Uniquely Cowichan

The purpose of the Tourism Cowichan Society (TCS) is to promote the desirability of our region to potential visitors by telling the story of Cowichan in a way that taps into the essence of the area.

This portal exists to provide Tourism Cowichan stakeholders with resources, information and marketing tools. On this page, you will find information on how to become a registered stakeholder, how to claim a website listing, a guide to social media amplification, tourism research and reports, updates on stakeholder events, and more. 

Destination marketing is always most effective when it is industry-driven. We will be using your input to continuously increase the effectiveness of our destination marketing initiatives.

Thank you for being an active part of Tourism Cowichan Society!

About Our Organization

Tourism Cowichan Society is managed by a service contractor, 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island), and is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of regional tourism stakeholders. Tourism Cowichan Society was formed in 2002.

Tourism Cowichan Society (TCS) is a Community Destination Management Organization.

Vision: Tourism in the Cowichan region is a significant contributor to the region’s economic and social well-being, with the region being recognized as a premier destination for leisure getaways and vacations.

Mission: Contribute to increasing the economic and social benefits of a thriving tourism industry through focused, industry driven and professionally managed marketing and promotion of the region into the nearby markets; and supporting the efforts of regional, provincial and national destination marketing.

The role of TCS is to represent the Cowichan Region as a destination and support the long-term development and well-being of our communities through tourism strategy:

  • Act as the official source of travel information for the Cowichan region
  • Coordinate regional tourism marketing to increase overnight stays and visitor spending
  • Support sustainable economic development through tourism

TCS receives funding through three primary sources: Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT), Destination BC Co-op Marketing Partnership Program (application-based), and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. To learn more about the MRDT program, follow the link below.

Learn More About MRDT
Learn More About DBC Co-op Marketing Program

Tourism Cowichan provides regional tourism marketing services through a number of activities. Marketing tactics are focused on increasing length of stay during off-peak times (fall, winter, spring). Key target markets are short-haul travelers from BC, Alberta, and Washington.

  • Brand development
  • Seasonal marketing campaigns (fall and spring)
  • Print, broadcast, and out-of-home advertising
  • Digital marketing (consumer website, organic and paid social media, display and native advertising, email marketing)
  • Travel media and travel trade hosting
  • Cowichan Visitor Guide
  • Consortium marketing partnerships (Golf Vancouver Island, BC Ale Trail, BC Bird Trail, BC Farmers’ Markets, Paddle BC, Mountain Biking BC, AhoyBC)
  • Consumer show exhibits
  • Image and video acquisition
  • Written content
  • Market research and evaluation
  • Events and Festivals Fund

To learn more about our marketing initiatives, check out our 2023/2024 Destination Marketing Plan below.

2023/2024 Destination Marketing Plan

Strong leadership and guidance is provided to Tourism Cowichan Society by its Board of Directors, representing a broad spectrum of Cowichan’s tourism industry. These board members volunteer their time and contribute extensive knowledge and experience to ensure transparent and meaningful collaboration with tourism stakeholders in the Cowichan region.  

President: Bob Day, Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation

Past President: Janet Docherty, Merridale Cidery & Distillery

Treasurer/Secretary: Leif Bogwald, Vancouver Island Expeditions

Elected Director: Josh Handysides, Malahat Nation

Elected Director: Shawn Kosmuk, Oak Bay Marine Group

Elected Director: Ian McPherson, Brentwood College School

Elected Director: Brennan Colebank, Stillhead Distillery

Elected Director: Ian Wish, Malahat Skywalk

Elected Director: Zachery Hobden, Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn

Appointed Director: Carol Messier, Chamber Representative

If you are interested in board opportunities with Tourism Cowichan Society, please reach out to president@tourismcowichan.com

Board of Directors Handbook
Bylaws

Stakeholder Benefits

Are you a tourism or hospitality-focused business operating in the Cowichan Region? Join Tourism Cowichan Society in showcasing Cowichan as a destination.

Stakeholder Registration form
Sign Up for Stakeholder News

Networking Opportunities

Collaboration is key! Engage with other tourism-related businesses in your area to learn more about their challenges, successes, and collaboration opportunities.

Voting Rights

Have your say. Registered stakeholders hold voting rights.

Access to Tourism Cowichan Events Calendar

Submit your events and festivals to our events calendar for amplification.

Consumer Newsletter Mentions

Our consumer newsletter highlights seasonal offerings and mentions of specials and events.

Recognized as a Travel Media Partner

Tourism Cowichan works with 4VI & DBC in the Travel Trade and Travel Media sector, occasionally hosting international groups and writers.

Online Listing of Your Business

Your business will receive a free listing on the Tourism Cowichan consumer website.

Social Media Amplification

Use the hashtag #ExploreCowichan and #GoWithTheSlow on Facebook and Instagram to have your content featured on the Tourism Cowichan social channels.

Access to Image and Video Assets

Gain access to Cowichan images and videos to use for your own marketing purposes.

Featured in Cowichan Visitor Guide

Your business could be featured in the Cowichan Visitor Guide which is distributed widely throughout the province.

Cowichan Spark Program

Do you have a new tourism idea for the Cowichan Region? If so, we want to hear from you!

Applications are now open being accepted until November 12, 2024.

The “Spark” Program will match selected applicants with a tourism mentor and provide $3,000 in seed funds to help bring their new tourism ideas to life. Our goal is to inspire Cowichan entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits, and community groups to come forward with creative ideas that will spark new tourism offerings, experiences and collaborations in the Cowichan Region.

Who Can Apply?

  • Individuals 18+ who live, work and/or own property in the Cowichan Region
  • Small businesses based in the Cowichan Region (new or existing, up to 10 full-time year round employees)
  • Small non-profit organizations and community groups based in the Cowichan Region (new or existing, up to 10 full-time year round employees) ​

What Are We Looking For?
We are looking for new tourism ideas for the Cowichan Region that would address one or more of the following:

  • Enhance current tourism offerings
  • Create high-quality, low impact tourism experiences
  • Address gaps in tourism products and services
  • Motivate longer stays and repeat visits
  • Increase year-round visitation and tourism spending 
  • Encourage collaboration between tourism operators


​* Tourism ideas must be based in and benefit the Cowichan Region.

* Women-led and Indigenous-led tourism ideas and businesses are encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply hereINFO SESSION RECORDING

2024 Events & Festivals Fund

The Events & Festivals Fund invests in the creation and enhancement of events and festivals that attract visitors to the Cowichan Region and improves the region’s competitive appeal as a preferred multi-night destination on Vancouver Island.

The 2024 Events & Festivals Fund application intake is now closed. The 2025 Events & Festivals Fund intake will open in Fall 2024. Check back here for updates and subscribe to our stakeholder newsletter to stay informed.

2024 Events & Festivals Fund Program Guidelines

(PDF)

download

2024 Events & Festivals Fund Application

(Fillable PDF)

download

This program is funded through the Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT) revenues from the Cowichan Region’s tourism sector. The $100,000 fund will be available on an annual basis and is designed to fund out-of-region marketing activities for festival and event organizers to:

  • Increase visitation and overnight stays in the Cowichan Region;
  • Increase the economic and social benefits that flow from tourism to residents of the Cowichan Region;
  • Drive seasonal dispersion through the off-peak seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring);
  • Position Cowichan as a preferred multi-night tourism destination; and
  • Ensure that tourism makes meaningful contributions to the social, cultural, and/or environmental well-being of the Cowichan Region.

    Applicants may apply to receive a maximum funding contribution of $10,000.

    If you have any questions about the Events & Festivals Fund, please contact: Kenzie Knight, Tourism Development Specialist at kenzie@tourismcowichan.com or (250) 667-8558.

    • Noir Fest – Averill Creek Vineyard
    • Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival – Sooke River Bluegrass Festival Society
    • Cowichan Valley Wine Festival – Cowichan Wineries Society
    • Visions Art Tour – Visions Studio Tour Society
    • 118th Women’s Amateur Golf Championship – BC Golf Association
    • Cider Harvest Festival – Merridale Cidery & Distillery
    • Craft Spirit Festival – Merridale Cidery & Distillery
    • Ladysmith Festival of Lights – Ladysmith Festival of Lights Society
    • Cowichan Fall Festival & Fun Run – Chemainus Business Improvement Association
    • Seasonal Events – BC Forest Discovery Centre
    • Fall Makers Market – Miller + Co. Makers Inc.
    • Burnt Bridge Classic Gravel Fondo – Wheelhouse Cycling Society
    • 137th Vancouver Island Grass Courts Championship – South Cowichan Lawn Tennis
    • Chemainus Corvette Show n’ Shine – Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce
    • Sparkling Day in Cowichan Experience – Blue Grouse Estate Winery
    • Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival – Chemainus Business Improvement Association
    • Headwater Outdoor Festival – Tri 1 Events
    • Holistic Wellness Workshops & Retreat – Hi Point Guest Ranch
    • Belgian Waffle Ride – Platinum Racing Inc.
    • Fall Farm Fest – Cowichan Green Community
    • Duncan Night Market – Duncan Farmers’ Market

      The BC Forest Discovery Centre has experienced tremendous success using the funds from the Events and Festival Fund. The grant allowed us to launch TV and radio campaigns that focused on areas outside the Cowichan Valley. We increased our attendance by over 24% to 3,282 for the Easter weekend from the previous year. It was very noticeable how many first-time visitors we had from out of town. I asked one mother how she had heard about the event, and she said my son heard it on the radio and said “Can we go, please?” We will be advertising outside the Cowichan Valley for all of our major events from now on. Thank-you Tourism Cowichan. Chris Gale, BC Forest Discovery Centre

      On behalf of Averill Creek Vineyard, we would like to thank Tourism Cowichan for their support through the Events & Festivals Fund. The program has helped us to expand event awareness for Noir Fest, and helped us to continue to grow the festival. This kind of support is vital for small businesses in the Cowichan Valley to continue to build and improve the community and promote our offerings. Courtney Ponte, Averill Creek Vineyard

      On behalf of the Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival, we would like to express our gratitude for Tourism Cowichan’s support through the Events and Festival Fund. The program fits perfectly with our five-year marketing plan to reach our primary growth target audience of off-Island attendees and those outside the Cowichan Valley Region. With Tourism Cowichan’s support, we were able to increase our 2023 audience from the Lower Mainland. We also made inroads reaching audience members from central BC, Alberta and the US Pacific Northwest. We hope to continue growing these target markets and have plans to reach potential audiences in these markets for our 2024 festival. Bob Remington, Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival

      Tourism Cowichan’s Events & Festivals Fund allowed British Columbia Golf to elevate our 118th Women’s Amateur at Arbutus Ridge Golf Club and make this one of our most memorable Championships in 2023. The fund was used to elevate the player and spectator experience and showcase the opportunities that the area has to offer. We are looking forward to returning to the Cowichan area and continuing to highlight all that this area has to offer both on and off the golf course. Jerome Goddard, British Columbia Golf

      Cowichan Wineries Society would like to express major gratitude for the continued support of  Tourism Cowichan. The Events and Festival Fund has allowed us to continue to market our Cowichan Valley Wine Festival to a broader audience. The month-long festival in August brings so much traffic through our wineries and the valley in general – everyone benefits. The dedication the team at Tourism Cowichan has to building up this community is commendable, and we greatly appreciate their tireless efforts. Cowichan Wineries Society

      The funding provided by Tourism Cowichan gave us the support we needed to create a festival that highlighted both our own company and Cowichan. Tourism Cowichan has been extremely supportive during the whole process, making it very accessible for businesses. Janet Docherty, Merridale Cidery & Distillery

      Upcoming Stakeholder Events and Workshops

      Network with fellow tourism operators in the Cowichan region, or expand your knowledge with a tourism-related workshop.

      Submit an Event

      If you would like your visitor-related event or festival featured on the Tourism Cowichan events calendar, please submit it below. 

      Submit Event Here

      Marketing Resources

      Tourism Cowichan is pleased to provide the following marketing resources to benefit our stakeholders. We actively work with stakeholders, partners and the community to shape the future of a sustainable tourism economy and deliver our brand promise to each and every visitor.

      Tourism Cowichan Brand Guidelines

      Become familiar with Tourism Cowichan’s brand guidelines including our story and values.

      download

      Social Amplification Toolkit

      A guide to amplifying your social media content through Tourism Cowichan’s channels.

      download

      Visitor Guide

      Pick up print copies of the 2024 Cowichan Visitor Guide at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre to share with your guests.

      download

      BC Content Hub

      Access image and video assets from Destination BC and Tourism Cowichan, to promote your tourism business.

      Learn More

      Destination BC Learning Centre

      Destination BC’s centralized hub for free tourism resources, tools, videos, guides, templates, and more!

      LEARN MORE

      Destination BC Tourism Business Portal

      Create a free HelloBC business listing and promote your travel offers on HelloBC.com

      LEARN MORE

      Destination BC Tourism Digital Academy

      Free 8-week program for BC tourism businesses wanting to build their digital marketing skills.

      LEARN MORE

      Destination BC Working with the Travel Trade

      A guide to help you determine if marketing through the travel trade is right for your business.

      DOWNLOAD

      Are You Travel Trade Ready?

      Self-assessment checklist designed to help you assess your readiness to work with travel trade.

      download

      Google My Business Listings

      Learn how to claim and optimize your Google My Business listing to easily attract guests.

      LEARN MORE

      Tripadvisor Listings

      Creating and optimizing a Tripadvisor page is key to ensuring success of your tourism business. Learn how by clicking here!

      LEARN MORE

      Sustainability Resources

      A collection of resources, training opportunities, and research to guide and empower tourism businesses to actively contribute to the development of a sustainable and regenerative tourism industry on Vancouver Island.

      BC Tourism Sustainability Network

      1-on-1 support to help integrate sustainability into business operations and storytelling.

      LEARN MORE

      Biosphere Commitment Program

      Free sustainability certification program for Vancouver Island tourism businesses.

      LEARN MORE

      Vancouver Island Carbon Audit

      Greenhouse gas inventory for tourism on Vancouver Island completed by Synergy Enterprises in January 2023.

      Download

      Climate Action Plan for Tourism on Vancouver Island

      This plan outlines 4VI’s
      climate action goals from 2023-2030 in five key areas.

      DOWNLOAD

      BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative

      Provincial-led project to support a resilient tourism sector that is prepared to adapt to climate change.

      Learn More

      Responsible Purchasing Toolkit for Tourism Operators

      Guide to assist tourism operators towards implementing responsible purchasing policies.

      download

      Carbon Footprint of Food Guide

      Guide to assist tourism operators in understanding the carbon footprint of food, and factors for sourcing low emissions food.

      download

      State of Gender Equality for Vancouver Island’s
      Tourism Sector

      Study conducted by WORTH Association and 4VI in 2023.

      download

      Emergency Resources

      As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and preparedness of our industry partners and stakeholders, we are sharing some important resources to help your business prepare for an emergency. Tourism Cowichan will continue to align our messaging with Destination BC and in accordance with the Provincial Government.

      These materials should be reviewed and integrated into operational plans by all stakeholders. Your proactive engagement with these resources is vital for the safety and well-being of our communities in the Cowichan Region.

      PreparedBC:
      Guide for Tourism Operators

      Step-by-step guide to help prepare tourism businesses and their staff for emergencies and guest safety.

      download

      PreparedBC: Emergency Plan for Tourism Operators

      Templates and tools designed to help operators easily plan a fast and effective response to emergencies.

      download

      BC Emergency Management Framework

      Coordinated system for tourism
      partners to enhance emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

      download

      Destination BC Emergency Preparedness

      One-stop shop for tourism-industry official emergency preparedness resources and guidance.

      Learn More

      Indigenous Engagement Requirements Funding Program

      Funding for the implementation of the Indigenous Engagement Requirements within the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA).

      download

      Water Conservation Tourism Industry Toolkit (2024)

      Official resources, and suggested actions and messaging for BC tourism industry partners to help champion responsible water use.

      download

      Responsible Travel Graphics

      Seasonal graphics for industry members to download and share through their channels
      to promote responsible visitation
      and emergency prevention.

      download

      Reports

      Read the destination development strategies below to learn more about the direction of tourism for Vancouver Island and the Cowichan Region.

      South Central Island Destination Development Strategy

      A ten-year destination development strategy completed in 2018 for the South Central Island Region of Vancouver Island.

      download

      Vancouver Island Destination Development Strategy

      A ten-year strategy developed to enhance the tourism competitiveness of the Vancouver Island region from 2019-2029.

      Download

      Cowichan Lake Region Hiking & Cycling Tourism Action Plan

      A framework completed in 2018 to build the Cowichan Lake Region into a remarkable and sustainable hiking and cycling destination.

      Download

      Tourism Research

      Market and industry research are critical for decision-making and tourism planning. Learn more about the research Tourism Cowichan has gathered and find research from our tourism partners.

      Cowichan Resident Sentiment Study

      A study was conducted in 2023 to better understand resident perceptions towards tourism development.

      download

      Cowichan Visitor Sentiment Study

      Visitor incercept data was collected in 2022 to gain insight on visitors and their perceptions of the Cowichan region.

      Download

      2021 Mobilescapes Visitor Analysis

      Mobile movement data was collected to better understand Cowichan visitor origins, EQ types, and PRIZM segments.

      Download

      2015 Cowichan Visitor Profile

      Visitor intercept data was collected in 2015 to understand the type of visitors travelling to Cowichan.

      Download

      BC Tourism Impact Portal

      Central data portal providing key insights on tourism development in BC to support well-informed decisions for a sustainable future.

      Learn More

      Vancouver Island Positioning Study

      A study that determines how to position the three regions of North Island, Comox Valley and Cowichan to attract tourism.

      Download

      Destination BC Research

      Tourism research that provides industry with data to enhance the effectiveness of marketing and development projects.

      LEARN MORE

      Resident Perceptions of Tourism Research

      Resident perceptions towards tourism research conducted by Destination BC for the Central Vancouver Island region.

      LEARN MORE

      Contact Us

      For further information about Tourism Cowichan, please contact Kenzie Knight, Tourism Development Specialist: