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communiqué
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2004
INSURANCE:
ECOTOURISM CO-OPERATIVE
RESPONDS TO "WALK AWAY" THREAT
Vernon, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) representing interests of nature-based tourism operators and rural communities in British Columbia is challenging Members or Parliament to introduce and support a Private Members Bill that would require Canada's insurance industry to provide fair liability and property insurance premiums to small business and rural property owners.
AOC is responding to remarks that the Insurance Bureau of Canada recently stated in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper (Wed.Oct13, 2004), which responded to AOC's efforts. Spokesperson Dennis Prouse made a number of statements on behalf of the Insurance Bureau:
Factors driving up insurance rates for BC's ecotourism operators are beyond both the operators' and insurance industry's control.
."Ecotourism is a niche sector, and the reality they're facing is an increasingly litigious society and an uncertain legal environment..."
."The rising cost of liability claims and plummeting interest rates on insurance company investment income over the past two years have pressured underwriters to raise rates"...
."Government regulation of insurance rates for ecotourism would simply cause insurance companies to "walk away"....
AOC spokesperson Don Elzer stated that, "The response is taken nearly word for word from position papers developed from the University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business, Risk Management and Insurance Section".
Elzer suggested that such a textbook reaction to the problem is in keeping with the industry's almost arrogant approach of, "our way or the highway". This represents a classic example of the Insurance Industry supporting their position with in-house documentation which can be neither proven nor disproved, because the industry is in no way transparent."
Elzer referred to the Risk Management and Insurance Section of Haskayne as having advisors who are in the business of collecting premiums, but have no input from the people who pay those premiums, and those people are having less ability to pay those premiums every year.
"Because of coercion, the industry has placed itself in a vacuum and has developed a basic belief that their customers have a limitless ability to pay high and unreasonable premiums. They assume that business can just pass such an increase on to the consumer without considering our ability to compete in a global marketplace, have access to venture capital and to be innovative with new travel products".
Elzer does agree with the industry that the "legal environment is uncertain", he says that governments have to rewrite laws so that the onus of risk is back on the individual and not on the business. "The original intent of most laws placed the risk on the individual, however those laws have been eroded by the courts through case settlements which have now placed the responsibility of risk on the experience provider or Tour Company".
"If there was real competition within the insurance industry, individual companies would be fighting to keep premiums low, competitive and accessible. They would be advocating amendments so that court settlements become reasonable and not turning into outlandish settlements built on precedent after precedent, however, they don't care, so as an industry, they transfer those losses to premiums without regard to the possible negative impacts to another industry or communities."
The industry claims that it is critical for property and casualty underwriters to exchange statistics for the purposes of underwriting and that this exchange causes them to be more competitive. However in 1980, the 26 largest insurers wrote 50 per cent of net premiums, but as of 1997, that number lessened, where the top 10 insurers now serve half the market. "So perhaps a lack of transparency and real competition is causing us to eventually be dealing with one big insurance company" stated Elzer.
The overall approach to regulation in Canada is that property and casualty insurers are generally required to satisfy regulatory authorities proving that they have sufficient resources to meet their commitments to policyholders. According to Elzer, where they fall short is not examining "fair access to insurance" in the event that the law requires business to carry insurance, he adds that social responsibility should be an aspect of regulation.
So what happens if eventually there is only one big underwriter left to insure the ecotourism sector? And it decides to, as Mr. Prouse describes, "Walk away"?
What happens when municipal, provincial and federal governments legislate the requirement for commercial tourism operators to carry liability insurance, yet no carrier exists, or no company can afford to pay the premium offered up by the underwriter?
What happens if the ecotourism, outdoor tourism and adventure tourism sectors can no longer legally operate in Canada because they don't have access to insurance?
"The risk is not one that exists within the profit and loss ratio of Canada's insurance industry. The real risk will be the loss of some 20 million overnight trips to Canada by foreigners who might "walk away" to other destinations. Without nature-based tourism, Canada will lose its "travel authenticity" resulting in huge revenue losses, which includes hotel room revenues".
"There's a fork in the road for elected decision makers; one that firms up and turns a blind eye to the coercion of an industry that exports up to $18 billion in premiums to investments outside of Canada; or one that assists helping small business sell the Canadian experience to the world by inviting overseas visitors who spend upwards of $18 billion here in Canada. It's really simple, supporting money leaving Canada or supporting money coming to Canada."
Elzer states that recent efforts for an industry driven national insurance policy are a good attempt at problem solving, but a stopgap measure. "This continues to play into the idea of one big insurance carrier, that still doesn't consider accessible premiums, it continues to firm up a threat from the insurance industry to "walk away" if we (tourism industry) complain about the conditions of insurance, and the need for legislated fair access."
"The system needs to be overhauled. We need a transparent insurance industry with new ground rules and a level of social responsibility built into the system, the only way to do this is for government to guarantee access, if this means rewriting laws, so be it, it's worth it, we can create a better business environment while creating a safe environment for visitors"
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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communiqué
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and Bearfoot Canada
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2004
ADVENTURE OKANAGAN PROPOSES
WORLD-CLASS TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
Okanagan/Shuswap, British Columbia - Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and its Development Division Bearfoot Canada have announced today that it has officially proposed trail development project to both the Federal and Provincial governments that would help retain small business operations hit hard by natural and political events of the past number of years.
The Five Rings Trail is a proposed Hut-to-Hut Trail Network that would link backcountry areas from Osoyoos and the Boundary/Similkameen with the Okanagan and then the Monashee and Shuswap, ending in Revelstoke.
"It is our intention that the Five Rings Trail be complete in advance of the Olympics in 2010 and be directly linked to benefit nature-based tour operators, small backcountry lodges and rural accommodators" stated Don Elzer, Managing Director of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC).
The project would be constructed in partnership with rural communities and outdoor organizations as well as key stakeholders, which presently perform business operations in the backcountry.
Elzer stated that the Hut-to-Hut would have a public access and commercial formula that remains a "work in progress" however he stated, "Adventure Okanagan represents self-propelled travel, so our intention is to retain the environment as pristine and emphasize guided group travel, along the lines of what occurs in other areas of the world where visitors want to explore sensitive habitat".
Elzer claims that within an overall tourism strategy the Five Rings Trail would be a world-class visitor experience that would have significant impact as far as building tourism revenues. He compared it to having two more ski hills in the interior without the environmental impact.
"The trail would really help existing backcountry and rural accommodators, since they would act as "Trailhead" locations. These operations have been suffering of late, and while the government is moving to develop resorts in time for the Olympics there does not seem to be a lot of effort placed on retaining existing business operations to ensure that they survive between now and the Olympics", stated Elzer.
Presently, AOC is working with potential partners for the project to draft detailed plans for the construction of the Five Rings Trail. If you would like more information as to how to get involved, contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812. Or visit www.bearfootcanada.com
About Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
The Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) represents adventure and eco-tourism operators located in British Columbia including the Okanagan, Shuswap and Monashee regions, from Osoyoos to Sicamous. AOC members work together to bring a diverse travel experience to visitors through travel packaging that promotes safe, exciting, responsible travel within one of the most beautiful regions in Western North America.
AOC performs marketing programs; travel packaging services and promotion; tour itinerary design; helps reduce business costs for members; offer business development services and promote advocacy promoting habitat preservation and adventures in education, ecology and culture.
www.adventureokanagan.com
About Bearfoot Canada
"Bearfoot Canada builds unique and authentic Canadian cultural experiences through nature-based travel"
Bearfoot Canada is the development division of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and is a Canadian Tourism Commission Product Club. Bearfoot builds partnerships that assemble the resources to provide assistance for the ongoing maintenance of backcountry trails and sensitive habitat while educating the public about responsible travel as well as marketing nature-based travel worldwide. Bearfoot Canada also performs educational programs for the travel industry.
THINK OUTSIDE: ADVENTURE OKANAGAN LAUNCHES FIRE RECOVERY AWARENESS AND BUSINESS RETENTION CAMPAIGN
Okanagan/Shuswap, British Columbia - Adventure Okanagan Co-operative has announced an intensive public awareness and educational campaign directed to inform the public about issues that nature-based tourism operators are facing in British Columbia's backcountry and rural areas.
The "Think Outside" Campaign encourages residents and visitors to explore nature in BC by "thinking more about getting outside in the great outdoors", but also encourages community and business leaders, politicians and government to "think outside of the box" when considering the future of travel, the environment and community economic development in British Columbia.
"To date the nature-based travel sector has received neither assistance nor acknowledgement for the events that have plagued the sector for the past couple of years. We have for the most part been patient in the hopes that the political leadership and the overall tourism industry would recognize that we are being negatively impacted by events far beyond our control", stated Don Elzer, Managing Director of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC).
"We were wrong in placing our trust in the system, as a result we're implementing an intensive campaign that garners support to solve significant problems that the government, communities and the larger tourism industry have not addressed".
Elzer states that environmental events will continue to have negative impacts on business until both industry and communities consider a changing planet not as a crises but as something that exists everyday and within normal business operations.
"The desert in the Okanagan is growing because of global warming, we need to build environmentally friendly business operations that interact with our new changing environment, and not go into crises in the event of the earth changing", stated Elzer.
"We would like to see fewer travel vehicles on the road, and more group travel. The Okanagan cannot sustain an endless growth of fully independent travel, the tourism industry and communities need to build more group travel strategies"
Elzer states that nature-based travel businesses are very much guerilla marketers, because of the nature of their business. "Our interest is in group travel and the international marketplace. Our key marketing method is to build business relationships with customers that represent hundreds and even thousands of travelers. We seek to know exactly when our customers are coming, where they want to go, and how many of them there are, this allows us to plan a responsible travel experience".
The Think Outside Campaign seeks to educate the community leadership to consider tourism and economic development that bucks the current trends.
"We're dedicated to bringing new travelers to Canada, this means new money injected into local economies resulting in enhanced prosperity, rather than competing against ourselves within the domestic market. Sometimes attracting a visitor from Vancouver means they're not visiting Vancouver Island, a region of the province wins, but another loses. Domestic travel is always going to be a big part of travel in BC, as it should be, but for AOC our market niche will be overseas and the US."
According to Elzer, nature-based travel is Canada's most authentic travel resource. He states that unless communities commit to investing in the resource our position as the world's key destination for exploring nature will deteriorate.
"Every year from Visitor Information Centres and accommodation front desks we send thousands of people to trails and down backcountry roads without knowing if they still exist, we need to provide better stewardship with regards to maintenance and infrastructure in the backcountry areas, along with accurate and authentic interpretation which considers a changing environment, First Nations and communities."
The "Think Outside" Fundraising Campaign will be unveiled in coming weeks. To learn more about AOC education programs and Think Outside visit:
www.bearfootcanada.com
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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About Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) represents adventure and eco-tourism operators located in British Columbia including the Okanagan, Shuswap and Monashee regions, from Osoyoos to Revelstoke. AOC members work together to bring a diverse travel experience to visitors through travel packaging that promotes safe, exciting, responsible travel within one of the most beautiful regions in Western North America.
AOC performs marketing programs; travel packaging services and promotion; tour itinerary design; helps reduce business costs for members; offers business development services and promotes advocacy and habitat preservation. It also produces adventures in education, ecology and culture.
www.adventureokanagan.com
To learn more about AOC education programs and Think Outside visit:
Nature-based Travel is the fastest growing area of travel in Canada, however the sector has been faced with significant obstacles in British Columbia since 9-11. With the bulk of operations being small family run businesses many operations have been stressed. As a result AOC has had to problem solve events one by one, however some of the problems are far beyond the capacity of the organization which requires an infusion of capital so that it can assist operators overcome business adjustment barriers and return international markets to BC. AOC continues to address many issues as follows:
911/SARS/BSE/West Niles Global issues and Travel Fear have and continue to make the travel market unpredictable.
These issues have caused AOC to diversify travel product and build a marketing language that provides better confidence in the international marketplace for a safe travel experience in BC.
Run-away Liability Insurance Increases Since 911 Insurance Providers have increased rates for Adventure and Nature-based Tour Operators as much as 6X. Some small family operations are paying premiums as much as $6000. With stellar safety records, many operators are closing up shop, since public access to crown land, parks and the travel trade requires businesses to carry liability insurance.
AOC has been lobbying hard for pre-911 premiums, and is now part of a working group to establish a national industry driven policy through the Tourism Industry Asso. Of Canada. AOC is also combining operations so that affordable premiums can be achieved.
Marine Liability Act and other forms of Regulation Over-Regulation has plagued the sector causing uncertainties with regards to business operations.
AOC has provided leading edge educational programs for business to understand and operate within regulatory bodies and advocated an industry perspective on the issues.
Backcountry Access New tourism tenure regulation governing commercial access to crown land caused the sector to stall marketing due to uncertainties with regards to the tenure process and the financial viability of tenure.
AOC provided research and built a long-term strategy for commercial access to crown land for small business. AOC developed a blanket application for 21 trail systems with the assistance of Lands and Water BC and other users of crown land, so that the long-term viability for small business operating tours in the backcountry can be sustained.
Wild Fires The Forest Fires of 2003, 2004 and the threat of Fire completely shut down the peak visitor season for the nature-based tour sector, coupled with damage to the premiere regional attraction the Kettle Valley Railway, businesses lost much of their outdoor experience. AOC tour packages had to be removed from the marketplace and replaced.
AOC has assembled a Fire Recovery Plan that will help businesses adjust operations and build a more diversified tourism experience. New natural attractions are being used to anchor tour packaging. AOC is also helping to build a Best Practices program for responsible travel in the backcountry.
International Competition Because of the unstable travel experience in BC as perceived by the media and the international travel trade, many tours have been cancelled in the BC Interior and moved to other parts of the world. It takes up to 5 years to secure wholesale markets between the time a travel package is developed, introduced to markets and when it actually has visitors booking. Instability can have a negative long-term impact, particularly if a business within a travel package shuts down within that 5-year duration.
AOC with its division Bearfoot Canada and the Canadian Tourism Commission and other partners insure that packages are adjusted and remain stable if negative events occur. AOC has introduced new all-inclusive travel experiences, to counter negative media in hopes of securing and attracting the travel trade to the BC Interior.
Eroding Trails, Damage to the Landscape and Habitat and Stewardship Issues continue to be a concern of tour operators. AOC has provided tangible solutions and input with regards to how tourism should be approached in the backcountry.
While Adventure Okanagan Co-operative has been part of the solution on many fronts, for a small business organization it depends on frugal resources for taking on very big tasks. Last year it waived its membership fees for operators due to extreme downturns in business revenues. As a result much of the work done was based on volunteer efforts from business owners who had little or no income during the peak summer season.
AOC is now garnering support for a Fire Recovery Plan for the sector and will poll elected officials from all communities and all levels of government for support.
"Part of our ongoing challenge is that we represent businesses from the US border to Revelstoke and in some cases beyond. We carry out much of our operations in rural areas and the backcountry. As a result communities see us as outsiders, even though our members and shareholder's live in those same communities, which are also key beneficiaries of our activities" stated Elzer.
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
Vernon, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative representing the interests of nature-based tourism operators and rural communities in British Columbia is challenging Members or Parliament to introduce and support a Private Members Bill that would require Canada's insurance industry to provide fair liability and property insurance premiums to small business and rural property owners.
"No industry in Canada should be able to hold another industry up for ransom", stated Don Elzer, Managing Director of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC).
The AOC spokesperson cites that insurance premiums have continued to increase, and that it remains uncertain as to whether those increases will cease, making business planning and operations a challenge to the point where business closures are occurring.
"The insurance industry has continued to be arrogant on this matter, and the government has ignored the issue and its negative impacts on small business. Industry associations have tried to find insurance carriers to deal with the nature-based travel sector as a whole unit, however this effort is now moving off-shore and remains a work in progress, as a result small business is having a hard time coping."
Further to the issue, Elzer suggests that Canada requires a Nature-based Tourism Act that would consider a modernized approach for small backcountry and rural tourism businesses to operate within. Such an Act could help streamline operations and address "Liability", Negligent Referral" and "Insurance" issues as well as "Access" and "Best Practices" issues.
"As government and the insurance industry simply turns it's back on small family businesses, it appears as though only big business will be able to protect itself through insurance. Such attitudes will prevent the establishment of new business and new innovative ideas, not to mention access to venture capital by small business", stated Elzer.
Elzer is challenging individual Members of Parliament regardless of what party affiliation they have, to introduce a "Fair Play" Private Members Bill that forces the insurance industry to make liability and property insurance accessible to small business and rural areas, as part of an investment in Canada's future as well as helping to create a healthy rural Canada.
"Because insurance is a complicated issue, both politicians and the media become easily misled by an industry which has for a long time removed premiums from the element of risk and settlements and instead tied them to investments".
AOC and its supporters will begin to poll individual Members of Parliament as to where they stand on the issue, reporting findings to the public. They have hopes to garner support and find the leadership in the House within individuals who will advocate "Fair Play".
"This issue is a sleeping giant, every small business and rural property owner in Canada believes they're getting gouged by insurance companies, with no recourse. It's time that this issue is solved in the spirit of fairness".
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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About Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
The Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) represents adventure and eco-tourism operators located in British Columbia including the Okanagan, Shuswap and Monashee regions, from Osoyoos to Sicamous. AOC members work together to bring a diverse travel experience to visitors through travel packaging that promotes safe, exciting, responsible travel within one of the most beautiful regions in Western North America.
AOC performs marketing programs; travel packaging services and promotion; tour itinerary design; helps reduce business costs for members; offer business development services and promote advocacy promoting habitat preservation and adventures in education, ecology and culture.
www.adventureokanagan.com
www.bearfootcanada.com
Welcome to the Bearfoot Canada News Section where you can view the latest Bearfoot Canada and Adventure Okanagan News Releases.
communiqué
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2004
INSURANCE PROBE:
ECOTOURISM CO-OPERATIVE CLAIMS VICTORY BUT REMAINS CAUTIOUS
Vernon, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) representing interests of nature-based tourism operators and rural communities in British Columbia is claiming a small victory in its efforts to bring national attention to unfair insurance premium increases. The small victory is in response to the recent announcement from the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) that it is launching a national investigation linked to the question of transparency within the insurance industry.
CCIR is launching a nation-wide probe into all relationships between insurance companies and brokers, including corporate links that are pervasive in the property and casualty sector.
"This strikes at the core of the conflict of interest issue that may be causing unfair premium increases", stated Don Elzer, AOC's Managing Director.
AOC has been challenging Members or Parliament to introduce and support a Private Members Bill that would require Canada's insurance industry to provide fair liability and property insurance premiums to small business and rural property owners.
"CCIR's efforts and their concern about conflict of interest, has blown the whistle on the industry and brings into play new opportunities for reform", stated Elzer, who added that as a small regional business organization, it will now escalate its efforts on the political and legal front.
"If regulators discover that there is a conflict of interest that have caused unwarranted increases in premiums, we will research and gauge support from the tourism industry to launch a class-action suite against the insurance industry in order to recover the excessive amounts charged", stated Elzer, he added, "We will also be launching a survey of key Members of Parliament in order to determine their position on this issue."
Elzer remains convinced that the insurance issue is a sleeping giant and that governments should not treat the issue lightly.
"It's really unbelievable the amount of moral support we have received from across the country, and I think the CCIR probe will be in the best interests of consumers providing that it can apply teeth to any injustices that may be uncovered. The probe has to remedy the problem quickly. We will remain optimistic but at the same time cautious".
Sidebar: Insurance Probe
ADVENTURE OKANAGAN'S CHALLENGE
AOC is challenging individual Members of Parliament regardless of what party affiliation they have, to introduce a "Fair Play" Private Members Bill that forces the insurance industry to make liability and property insurance accessible to small business and rural areas, as part of an investment in Canada's future as well as helping to create a healthy rural Canada.
Because insurance is a complicated issue, both politicians and the media become easily misled by an industry, which has for a long time removed premiums from the element of risk and settlements and instead tied them to investments.
AOC and its supporters will begin to poll individual Members of Parliament as to where they stand on the issue, reporting findings to the public. They have hopes to garner support and find the leadership in the House within individuals who will advocate "Fair Play".
AOC believes that a very direct and aggressive action needs to be taken place quickly, which includes:
·Roll back premiums to pre-911
·Freeze Premiums until an investigation is concluded.
·Investigate why premiums have increased.
·Reform the industry to include fair access to insurance.
"The system needs to be overhauled. We need a transparent insurance industry with new ground rules and a level of social responsibility built into the system, the only way to do this is for government to guarantee access, if this means rewriting laws, so be it, it's worth it, we can create a better business environment."
THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF INSURANCE REGULATORS (CCIR)
A government appointed umbrella group representing provincial and federal insurance regulators. The Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) is an inter-jurisdictional association of regulators of insurance. Its mandate is to facilitate and promote an effective regulatory system in Canada to serve the public interest. CCIR works cooperatively with other financial services regulators to enhance consumer protection and to develop and harmonize insurance policy and regulation across jurisdictions.
As of April 2, 2004, the Chair of CCIR is Jim Hall, Superintendent of Insurance, Saskatchewan. The three Vice Chairs are Bryan P. Davies, CEO and Superintendent of Financial Services, Ontario; Michael Grist, Deputy Superintendent of Insurance, British Columbia and Jacques Henrichon, Director, Regulatory Policy and External Relations, Quebec. www.ccir-ccrra.org
THE CCIR PROBE
The probe is examining the close financial relationships between insurance companies and brokers, which raise potential conflicts as insurance companies buy and perhaps control brokers. The probe also examines the practice of rewarding brokers with lucrative commissions. (Globe and Mail/Report on Business October 29/04 page B12)
THE ISSUE
The broker purportedly acts as an independent seller of insurance. But that independence is compromised when the broker is expected to steer customers to the company that owns it in order to meet sales quotas, this could result in higher premiums for the customer. Brokers have a duty to find the best coverage at the best price for their clients.
Whenever a broker is owned outright or in part by an insurance company, it has to commit to doing a certain volume of business with it." The whole idea of a broker is that we market your business on an ongoing basis if we're owned by an insurance company, obviously we're not going to be able to do that." Rick Lawrence, a senior vice president at Morgex Insurance in Edmonton (Globe and Mail/Report on Business October 29/04 page B12)
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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communiqué
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and Bearfoot Canada
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2004
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative Elects New Board
Okanagan/Shuswap, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) held its Annual General Meeting in Vernon to a standing-room-only packed house. As a result the newly elected board is double the size and the organization has launched a committee structure that will begin to move the new tourism product into the marketplace.
"AOC is one of the few owner-operated tourism organizations which actually is in the business of advocacy, building new tourism products and selling travel. We're a unique hybrid as far as business organizations go", stated Don Elzer, AOC's Managing Director.
"As we moved from our AGM in 2003, little did we know that, SARS and BSE would taint Canada's travel experience; insurance would skyrocket; wildfires would cast a blow to our industry for two summers in a row; and that the provincial government would impose commercial tourism with tenure regulations on public lands. In addition, the needs of the nature-based travel sector often seem to be ignored by government and urban communities", he added.
Nature-based tourism continues to grow world-wide and Adventure Okanagan Co-operative will have a positive future. The hidden benefits of AOC are often the diamonds in the rough, according to AOC Chairperson Reg Scott.
"Through AOC contacts, branding and industry awareness customer referrals are often directed to individual member companies. Members pick up ideas that they can apply to their own business as AOC applies and shares research and innovative product development and marketing methods."
Scott added, "AOC advocates a better deal for nature-based tourism and tourism generally, which becomes invaluable to communities, government and member operators."
The newly elected AOC Board of Directors remains a mix of past directors and newcomers:
AOC has developed a committee structure to tackle expanded isues related to tourism development in the Okanagan and Shuswap along with a more ambitious sales program. Committee Chairs are as follows:
·Don Elzer AOC/Bearfoot Managing Director
·Nicolas Mitra Sales US; and the Managing Directors Assistant
·Nick Hodge Finance and Accounts Management
·Joe Kyle Sales and Marketing of AOC Publications including on-line display advertising and Think Outside Fundraising.
·Dan Wilson First Nations Tourism Development
·Dirk Terpstra Sales - Holland/Germany/Switzerland; Fly/Drive Sales Program
·Celine Dantart Sales - France and Spain
·Reg Scott ESL Development and Sales
·Tim Jackson Bearfoot Outbound Development and Sales
·Jordie Bowen - Non-Profit Development and Clinic Program
·Maurice Winton Land User Research and Compliance Officer
·Five Rings Trail Committee Steve Noakes (chair), Don Elzer, Dan Wilson, Phil McIntyre-Paul, Paul Case, Steven Patterson
·Motorized Sector Research Steve Noakes
·Special Projects Assistant Suzanne Bailey
"AOC is driven by people in the tourism business, right down to the sales departments and committees. This gives us a unique perspective on what we need to grow tourism. AOC has an exciting future. The road to true success might be bumpy, but we have positioned ourselves well for the marketplace", stated Scott.
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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communiqué
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and Bearfoot Canada
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2004
LIVE CALENDAR TECHNOLOGY ENTERS FINAL TESTING PHASE
Okanagan/Shuswap, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) and its Development Division, Bearfoot Canada have announced today that its new Live Calendar Database has entered a final testing phase and will be ready to launch on the world stage early in the new year.
The Voyager Network has been in development for over two years and represents the only real time live calendar owned and operated by tour companies.
"This technology will change the way small business interacts within travel packaging and reservations systems no matter where that business is located in the world", stated Don Elzer the Managing Director of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC).
AOC has become a leader in the development and presentation of multi-experience travel packaging where individual business operators join forces to present a single tourism product under the umbrella of Adventure Okanagan or Bearfoot Canada.
"As we developed these new packaged products, particularly for the travel trade we found that blocking out travel dates for dozens of operators in conjunction with their own private business operations became a dispatching challenge, couple this with operators and wholesalers working with a vast number of different reservations systems, made for chaotic tracking, and actually slowed our ability to move products into the marketplace", stated Elzer.
AOC found that there was a significant gap with regards to a dispatching and tracking system that could be flexible enough for a small business solution and at the same time work within remote areas.
"We decided to build a system from scratch that worked specifically for small operators and would fit like a glove within any reservations system".
The Voyager Network will allow AOC and Bearfoot to manage multi-experience packaging through a central dispatch but at the same time allow each business to manage their own bookings independently and behind a secure curtain of operation.
The Voyager Network, works in real time, the same way a vast number of travel agents can book flights for customers, and secure seats across the board simultaniously. Voyager can work within any reservations system or it can be operated through the AOC Legal Reservations System. Voyager also allows operators to profile and mange a client list in conjunction with a specific package or experience."
AOC will be unveiling the Voyager Network in November along with other IT solutions designed specifically for small business.
"We're dedicated to moving the Voyager Network onto the world stage, we believe Canada can become a leader in Tourism Information Technology designed for remote regions", stated Elzer.
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
About Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
The Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) represents adventure and eco-tourism operators located in British Columbia including the Okanagan, Shuswap and Monashee regions, from Osoyoos to Sicamous. AOC members work together to bring a diverse travel experience to visitors through travel packaging that promotes safe, exciting, responsible travel within one of the most beautiful regions in Western North America.
AOC performs marketing programs; travel packaging services and promotion; tour itinerary design; helps reduce business costs for members; offer business development services and promote advocacy promoting habitat preservation and adventures in education, ecology and culture.
www.adventureokanagan.com
About Bearfoot Canada
"Bearfoot Canada builds unique and authentic Canadian cultural experiences through nature-based travel"
Bearfoot Canada is the development division of Adventure Okanagan Co-operative and is a Canadian Tourism Commission Product Club. Bearfoot builds partnerships that assemble the resources to provide assistance for the ongoing maintenance of backcountry trails and sensitive habitat while educating the public about responsible travel as well as marketing nature-based travel worldwide. Bearfoot Canada also performs educational programs for the travel industry.
Okanagan/Shuswap, British Columbia Adventure Okanagan Co-operative has announced that it will begin fundraising for an intensive public awareness and educational campaign directed to inform the public about issues that nature-based tourism operators are facing in British Columbia's backcountry and rural areas.
The "Think Outside" Campaign encourages residents and visitors to explore nature in BC by "thinking more about getting outside in the great outdoors", but also encourages community and business leaders, politicians and government to "think outside of the box" when considering the future of travel, the environment and community economic development in British Columbia.
Elzer states that environmental, economic and political events will continue to have negative impacts on business until both industry and communities consider a changing planet, not as crises but as something that exists everyday and within normal business operations.
"The desert in the Okanagan is growing because of global warming, we need to build environmentally friendly business operations that interact with our new changing environment, and not go into crises in the event of the earth changing", stated Elzer.
"We have to be more active in protecting our environment, but at the same time we need to take ownership of the damages that have occurred. We would like to see fewer travel vehicles on the road, and more group travel. The Okanagan cannot sustain an endless growth of fully independent travel, the tourism industry and communities need to build more group travel strategies"
Elzer states that nature-based travel businesses are very much guerilla marketers, because of the nature of their business. "Our interest is in group travel and the international marketplace. Our key marketing method is to build business relationships with customers that represent hundreds and even thousands of travelers. We seek to know exactly when our customers are coming, where they want to go, and how many of them there are, this allows us to plan a responsible travel experience".
"We're dedicated to bringing new travelers to Canada, this means new money injected into local economies resulting in enhanced prosperity, rather than competing against ourselves within the domestic market. Sometimes attracting a visitor from Vancouver means they're not visiting Vancouver Island, a region of the province wins, but another loses. Domestic travel is always going to be a big part of travel in BC, as it should be, but for AOC our market niche will be overseas and the US."
According to Elzer, nature-based travel is Canada's most authentic travel resource. He states that unless communities commit to investing in the resource our position, as the world's key destination for exploring nature will deteriorate.
"Every year from Visitor Information Centres and accommodation front desks we send thousands of people to trails and down backcountry roads without knowing if they still exist, we need to provide better stewardship with regards to maintenance and infrastructure in the backcountry areas, along with accurate and authentic interpretation which considers a changing environment, First Nations and communities."
"Think Outside" Fundraising Campaign seeks to garner support from communities and business in the form of an investment:
·$100 Individuals, Clubs and Non-Profits
·$250 Businesses
·$500 Corporations and Institutions (Head office located outside of the BC Interior)
To learn more about Think Outside visit: www.bearfootcanada.com
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
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About Adventure Okanagan Co-operative
Adventure Okanagan Co-operative (AOC) represents adventure and eco-tourism operators located in British Columbia including the Okanagan, Shuswap and Monashee regions, from Osoyoos to Revelstoke. AOC members work together to bring a diverse travel experience to visitors through travel packaging that promotes safe, exciting, responsible travel within one of the most beautiful regions in Western North America.
AOC performs marketing programs; travel packaging services and promotion; tour itinerary design; helps reduce business costs for members; offers business development services and promotes advocacy and habitat preservation. It also produces adventures in education, ecology and culture.
www.adventureokanagan.com
To learn more about AOC education programs and Think Outside visit:
www.bearfootcanada.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2004
Side Bar:
THINK OUTSIDE - THE ISSUES
Nature-based Travel is the fastest growing area of travel in Canada, however the sector has been faced with significant obstacles in British Columbia since 9-11. With the bulk of operations being small family run businesses many operations have been stressed. As a result AOC has had to problem solve events one by one, however some of the problems are far beyond the capacity of the organization which requires an infusion of capital so that it can assist operators overcome business adjustment barriers and return international markets to BC. AOC continues to address many issues as follows:
911/SARS/BSE/West Niles Global issues and Travel Fear have and continue to make the travel market unpredictable.
·These issues have caused AOC to diversify travel product and build a marketing language that provides better confidence in the international marketplace for a safe travel experience in BC.
Run-away Liability Insurance Increases Since 911 Insurance Providers have increased rates for Adventure and Nature-based Tour Operators as much as 6X. Some small family operations are paying premiums as much as $6000. With stellar safety records, many operators are closing up shop, since public access to crown land, parks and the travel trade requires businesses to carry liability insurance.
·AOC has been lobbying hard for pre-911 premiums, and is now part of a working group to establish a national industry driven policy through the Tourism Industry Asso. Of Canada. AOC is also combining operations so that affordable premiums can be achieved.
Marine Liability Act and other forms of Regulation Over-Regulation has plagued the sector causing uncertainties with regards to business operations.
·AOC has provided leading edge educational programs for business to understand and operate within regulatory bodies and advocated an industry perspective on the issues.
Backcountry Access New tourism tenure regulation governing commercial access to crown land caused the sector to stall marketing due to uncertainties with regards to the tenure process and the financial viability of tenure.
·AOC provided research and built a long-term strategy for commercial access to crown land for small business. AOC developed a blanket application for 21 trail systems with the assistance of Lands and Water BC and other users of crown land, so that the long-term viability for small business operating tours in the backcountry can be sustained.
Wild Fires The Forest Fires of 2003, 2004 and the threat of Fire completely shut down the peak visitor season for the nature-based tour sector, coupled with damage to the premiere regional attraction the Kettle Valley Railway, businesses lost much of their outdoor experience. AOC tour packages had to be removed from the marketplace and replaced.
·AOC has assembled a Fire Recovery Plan that will help businesses adjust operations and build a more diversified tourism experience. New natural attractions are being used to anchor tour packaging. AOC is also helping to build a Best Practices program for responsible travel in the backcountry.
International Competition Because of the unstable travel experience in BC as perceived by the media and the international travel trade, many tours have been cancelled in the BC Interior and moved to other parts of the world. It takes up to 5 years to secure wholesale markets between the time a travel package is developed, introduced to markets and when it actually has visitors booking. Instability can have a negative long-term impact, particularly if a business within a travel package shuts down within that 5-year duration.
·AOC with its division Bearfoot Canada and the Canadian Tourism Commission and other partners insure that packages are adjusted and remain stable if negative events occur. AOC has introduced new all-inclusive travel experiences, to counter negative media in hopes of securing and attracting the travel trade to the BC Interior.
Eroding Trails, Damage to the Landscape and Habitat and Stewardship Issues continue to be a concern of tour operators. AOC has provided tangible solutions and input with regards to how tourism should be approached in the backcountry.
While Adventure Okanagan Co-operative has been part of the solution on many fronts, for a small business organization it depends on frugal resources for taking on very big tasks. Last year it waived its membership fees for operators due to extreme downturns in business revenues. As a result much of the work done was based on volunteer efforts from business owners who had little or no income during the peak summer season.
AOC is now garnering support for a Fire Recovery Plan for the sector and will poll elected officials from all communities and all levels of government for support.
"Part of our ongoing challenge is that we represent businesses from the US border to Revelstoke and in some cases beyond. We carry out much of our operations in rural areas and the backcountry. As a result communities see us as outsiders, even though our members and shareholder's live in those same communities, which are also key beneficiaries of our activities" stated Elzer.
For more information contact Don Elzer at 250-547-9812 or elzer@bcgrizzly.com
