Become a Stakeholder
Aboriginal tourism is the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry in British Columbia. Exposure during the 2010 winter games was phenomenal and AtBC plans to capitalize on the afterglow of the games. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Aboriginal tourism industry in British Columbia. We hope you’ll join with us and become an AtBC Stakeholder.
Click here to download the Stakeholder Application form (PDF).
Two Types of Stakeholders
You may apply to become either an Associate Stakeholder or a Marketing Stakeholder. Each type of Stakeholder has specific benefits, eligibility requirements and fees.
Associate Stakeholders
If you or your organization are involved in Aboriginal tourism within BC or have an interest in supporting Aboriginal tourism in BC, then you are probably eligible to become an Associate Stakeholder with AtBC. Associate Stakeholder status is the right choice for artists, performers, craftspeople, industry partners and community organizations, or for businesses that don’t meet all the eligibility requirements of Marketing Stakeholders.
Associate Stakeholder Benefits
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Stay connected with what is happening in the Aboriginal tourism industry in BC via regular updates from Keith Henry, AtBC CEO.
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A Profile web page for your organization on the AtBC Corporate website with a link to your website
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(The Stakeholder Profiles section of the Corporate website will launch in July).
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Access to the latest and most relevant tourism industry research.
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Attend the 2010 AtBC Annual General Meeting plus Stakeholder Forums.
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Business development support from AtBC staff, just call or email.
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Participation in special events like the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park.
The annual fee for Associate Stakeholders is $99 + HST (if applicable).
Marketing Stakeholders
If you or your organization are providing an Aboriginal cultural tourism service directly to the public and want to participate in AtBCs marketing programs, then you should apply to become a Marketing Stakeholder.
Marketing Stakeholder Benefits
In addition to receiving all the benefits of an Associate Stakeholder, Marketing Stakeholders also receive the following benefits:
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Promotion on AtBC’s consumer & travel trade website with separate listings for each experience type offered and including a link to your business website.
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Promotion in AtBC’s print brochures.
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Promotion at travel trade shows and other industry marketing events.
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Promotion as part of AtBC’s Media Relations Program.
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Promotion at special events such as the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park.
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Marketing Stakeholders gain voting privileges within the Association after 12 months of participation in an AtBC Marketing Program.
Marketing Stakeholder Requirements
Marketing Stakeholders are subject to additional eligibility requirements to ensure a high standard of professionalism and authenticity.
Market-Ready Criteria
All Marketing Stakeholders must meet the following Market-Ready Criteria:
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Has been operating in a safe and professional manner for at least one year.
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Carries adequate insurance totaling no less than 2 million in liability.
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Has current business and operating licenses, registrations and permits.
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Has a website that honestly and accurately represents Aboriginal tourism business.
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Accepts credit cards and debit cards as means of payment.
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Handles reservations/inquiries by telephone, fax and email on a year-round basis.
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Handles and is able to provide confirmation of booking arrangements within 24 hours.
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Has a product that is of interest to tourists, both domestic and international.
Aboriginal Ownership
To be eligible to become a Marketing Stakeholder, your business or organization must be at least 51% Aboriginal owned.
The Aboriginal Ownership requirement is in place to ensure the cultural authenticity of the products marketed by AtBC. Non-Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to participate in and support the Aboriginal tourism industry by becoming Associate Stakeholders with AtBC.
The annual fee for Marketing Stakeholders is $499 + HST (if applicable).
For more information, contact:
Paula Amos, Operations and Membership Coordinator
Local Phone: (604) 921-1070
Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-266-2822
Paula@AboriginalBC.com