PAUL NURSEY
VICTORIA – The visitor economy is a dynamic and interconnected network. In the wake of the pandemic, it is increasingly important that we take proactive steps to re-establish and fortify connections that had been the cornerstone of our success. In early October, Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) led a Visitor Economy Mission to Seattle that proved to be a significant step in rekindling key partnerships with notable organizations and stakeholders on both sides of the border.
Our delegation comprised of political and industry leaders from Greater Victoria. While in Seattle we met with representatives from the Canadian Consul General’s office in Seattle, Washington State Department of Transportation, Holland America Line, Pacific Northwest Economic Roundtable (PNWER), the Seattle Port Authority and the Seattle Conference Centre. These meetings provided a platform for candid conversations, collaborative planning, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to working hand-in-hand.
Connectivity – by air and ferry – was a key theme as we shared our perspectives on the importance of seamless transportation links and listened to those of our American counterparts. Our continued involvement with the PNWER Tourism Working Group is poised to drive policy initiatives forward and expedite cross-border travel and tourism, enhancing the interconnectedness of the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Our conversations shed light on opportunities to enhance an already exceptional visitor experience in Greater Victoria.
These meetings took place just as news broke that Victoria took top honours in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. Victoria has been recognized as the #1 best city in the world to visit, #1 best small city in the world, one of the friendliest and one of the best cities in the world for food by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
We are so proud the world now knows what we as locals and as an organization have known for a long time – Victoria is an incredible destination that stands out. While the prestigious accolades certainly lend credibility to our position as a leader in destination management, they are a testament to the many people industry-wide who work tirelessly to ensure what we offer in Victoria is worthy of this distinction.
The rekindled partnerships from the mission to Seattle combined with Victoria’s recent accolades furthers DGV’s dedication to providing memorable once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are unique to Victoria and reinforces our commitment to strengthening the bonds that will ensure a prosperous future for Greater Victoria’s visitor economy.
Paul Nursey is the President and CEO of Destination Greater Victoria
