Tourism Prince Rupert makes a virtual splash with new website

December 5, 2022

Photos: Tourism Prince Rupert news release

Tourism Prince Rupert launched their new visitor website on November 28, bringing an engaging and effective platform to benefit those who are travelling to the area and the local businesses they will visit.

The modern website had been in the works for some time, with Tourism Prince Rupert updating their brand identity in 2020 and looking for ways to showcase their new look to potential visitors. The new digital platform also allows them to share new information with viewers, including a robust business directory, Ts’mysen culture and history, a travel pledge and community events calendar.

“Tourism Prince Rupert is excited to have this new digital presence to help market Prince Rupert as unique and world-class visitor destination,” said Ceilidh Marlow, executive director, Tourism Prince Rupert. “The new resources and features will help us support not only visitors with their trip-planning, but also local businesses in the tourism sector by promoting them to visitors. We are extremely thankful for the financial support from NDIT for this project.”

In February 2022, the association successfully applied for a $10,200 Marketing Initiatives grant from Northern Development to assist with 50 per cent of the costs of replacing a former WordPress-based website that was developed in-house many years ago. The new website alleviates problems that the prior version had, including slow loading times, poor mobile experience and hard-to-navigate menus.

The fresh website comes as B.C.’s tourism industry is expecting a resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, people searching for their next travel destination will be met with a modern first impression when they view the coastal community’s online presence.

The addition of a business directory and community events calendar will enhance tourism benefits for local organizations, by providing them with a strong web presence in front of those who are unfamiliar with the area and the amenities the city offers.

Since 2006, Northern Development has been offering the Marketing Initiatives grant to local governments, Indigenous governments and non-profits, supporting their efforts to implement new marketing projects that support economic vitality. To date, 0ver 200 projects have received $2,674,080 in funding through the program.