BC Hughes

07/23/2024

Check out this interesting read of the 7 Top Travel Trends of 2024. Solo travel is still going strong with 69% of travellers planning a solo trip this year. Other trends to make the list include sustainable and experiential travel.

Top travel trends of this year include AI and customization.

06/24/2024

We're so excited to be launching the new Timber Trail Adventure Loop with Ride the Highlands. Chris and Kristin have been busy this spring reviewing maps, planning and testing the route. It was a team effort pulling this route together with riding crew Lee Perkins, Martin Lortz, and Jeff Punkari.

Introducing the new Timber Trail Adventure Loop. This 446 km loop is routed off the main roads and on as much gravel as possible.

04/24/2024

We love seeing experiences inspired by our workshops.

Located outside Vankleek Hill - a one hour drive from Ottawa, an educational country garden tour of the organic herbs & flowers used in homemade, natural products for bath, body & home. Includes a locally prepared picnic and behind the scene production room tour. Create your very own custom-made all...

04/16/2024

Happy Tourism Week! We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing people, businesses and destinations in the tourism industry. Not only does this sector create happy people, it also fuels the creation of 1 in 15 jobs nationwide, infusing over $100 billion into the Canadian economy.

02/26/2024

We're proud to have worked with the Town of Hanover in creating their HIPP Apprentice - Trades are Cool video series with Brian Hunt Visual. This campaign provides insight, as well as educates youth and young adults about the skilled trades through featuring Hanover locals Kendra, Shane and Kyle, and telling their apprenticeship experience stories. Check out their videos and learn more here: https://hippapprentice.ca/

01/31/2024

Travel in today's world has changed. People are no longer looking to just visit a place; they are looking to be immersed in an experience, learn and be transformed along the way. Here is a list of the top 9 'must-have' travel experiences in 2024 according to luxury advisors. What do you think?

The luxury travel company Virtuoso asked 20,000 travel advisors to share the experiences that should top travelers' lists in 2024.

01/17/2024

Creativity at its finest. Check out this awesome shoulder season experience at The DinkDunk Pickleball Spa. No detail is missed in this once-in-a-lifetime chance to pickle, paddle, pamper, and repeat. Click to watch their entertaining video, and this link for the full itinerary.
🔗https://canada.dinkdunkspa.com/packages/

Where your favourite activity meets your other favourite activity. Book your spot at DinkDunkSpa.com. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more at dinkdunkspa.c...

12/25/2023

Wishing you happy holidays and a year full of memorable experiences.

11/24/2023

Calling all Niagara tourism operators. We have a fun virtual workshop on Elevating Winter and Shoulder Season Experiences coming up in December. It's a timely topic so sign up today. Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

Tourism Operators in Niagara: Elevate your business with the Elevating Ontario Experiences workshops!

1️⃣ Culinary Tourism Workshop with the Culinary Tourism Alliance
• Date: December 12th, 1 pm - 4 pm

2️⃣ Winter/Shoulder Season Workshop with BC Hughes
• Date: December 14th, 10 am - 12 pm

Uncover growth areas, receive customized strategies, and learn tangible steps for culinary or winter/shoulder season tourism.

Capacity is limited! Email [email protected] expressing your interest in the project.

11/20/2023

Big news today for tourism investment in Canada.

Today, the Hon. Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Federal Minister of Tourism, announced the launch of the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) as part of the previously announced Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. With $108 million in federal funding, the TGP will be delivered by Canada’s seven regional development agencies over three years, starting in 2023-24. The regional development agencies will deliver the program funding directly to businesses and other organizations.

The TGP will support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. Tourism projects will align with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy in supporting sustainable tourism, outdoor experiences, Indigenous tourism, seasonal expansion, and tourism in rural and remote areas, with the goal of diversifying regional economies and supporting economic growth. Approximately 15% of TGP funding will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
To read the news release, see the link below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2023/11/government-of-canada-launches-new-tourism-growth-program.html

For any inquiries or to learn more about the TGP, please reach out to Alexander Miceli, Manager of Policy and Government Affairs, at [email protected].

10/16/2023

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to work with Brian Hunt Visual and Montgomery's Comfort Centre and Montgomery Industrial Services for the Town of Hanover's HIPP Apprentice video series. These videos will provide people interested in pursuing the trades an inside look of what they can expect when choosing one of these career paths.

08/21/2023

Congratulations to Fogorig Brewing on their recent launch of Hops & Harmony on the Hill. It has been a pleasure working with them to create their new scenic yoga and sound bath retreat. This restorative experience takes place on their picturesque hilltop and features beer (we suggest trying their Unicorn Country IPA) and a scrumptious lunch by Fawn Over Market. If you’re in Northumberland County, stop by and check out this heritage-inspired craft brewery. Photo – CCO Productions

04/25/2023

Who knew? Tacos and Tequila in the middle of the Canadian Prairies? Josh and Jane knew, as their entrepreneurial 'spirits' drive them to do things differently. Such a pleasure to work with them as part of the Tourism Saskatchewan AWEshop program.

An all inclusive day at the beach, with Tequila & Taco pairing! Limited Spaces Available.

01/18/2023

After months of preparation, mapping, testing, and lots of people behind the scenes, we are exciting to launch the new Ride the Highlands Pick-Axe Loop for the 2023 season. Grab some popcorn🍿and enjoy this video filmed and produced by Jake Jones.

A shoutout to riding partner, Lee Perkins and vehicle pilot extraordinaire Melissa Marquardt. Ottawa Valley Travel

Welcome to the Pick-Axe Loop. This mostly gravel route winds and twists its way through the very scenic Ottawa Valley. Follow riders, Chris and Lee, as they ...

12/24/2022

Whether you're travelling or staying home this holiday season, we would like to wish you a relaxing & Merry Christmas. 🎄🎅
~Chris, Bev & Kristin

12/06/2022

As a result of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) Elevating Winter and Shoulder Experiences workshop and coaching with BC Hughes, RTO 9 participant Pangea House, located in Gananoque, is excited to be hosting a winter Writers' Retreat. They are providing a space for aspiring and veteran writers to plot their next piece while enjoying some relaxation, great food, nature and self-care.

We can't wait to see other experiences come to life as these workshops continue.

Find inspiration with fellow authors in the picturesque town of Gananoque at Pangea House's writers' retreat.

12/02/2022

The BC Hughes team has been working with Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) to present our Elevating Ontario Experiences workshop to operators looking to develop or refine existing shoulder season experiences.

It's been lots of fun meeting and working with all of the participants throughout the tourism regions so far, and we look forward to continuing these workshops into 2023.

11/15/2022

We've been working with Sky Haven Equestrian Centre in Explore Kawartha Lakes , to develop a cool new experience that teaches you how to become present and one with the horse. We learned how to gain Rocky's trust and experienced mutual relaxation through horse massage techniques, grooming and riding. Erica is a skilled teacher and creates a real sense of calm with horses. This experience will be perfect for both horse lovers and those who have never had the chance to get up close with these powerful animals. Look for it on AirBnB experiences soon.

10/23/2022

So. Much. Fun. The energy level at this AWEshop was through the roof this past week. It was an honour to be a part of it and can’t wait to continue to work with each of you to create something even more ‘AWEsomer’. Little Kahuna’s Beach Café and Tiki Bar Tourism Saskatchewan Sask Aquatic Adventures SaskParks Meewasin Flotten Lake Adventures Resort Lake Time Rentals Waves Ice Cream & Mini Golf The Beach Store

10/19/2022

Skift Research just released its State of Travel 2022 report. This interesting read includes information about pathways to recovery, consumer trends, online travel booking, tours and activities, as well as other travel related information.

In this report, Skift Research draws on its own research and third-party data sources to chart travel’s path into the future

09/07/2022

Our team is continuing to work with Northumberland Tourism in their Northumberland Wellness Tourism Experience Initiative. This September, Westben is launching their music & nature wellness experience. Here's a sneak peak of their upcoming experience.

07/26/2022

Tourism Vancouver Island has made a shift from being considered a marketing organization, to now focusing on the social impacts tourism has on Vancouver Island. Rebranding from Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) to 4VI, their goal is to make tourism sustainable and benefit the local people by following the four key pillars - community, business, culture and environment. Click below to read more about the work they are doing.

Tourism Vancouver Island announced in April it was dropping its traditional tourism marketing business model of more than 60 years to operate as a

06/23/2022

Working with destinations and their operators to craft new visitor experiences is a large part of what we do.  We had fun this week, taking part in the pilots for 3 new Northumberland Wellness Tourism Experience Initiative offerings. This new program supports operators as they develop authentic new Northumberland wellness experiences.

05/27/2022

Always a good time filming with the Caframily.

05/27/2022

Always a good time filming with the Caframily.

05/11/2022

Are you a sustainable traveller? Many of us have no problems rating the destinations we visit, but what if your holiday rated you? Travalsyt, a non-profit organization founded by Prince Harry in 2019, recently launched a campaign encouraging greener practices among travellers with the goal of making sustainability top of mind. Click to watch the video and learn more.

Prince Harry has appeared in a TV skit in New Zealand to encourage people to travel more sustainably.

05/09/2022

Whaaaaat? It's been 10 wonderful years with Kristin Schaab busting it on the BC Hughes Team. Thanks for all you do!

04/08/2022

Have you been sitting on a new tourism idea or have been wanting to create a new experience for your visitors? This could be your push to do it. Ontario is receiving an investment from the Government of Canada to develop new and enhanced tourism products and services with the goal of attracting visitors and prepare for future growth. The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced that Indigenous Tourism Ontario and 11 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) in southern Ontario will receive this funding to help the tourism sector from the impacts of COVID-19. Businesses can apply for this non-repayable contribution of up to $100,000 for up to 50% of eligible costs.

Applications will be opening soon. Click the links to learn more.

Tourism Relief Fund in southern Ontario: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/h_02650.html?OpenDocument

Tourism Relief Fund – Application guide: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02651.html?OpenDocument

04/01/2022

Are the pictures you're posting connecting with your audience? Getty Images takes a deep dive to see whether travel brands are matching peoples' travel plans. Check out this article from Skift to learn more.

Travel visuals chosen by brands is sometimes out of sync with consumer sentiment, says a survey of 7,000 Americans by Getty Images.

03/08/2022

The Town of Hanover is HIPP! We are so proud to have been part of this awesome project. Congratulations Hanover for winning the EDAC - Economic Developers Association of Canada Marketing Award for Brand Identity.

Click the link to view the complete campaign: https://edac.ca/conferences-awards/marketing-awards/gallery-of-entries/hipp-hanovers-innovative-people-program/

HIPP Wins EDAC 2021 Marketing Canada Award for Brand Identity 🏆 - https://mailchi.mp/e089bee148ab/hanovernewsletter-14794726