Happy Holiday Season to Everyone!
It's been a busy November and start of December for the Tourism Langley team as we wrap up 2023. We attended two industry events, the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum 2023 and the Visitor Services Network Regional Meeting to network with colleagues and learn from industry leaders.
We held a very productive Annual General Meeting in November with the election of new and returning board members. We'd like to welcome back our returning board (Dale Saip, Chair – Vancouver Giants, Chris Pack, Vice Chair – Thunderbird Show Park, Paul Weme Treasurer – The Langley Foundation, George Lacny – SKY Helicopters, Tim Lahay – The Barley Merchant, Maryellen Miller – Pathfinder Camp Resorts, Alexis Zambas – Sandman Hotel Group, Patty Jadis – Township of Langley Staff, and Barb Martens – Township of Langley Councillor) and greet our new members (
Joshua Banta – Greater Vancouver Zoo, Karen Renaud – Joseph Richard Group, Rahim Dadani – Travelodge Langley and
Sean Weatherly – Otter-Coop, ). And we would like to extend a sincere thank you to our outgoing board members for their service Brenda Knights and Marilyn Morgan. The Tourism Langley Tactical Plan for 2024 has been submitted to Destination BC. This annual requirement maps out our next year and is available for review on our website.
There are so many amazing holiday events happening in our community and we hope you can join us in supporting these and all of our favourite local businesses this holiday season.
Wishing everyone the very best for the month ahead, and we have so much in store for 2024!
Erinn, Elizabeth and Amanat
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Welcome to the following new Tourism Langley Partner(s): - Sidebar Grill
Nestled in the heart of Latimer Village, Sidebar offers a welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy a memorable meal. Attention to detail in creating a pleasing setting enhances the overall dining experience. Each dish is crafted with care and showcase Chef's commitment to providing high quality, house made food. Whether you're a fan of the rich flavors of lamb chops, the classic appeal of a well-prepared burger, or the zest of expertly crafted tacos, Sidebar Grill delivers on taste and quality.
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| 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
On November 27th, we held the Tourism Langley 2023 AGM. Thank you to those who attended!
We discussed the financial report that provided valuable insights into the organization's fiscal standing, complemented by a staff report detailing operational highlights.
The meeting served as a focal point for reflecting on the organization's activities, financial health, and governance matters. With the successful completion of these agenda items, the AGM adjourned, marking a significant moment in our ongoing journey at Tourism Langley. |
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| Visitor Services Network Regional Meeting
Members of the Visitor Services Network from the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region engaged in a one-day, in-person session. The focus was on evolving visitor services to better serve communities. The meeting aimed to optimize the network, assess community engagement best practices, strategize short, medium, and long-term tactics for key issues, and explore innovative approaches to encourage Visitor Centre utilization by visitors. Our participation contributed to collaborative discussions on enhancing visitor services across the region. We are excited to apply what we learned to visitor servicing here in Langley.
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| Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Industry Forum 2023
We attended the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (VCM) Industry Forum. The day featured a compelling keynote on AI in Tourism, insights into the Rainforest to Rockies initiative, and discussions on Sustainability and Accessibility. Networking breaks provided valuable connections, and sessions on outdoor recreation impacts and Indigenous Tourism rounded out the day. The event offered a comprehensive overview of industry trends and initiatives, leaving our team energized and inspired by the collaborative vision for the future of Tourism in the VCM region.
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| Surrey Langley SkyTrain
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension, a 16-kilometer addition to the Expo Line, is progressing toward construction with the announcement of eight named stations, including Willowbrook Station and Langley City Centre Station. The project aims to connect King George Station to Langley City Centre, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting transit-oriented developments. With construction anticipated to start in 2024, the extension represents the first rapid transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years, promising a more connected and sustainable future for Metro Vancouverites. We are looking forward to the commencement of this project.
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We are currently conducting some preliminary research prompted by inquiries from event organizers wondering if businesses would consider offering discounts on services to out-of-town attendees. These discounts could include (but not limited to) a percentage off meals, product discounts, or other added value opportunities, redeemable by presenting event tickets at the business.
Examples of these large events may include the Fort Langley Jazz Festival, Valley GranFondo, Sporting Events, and more. |
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| Holiday Events
Our festive holiday season is in full swing! We hosted a media event on November 29th which was a resounding success, with over 50 influencers that joined us to spread the holiday cheer at Martini Town - Merry & Bright. If you don't already know, Martini Town is a film backlot that is open to the public for the first time ever. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will remind you of your favourite Hallmark Christmas movie coming to life in your very own backyard. Glow Langley is back again with a new theme this year - Christmas Carnival. Be sure to check out all the local Holiday Markets and our traditional local delights like the Christmas in Williams Park and Aldergrove Christmas Parade coming up on December 16th! If there is an event that you don't see on our website HERE, please share it with us so we can make the holidays even brighter together! |
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WORTH Academy
Exciting opportunity for Women in Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality! Join WORTH Academy, a free 12-week hybrid leadership program launching a cohort of up to 50 women in the Fraser Valley starting January 8th. Gain valuable leadership insights through self-paced online modules, live group coaching, and a full-day leadership mindset workshop. Develop essential skills, build a strong regional network, and empower your professional journey!
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Tourism Growth Program
PacifiCan's Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is now open for applications! Designed to support small- and medium-sized businesses, tourism organizations, and local communities in developing and expanding tourism products for lasting prosperity across the province. Attend in-person info sessions in Kelowna, Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo, or a virtual session from Vancouver. Apply by February 20, 2024.
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To receive complimentary copies of brochures/guides for showcasing at your business, please click HERE to place your order. |
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See below for some highlights of media visits and media coverage of Langley: |
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