The Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) is excited to announce the multi-media launch of its Fall and Early Winter season #exploreBCruralislands initiative on October 20! This innovative pilot program, funded by Destination BC Co-Op Marketing, encourages travellers to experience unique destination activities across the five rural islands of Cormorant, Cortes, Gabriola, Hornby and Quadra.
#exploreBCruralislands Fosters Experiences That:
- Further respectful visitation
- Affirm conservation best practices
- Advance climate awareness
- Promote patronage of local island businesses
All activities honour the unique Indigenous and non-Indigenous character of each island, while also highlighting connections between them by featuring locations, experiences and one-of-kind island businesses. To date, 25+ small businesses, five Community Associations, and two First Nations from across these islands are participating in #exploreBCruralislands.
Documenting the scope of #exploreBCruralislands took place during September. Videographers and photojournalists engaged with locals to cover a selection of each Islands’ destination experiences along the themes of respectful visitation, conservation best practices and climate awareness. As a result, a treasure trove of photographs and videos highlighting the islands’ natural beauty, Indigenous culture, and unique local businesses will be published on RIEP's @ruralislandspartnership Instagram and Facebook channels under the #exploreBCruralislands hashtag. Island locals and visitors are encouraged to like, share and tag their Fall and Early Winter experiences via this hashtag as well.
Sharing these island highlights reinforces the importance of these islands as a vital economic and cultural asset for British Columbia.
RIEP extends thanks to the generous support of the #exploreBCruralislands Advisory Committee members representing the Cortes Island Community Economic Development Association, the ‘Namgis Business Development Corp., the Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corp., the Discovery Islands Chamber of Commerce, and the local island volunteers who helped with on-site activity management.
#exploreBCruralislands is a collaborative project, sponsored by RIEP, realized with generous local volunteer support, produced by Jim Barr of Seekers Media, and funded by Destination BC.
