To help grow and promote Vancouver Island tourism, communities of Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum (Oceanside), Cowichan Valley and Port Alberni received provincial funding toward marketing and development projects.
Oceanside and Cowichan Valley each received $23,000, while Nanaimo and Port Alberni received $9,200 each.
The funding assists communities that are in a position to implement their own tourism building initiatives and supports advertising, tourist-related signage, audio walking tours, online activities, tourism brochures and research.
“There’s no doubt we have one of the most beautiful places in all of B.C. right here, and this funding will go a long ways in helping get the word out about that,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon.
The grants come from the province’s Community Tourism Opportunities program administered by regional destination marketing organizations.
Both marketing and development projects are eligible under the program which reimburses communities following successful completion of their approved projects.
Applicants must have matching funds for projects and receive funding after successful completion of projects.
The government is providing $1 million to 300 projects around B.C.