Letter from TNV President

President Letter

As we reach the end of another year of hard work and numerous achievements to report we will be reporting to you monthly from here on in.

I want to start by saying what an honor it has been to lead and work with such an inspirational group. There cannot be enough said about how extremely grateful I am for the support of this board.

Tourism Nicola Valley was started in 2005 as a Hotel Association with hotel owners and managers on the board. As hotels changed owners we were often short board members and struggled for a quorum. In 2012 we updated our by-laws to include tourism businesses and businesses that would encourage tourism.

In 2017 Tourism Nicola Valley contracted eh Canada Marketing Group which had researched Merritt and surrounding areas to be able to provide us with accurate information on tourism initiatives so we could put together 1 year marketing plans. Today we have a clear objective and a 5 year marketing plan. In doing so we have earned the designation as a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization).

We have taken baby steps of numerous accomplishments and won awards Provincially and Nationally. We have had Federal recognition in The House of Commons and recently received a letter from The Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, thanking Tourism Nicola Valley for their ongoing work to support a strong and vibrant tourism industry.

Tourism Nicola Valley’s goal has always been to put bodies in the Hotel beds. We are going to greedily take some responsibility for that happening, with our goal to increase average stays to 2 or 3 nights. Moving forward we will keep you informed about how we plan to do that. And we have some exciting programs coming to light in the next year!

Tourism Nicola Valley has fought hard to get here and would like to thank the Hotels that have supported us on this journey. We know, moving forward, we will repay for your support by filling your beds for longer stays. Tourism Nicola Valley is committed to continually improve its role in enhancing tourism experiences and benefits in the region.

Together with the ongoing support of the hotels, tourism-related businesses, City of Merritt, Community Futures Nicola Valley and other supporters we can and will continue to make a positive impact on tourism.

Tourism Nicola Valley

Melvina White

President

Tourism Nicola Valley, 2181 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 - Local: (778) 244-4303 - Toll Free: (877) 830-3230