Tourism and investment attraction resources
Last updated on May 11, 2026This section lists organizations, programs, and tools that support tourism and investment attraction. These resources provide funding, data, planning tools, training, and partnership support.
Provincial resources
Many B.C. government ministries and organizations support economic development and investment attraction.
For provincial funding opportunities please visit the following link here.
a. Government of British Columbia
Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG)
The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth supports a strong and diverse economy across British Columbia. It works with communities and businesses to support economic development and promote B.C. as a place to invest and do business.
JEG provides economic development tools and supports, including:
- Economic Development Strategic Planning Toolkit
- Business Attraction Toolkit
- Land Development Toolkit
- Performance Measurement Toolkit
- B.C. Assembly of First Nations Economic Development Toolkit
- Regional Economic Operations contacts (free support for communities)
- Economic Development Funding and Grant Search Tool
- Trade and Invest B.C. resources for international markets
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS)
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport supports communities to build a strong and resilient tourism sector.
The ministry works closely with tourism Crown corporations, including Destination BC and the B.C. Pavilion Corporation. It also collaborates with regional destination management organizations and Indigenous Tourism BC, and can help communities navigate across provincial ministries.
Destination British Columbia (Destination BC)
Destination BC is the provincial Crown corporation responsible for marketing British Columbia as a travel destination.
Destination BC also supports tourism development through destination management programs, research, and tourism‑specific data and tools that can support investment attraction.
b. Provincial trusts
Columbia Basin Trust
Columbia Basin Trust supports social, economic, and environmental well‑being in the Columbia River Basin. The Trust provides funding and resources for community‑based economic development.
Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI‑BC)
ETSI‑BC provides grant funding, training, and resources for communities across much of the Thompson‑Okanagan and Kootenay regions. It supports local governments, First Nations, economic developers, and business support organizations.
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)
ICET supports economic growth and diversification across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and nearby coastal regions through funding, resources, and investment support.
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development supports economic growth across northern British Columbia and the Cariboo‑Chilcotin region. Support includes funding, capacity building, infrastructure projects, grant writing assistance, and downtown revitalization.
New Relationship Trust (NRT)
New Relationship Trust supports First Nations capacity building across British Columbia. It provides funding, training, and resources to support governance, economic development, and nation‑building.
c. Economic development organizations
BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA)
BCEDA supports economic development professionals and communities across B.C. through tools, resources, training, and events, including the annual B.C. Economic Summit.
Société de développement économique de la Colombie‑Britannique (SDÉCB)
SDÉCB supports the Francophone community in British Columbia through economic development, tourism, business services, and community development programs.
d. Tourism organizations
Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMOs)
British Columbia’s tourism regions are represented by Regional Destination Management Organizations. RDMOs coordinate tourism development at the regional level and connect communities, industry, and government.
RDMOs can help communities access supports and connect with partners:
- 4VI
- Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)
- Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA)
- Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA)
- Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA)
- Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC)
Indigenous Tourism B.C. represents Indigenous tourism interests in the province. It supports Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to develop and promote authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.
Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC)
TIABC is the provincial voice of the visitor economy. It advocates for tourism interests and provides resources and support for tourism businesses and destinations.
British Columbia Destination Management Organization Association (BCDMOA)
BCDMOA represents more than 50 community destination management organizations across British Columbia and supports community‑based tourism development.
Federal resources
Several federal organizations support economic development and tourism investment.
To find federal programs and funding, use the Business Benefits Finder linked here.
a. Government of Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
ISED supports economic growth and tourism‑related policy at the federal level. It oversees Regional Development Agencies and leads national tourism initiatives, including the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency for British Columbia. It provides funding and support for Indigenous and non‑Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations.
Destination Canada
Destination Canada is the federal Crown corporation responsible for promoting Canada as a tourism destination. It also supports tourism investment and data development.
Key resources include:
b. Economic development organizations
Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
EDAC is the national association for economic development professionals. It provides tools, training, and professional development, including the Ec.D. certification program.
c. Tourism organizations
Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
TIAC is the national voice of Canada’s tourism industry. It advocates at the federal level and hosts events and forums, including an annual Investor Forum.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
ITAC supports Indigenous‑owned and Indigenous‑led tourism businesses across Canada through marketing, development, and capacity building.