Whereas museums across British Columbia are providing tourist information services and promoting our province for free to thousands of visitors each year; And whereas without the designation of Tourist Information Centre, these museums do not receive funding from the province and must assume the costs involved with providing services to visitors: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to provide funding to museums that act as Tourist Information Centres and simplify and expedite the process for museums to receive Affiliate Information Centre status.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport the ministry recognizes that communities may have multiple entities providing visitor services beyond those in Destination British Columbias DBC formal Visitor Services Network Program. DBCs provides funding to over 100 visitor services centres throughout BC. The budget for visitor services base funding is fixed and fully subscribed. Any new community visitor centres may be considered as Affiliate members, with no funding provided, although there are other benefits to Affiliate members including training, sharing of best practices and networking opportunities. The Province, through the BC Arts Council provides operating funding and project funding programs to support museums, however, this does not functioning as tourist information centres. Tourism, arts and culture are essential to vibrant communities and the overall well-being of the province. The Province continues to work to support a creative, resilient, and sustainable economy that benefits all British Columbians.