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. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, AtBC is a one-stop resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. AtBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help B.C.‘s Aboriginal tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local residents.
Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the preservation of Aboriginal culture and advancement of economic development through support, facilitation and promotion of the growth and sustainability of a quality and culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry in British Columbia.
Vision
Our vision is a healthy, prosperous, strong, respectful and dynamic Aboriginal tourism industry sharing authentic high quality products that exceed visitor expectations.
Goals
- Improve awareness of Aboriginal tourism among Aboriginal communities and entrepreneurs
- Support tourism-based community, human resources and economic development in Aboriginal communities
- Capitalize on key opportunities, such as 2010 and other festivals and events that will forward the development of Aboriginal cultural tourism
- Together with other tourism industry partners, participate in market research and marketing promotion and advertising initiatives and activities that benefit the Aboriginal tourism industry
- Improve communication with Aboriginal tourism industry, keeping industry partners informed of important developments and AtBC’s plans and activities and providing them with opportunities to provide input to the association
Strategic Priorities
Our five primary strategic priorities for the next three years are:- The Blueprint Strategy implementation
- 2010 Olympic opportunities
- Member services nurturing
- Aboriginal industry advocacy
- Industry and organization