BC B&B Inn Membership Benefits
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Marketing
50,000 first-class brochures are printed in late winter/early spring and widely distributed to such locations as BC Ferries, Vancouver International Airport, BC Tourism Information Centres and travel Associations BCAA and AAA.
Our site consistently shows up in the top five on Google searches for "BC Bed & Breakfast". With this new site, individual listings will drive more traffic to our members' websites.
Along with our Guild logo, you will see our brand in Bed & Breakfast publications and other print and online material, positioning BC Innkeepers as the choice for Bed & Breakfast accommodation in British Columbia. As a member of the Guild you are entitled to use our brand in your own advertising, as long as you are a member of the Guild.
Members of the Guild can also list on BC Travel Guide at a special member rate of $25 annually.
In addition, members who offer weddings and retreats at their B&B inn, can purchase a separate listing on each of those pages, which are linked with a graphic directly from the home page. A listing on the Weddings page is $50 per year; a listing on the Retreats page is $50 per year (October 1 - September 30); list on both Weddings & Retreats pages for $75 per year.
Members are also able to purchase a listing under one "second city", within 25 km of their own city. Second city listings show underneath listings in the actual city, as being close by, and must be approved by the Website Committee. A second city listing is $25 per year.
Networking and Referrals
The Guild's membership is divided into regions, each headed by a Regional Representative. The regional network provides support to members to enhance referrals, improve their businesses and to bring forward local issues to the Board of Directors of the Guild. In addition, some regional groups are involved in additional marketing for their region. Members refer to Members!
Commission-Free On Line Reservation System
If you select the web package as one of your marketing options, you get the added benefit of having your availability featured on the Guild's website.
Guild members receive a preferred annual rate of 20% off with Webervations for an online availability and reservations system featured on the Guild's website. Webervations is ideal for incorporating into members' individual websites and allows for automatic updates to all sites that feature the Webervations system. No commissions are paid on any bookings. Guests are looking for quick access to B&B availability and many choose to book online. An online reservations system is just another option you can offer your guests, allowing them to book with you in whichever manner they prefer; by phone, by e-mail, or online on a secure site. In addition to being the industry standard in online reservations, Webervations is compatible with a number of guest booking systems that members may already be using. Check it out here.
Industry Representation
The Board of Directors and several Ad-Hoc Committees have been very active in representing our industry and our members on such critical issues as property assessment and Canada Select inspection criteria. The Guild supported the Tourism Industries Association of BC (TIABC) in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the HST, which went into effect July 1, 2010. Our Advocacy page will give you a list of issues the Guild has been involved in on behalf of the Bed & Breakfast industry.
Partnerships
The Guild recognizes the Access Canada ratings, accommodating seniors and travelers with disabilities. As well, Canada Select members and AAA members are recognized in our brochure and web listings. Through membership in the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), The Guild, and therefore the B&B industry, has a voice with other tourism associations in the province.
Members of the Guild also get preferred rates at Cloverdale Paint corporate stores and at Heirloom Linens, Canada's Online Bedding Store. The Bay also offers discounts on many items for Bed & Breakfasts in BC.
Professional Development
The Guild hosts an annual members meeting and AGM, including a professional development component. Every so many years full conferences are planned with guest speakers, multiple educational seminars, round-table sessions for dialogue around issues of common concern, and social events.
Our newsletter INNformation, and regular Table Talk bulletins are the two publications keeping our members up-to-date with issues in the B&B industry, Guild activities, member recognition, and upcoming events.
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