The city is changing the way it promotes tourism and welcomes visitors after this summer season.
DestinationThink!, which has partnered with Campbell River to operate the visitor information centre since 2017, will step down from the role on September 15.
Leah Knutson, the city’s economic development and tourism manager, says it was DestinationThink!’s decision to end the partnership. She says the city will take over tourism in-house, which will come under the wing of economic development. The department is also responsible for the airport, and she says the new arrangement will allow for more tourism synergies between the visitor information centre and the airport.
“The city is committed to supporting our tourism and hospitality operators through this transition so that we can continue delivering outstanding visitor experiences,” she says. “We value our relationship with DestinationThink! and the tremendous work they have done to strengthen tourism in Campbell River. We have a strong foundation to build on as we transition tourism services and plan for the future.”
DestinationThink! CEO Rodney Payne says the organization’s focus has been on building partnerships during its tenure.
“It’s been our privilege to showcase all that Campbell River offers as a destination and share the stories of its residents and visitors over the past six years,” he says.
The visitor information centre will continue to operate out of the Maritime Heritage Centre and at various pop-up locations around town for the remainder of the 2023 season.
