The July-September 2008 issue of Community Tourism News is now available. Click on the Newsletters link in the side menu.

Come to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island this summer. This year's Tribal Journeys, with over 80 ocean canoes, arrive in Cowichan Bay on July 28, and will be followed by five days of ceremony. Then the Cowichan 2008 Games and daily cultural events will centre on Duncan, BC August 3 to 10.

Canadian Government Funding Now Available for Festivals that Support Arts and Heritage & Build Stronger Communities

In 2007 the Government of Canada has announced $30 million in new funding per year to support local arts and heritage festivals and events, and to engage Canadians in their communities through the expression, celebration and preservation of local culture. This funding includes the creation of the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program, enhanced resources for Arts Presentation Canada, and funding for community historical anniversaries infrastructure.

Right now is the time to plan and apply for events and projects taking place in 2009. Applications close June 30 for the festivals in the first half of 2009 and on November 30 for festivals in the second half of the year.

The Canada Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) annual conference will be held in Victoria, BC from October 15 to 17, 2008. The conference theme is Change is the only Constant: Lifestyle, Products, and Markets. A "call for participation" (papers & presentations) closes April 30.

Vancouver, BC will be the site of the Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference 2008 (ESTC2008), organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). The conference dates will be October 27 to 29. "The conference will provide opportunities for business leaders, travel and tourism professionals and community members to gain knowledge of the latest trends in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, learn practical skills, and participate in invaluable networking and knowledge sharing."

This page last up dated on July 2, 2008