Oct 20, 20243 min read

Delta's Community Tourism Plan

Background

In August 2023, Destination BC selected Delta to participate in a facilitated Community Tourism Plan funded by PacifiCan.

Delta was chosen as a destination with significant growth potential among Metro Vancouver communities. Paired with an experienced facilitator and supported by the Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Manager for Tourism Delta, the process involved extensive engagement with the community and local businesses.

The Community Tourism Plan serves as a visionary document that outlines strategies for sustainable tourism development in Delta over the next 10-15 years.

Purpose of a Community Tourism Plan

A community tourism plan aims to meet the following goals:

Leverages tourism's economic impact and sets clear objectives and priorities.
It can be used by many stakeholders.
Increases access to grant & funding opportunities.
Improves economic growth by driving investment in Delta's tourism infrastructure and services.
Strengthens partnerships and enhances Delta’s reputation as a desirable tourist destination.
Guides improvements to infrastructure and amenities to benefit residents and visitors.

Process

Extensive Engagement - The process engaged over 300 participants, including residents, businesses, city staff, local First Nations, and elected officials. It used one-on-one and small-group interviews, a large engagement session, and online surveys.

Research and Expert Consultations, including industry and market research, data analysis, economic impact assessments and expert consultations with specialized knowledge and experience.

Comparative Analysis and Benchmarking - Research from other jurisdictions, tourism master plans, destination management strategies, and best practices.

Guiding Principles

Enhancing Delta's reputation and brand as a desirable tourist destination.
Preserving Delta's natural landscapes and heritage.
Taking a “Community First” approach.
Recognizing rhe value for tourism to significantly contribute to the local economy.
Providing a collaborative approach to economic development and infrastructure planning & development.
Recognizing strategic partnership opportunities.
Creating a sustainably funded and resourced destination marketing organization.

Key Findings

Tourism as an economic driver - Greater investment of both resources and long- term sustainable funding is necessary to foster economic growth and job creation.

Expand events and festivals - Expanding the array of events and festivals would be an immediate strategy to enhance visitation and foster community pride and excitement.

Collaboration between Economic Development + Tourism Sector - Collaboration between economic development and the tourism sector is imperative, prioritizing joint efforts to attract additional accommodation.

Ladner Village Revitalization - Revitalization enhances the local community's quality of life and significantly bolsters the area's attractiveness as a tourism destination.

Investing in data collection - Data collection and analysis are critical to understanding and maximizing the value of Delta's tourism economy.

Foundational Implementation Strategies

Quick Wins (Years 1-3)

Integration of Tourism Master Plan into Official City Plan
Conduct a Value of Tourism Study
Ensure Tourism, Community, Business & Government Leaders Included in Economic Development Conversations
Stabilized Sustainable Funding for Tourism Development & Management
Lead with “Community First” Approach - Building Positive Resident Sentiment
Investigate and Seek Opportunities to Work with Neighboring Municipalities
Foster Indigenous Partnerships and Greater Collaboration with Neighboring Indigenous Communities
Build A Tourism Delta Brand Identity