About Us
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. A sustainable Aboriginal tourism sector with diverse products in communities in every region of the province is recognized as one of the major focuses for achieving the target set by the Premier to double tourism revenues in B.C. by 2015.
Klahowya Village in Stanley Park
This summer, AtBC is proud to be bringing an oustanding Aboriginal tourism experience to Vancouver. Building on the success of the Klahowya Village at the Pan Pacific Hotel during the 2010 winter games, AtBC will be transforming Stanley Park into an authentic Aboriginal tourism experience complete with a performance stage, artisan kiosks, Aboriginal food vendors and the Spirit Catcher Minature Train!
Training and Development
Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC and its partners run a wide range of tourism training programs and workshops in First Nation and Métis communities throughout British Columbia. Also Aboriginal tourism businesses and communities can contribute to and benefit from several product development projects that are underway.
Marketing
AtBC delivers high-quality services to stakeholders, in the form of promoting both their individual businesses to tourists and their interests through representation and advertising at professional tradeshows.
Cultural Authenticity Program
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is making it easier for visitors to identify the most authentic, accurate and respectful representations of First Nations and Métis culture by launching its "Authentic Aboriginal" cultural authenticity program.
Blueprint Strategy
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC’s Blueprint Strategy provides a long-term plan for the sustainable growth and development of the province’s Aboriginal tourism industry. AtBC’s Blueprint Strategy is the most comprehensive provincial Aboriginal tourism plan created in Canada and can be shared as a model for the development of Aboriginal tourism in other jurisdictions
Industry Facts
- Aboriginal tourism in B.C. is projected to grow to over $50 million by 2012, up from approximately $35 million today.
- There are estimated to be upwards of 200 Aboriginal tourism businesses in B.C. – more than half of these offer cultural tourism experiences.
Become a Stakeholder
Join AtBC and become a part of the fastest growing tourism sector!
Governance
AtBC is actively seeking to embrace Aboriginal Cultural Tourism participants in the Province by considering them “stakeholders”. AtBC is equally encouraging the Aboriginal Cultural Tourism industry participants to become involved in the decision-making process pertinent to all AtBC programming. Any Aboriginal Cultural Tourism operator who seeks to participate in AtBC’s decisions can earn a voting right in exchange for investing in an AtBC marketing program.
Annual General Report
Our annual report explains the headway we’re making while working to provide a mechanism for Aboriginal communities, individuals and businesses to successfully establish and sustain tourism businesses and increase awareness of the potential of Aboriginal cultural tourism opportunities for all First Nations communities in B.C.
Operational Plans and Reports
AtBC's Operations Report for January 2009 to March 2010 and AtBC's Business PLan for 2010-2011 are both avilable for review.
Member Forum
AtBC members in attendance at the Member Forum were provided a number of updates such as a comprehensive statistical report of the state of tourism in British Columbia that included a comparison is relation to the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry, an update on the progress of the AtBC authentication pilot project initiative, training and product development progress, travel trade media information, and a final draft of the AtBC 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games time program.
Contact Us
Get in touch with AtBC staff to find out more about what AtBC is doing to support the Aboriginal Tourism industry in British Columbia.
Employment and Contract Opporunities
Join our team of dedicated employees or contract your services on one of our projects.