Tourism Kamloops Brings Home Award for Innovation Excellence and Shares Innovative Marketing Approaches with Industry Leaders 


For Immediate Release   

March 9, 2020, Kamloops, British Columbia – The month of March started strong for Tourism Kamloops; being recognized for an exceptionally innovative approach to marketing and campaigns by tourism industry peers at multiple events and conferences.  

For over 20 years, the BC Tourism Industry Conference (BCTIC) has been providing a forum for tourism businesses and stakeholders from around British Columbia to come together to learn from experts and each other about the key issues, challenges and best practices in the industry. The BC Tourism Industry Innovation Award recognizes an organization that has devised and implemented an outstanding marketing campaign or initiative that is directed at increasing the number of visitors to or within British Columbia. Tourism Kamloops topped the competitive category amongst finalists, The Fraser Valley Group and the BC Ale Trail.  

“At Tourism Kamloops we are continually pushing the envelope of what is possible and challenging what has been done before. To be rewarded for that ambition is deeply gratifying,” said Tourism Kamloops CEO Beverley DeSantis. Adding, “I am so proud of the Tourism Kamloops team. And, we are so proud of Kamloops – especially our locals that stepped up as part of this campaign. This award is a testament to their willingness to do things differently when it comes to bringing visitors to the region.” 

Tourism Kamloops played a prominent role at the entire BCTIC in Victoria. Amy Thompson, Director of Brand and Marketing for Tourism Kamloops, participated in the BCTIC panel, ‘Visual Stories: Learn How BC is Taking Advantage of Digital's Fastest Growing Format’, showcasing the remarkable Tourism Kamloops content, alongside other tourism colleagues from across BC.  

Additionally, Tourism Kamloops’ agency partner CIPR Communications were showcased at the conference sharing the details of Tourism Kamloops' Luv'n the Loops advocacy program and its many successes. They led conference goers through a workshop that gave them a behind the scenes look at the campaign focused on telling the tourism stories of Kamloops’ locals.  

Earlier in the week, Tourism Kamloops shared expertise in visitor engagement at the BC Visitors Services Conference in Richmond. Angie Halas, Visitor and Stakeholder Liaison, presented to visitor services managers from over 70 communities, and representatives from go2HR, Destination BC, Indigenous Tourism BC and Adventure Smart, providing an overview of the challenges, motivations and logistics of implementing the 2019 Luv’n the Loops mystery tours, and the birth of the podcast.  

“Kamloops is leading the charge in BC on engaging locals and empowering them to focus on their hometown. To be recognized for the Meet the Locals campaign and our dedication to our local community means all that much more because it celebrates our community, our residents and our tourism industry partners,” said DeSantis. 

-30- 


For more information about Tourism Kamloops, visit www.tourismkamloops.com

Media Contact: 
Monica Dickinson, Director – Industry Relations & Communications  
Tourism Kamloops 
P: 250.819.0151 
E: monica@tourismkamloops.com