.
“Our goal is to attract more visitors to Vernon and get visitors to explore more and stay longer. This program was the first of its kind in B.C., and we are delighted to be leading the pack for creating tourism advocacy for Vernon. Our tourism partners have supported us from year one and continue to help us grow tourism yearly,”
During the two-day tour, up to 69 participates will learn about some of Greater Vernon’s key tourism destinations, from Predator Ridge Golf Resort to O’Keefe Ranch. Participants will also visit Mackie Lake House, Davison Orchards, Okanagan Distillery, BX Press and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.
“When you visit a new destination, the people you trust for advice are the people who live in the area,” said Leah Campbell, marketing manager for Davison Orchards.
“We are so excited to get a chance to showcase our business to our own B.C. hosts. We know they have a lot of sway with our visitors and we have seen firsthand what a positive impact they can have on our business.”