Coastal communities in British Columbia are about to get a boost to their economies. April 15 marks the launch of a website devoted to attracting marine tourists to B.C. coastal waters and its communities.
AHOY BC will lure visitors to British Columbia’s coast with vivid photos, suggested routes, inter-active trip planning and things to do in every coastal community.
Each coastal region will have its own section where visitors can select marinas and communities to visit, find services and learn what each community has to offer. The AHOY BC brand aims to align with the Provincial tourism brand and its “Wild at Heart” brand essence. Few places on earth can offer an experience of wild, living coastal waters with services and amenities never too far away.
The marine tourism sector is a $200 million dollar a year industry. The need to market the Coast as a world-class boating destination has been recognized for many years. Nearly $25 million has been spent on marina expansions on B.C.’s coast over the past six years. AHOY BC adds value to this investment by, as project manager Michael McLaughlin put it, “putting more boats in berths.”
Destination British Columbia, the Crown Corporation responsible for destination marketing, supported the birth of AHOY BC through the planning and building stages. Additional funds came from Island Coastal Economic Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust and Northern Development Initiatives Trust.
“Until now, the marine tourism sector had little opportunity to collaborate in a B.C. coastal brand that markets our super, natural coast as a destination product,” added McLaughlin. “Collaborative marketing will increase appeal and attract more tourists. Working with the private sector, AHOY BC hopes to expand the season of travel and stimulate more boating in northern and remote regions.”
Look for the launch on April 15 at www.ahoybc.com.
