Volunteer FAQs
1. Who is Destination Vancouver?
Destination Vancouver is a not for profit business association representing approximately 1,050 members in tourism and related activities. Our purpose is to effectively market Metro Vancouver as a destination for leisure, meeting and event travellers. Our goals are to attract visitors to the region, encourage them to stay longer or to return for many more visits.
Destination Vancouver is the Official provider of travel information to visitors of Vancouver.
2. How long has Destination Vancouver been around?
Destination Vancouver first came to be in 1902, under the name of the "Vancouver Information & Tourist Bureau". Over the years our name has evolved to the current name of Destination Vancouver - The Metro Vancouver Conventions and Visitors Bureau.
3. How long has Destination Vancouver's volunteer program been around?
Destination Vancouver's volunteer program was established in 1996 with the first group of 13 volunteers at our downtown Touristinfo Centre. Since then Destination Vancouver's volunteer program has expanded to over 150 volunteers at Hosting/Greeting locations.
4. What types of volunteer positions are offered at Destination Vancouver?
Destination Vancouver offers one type of volunteer position in a variety of settings: Volunteer Visitor Experience Specialist. Volunteers contribute to Destination Vancouver's Experience Vancouver department by significantly increasing its ability to deliver industry leading travel counselling and experience promotion. Destination Vancouver Volunteers play an essential role in maintaining the service excellence that is expected by visitors, members and industry partners. After completing a comprehensive training and orientation program volunteers are relied upon to respond to visitor inquiries and whenever possible promoting Destination Vancouver member experiences.
5. When does Destination Vancouver recruit volunteers?
Destination Vancouver's volunteer recruitment usually takes place in February/March every year or less often, depending on operational needs.
6. Who is Destination Vancouver looking for?
The outstanding reputation of our exciting industry is due to the quality and calibre of our people. We are seeking local residents with a special interest in assisting visitors to our beautiful city, who bring with them a sound knowledge of Vancouver and British Columbia. Customer service, sales, information counselling, fluency in other languages are some of the beneficial skills and experience, among a few other specific qualifications that are desired for the volunteer positions at Destination Vancouver:
- Ability to communicate fluently in English, second language a definite asset;
- Enjoy meeting people and interacting with other cultures;
- Excellent knowledge of Metro Vancouver and British Columbia;
- Good knowledge of Metro Vancouver Transit system;
- Great interpersonal & sales skills, engaged, enthusiastic, and friendly;
- Be a permanent resident, Canadian citizen and have lived in Metro Vancouver for more than one year;
- Comfortable volunteering in a busy, energetic, fun environment;
- Be able to make a commitment to completing the training program;
- Commit to volunteering 4.5 hours a week for at least one year;
- Comfortable standing and/or walking for lengthy periods of time;
- Basic internet search and other basic computer applications knowledge
7. What type of volunteer training and orientation is provided?
The volunteer team members will receive a 1-day classroom training. Following the classroom training volunteers will receive additional on-site shadowing and coaching to help them prepare for their role.
In addition to the initial training, in-person and/or online member presentations, and product familiarization tours are organized as part of Destination Vancouver's commitment to on-going training and product knowledge development.
8. What is the length of volunteer commitment with Destination Vancouver?
Destination Vancouver is committed to exceeding expectations and invests a significant amount of resources into recruiting, training and supporting its team members & volunteers. To provide the best travel information services and create unsurpassed experiences for all visitors to Vancouver, Destination Vancouver requests the following volunteer time commitment.
- Commitment to attend training and orientation and
- Minimum of 4.5 hours/week volunteer commitment on regular basis
9. Is the volunteer uniform provided by Destination Vancouver?
A uniform and a nametag are important indicators of consistent, professional service. As part of Destination Vancouver's commitment to professionalism and superior customer service a personal brand color and logoed shirt and a nametag are provided. The volunteer is responsible for providing their own black cardigan, black dress pants/skirt and closed toe black shoes.
10. Are the meals and public transportation provided by Destination Vancouver?
Water, coffee, tea, milk or hot chocolate is always available for volunteers to enjoy during their break at our main office. In addition surprise treats are offered from time to time as a way of appreciation. As a not for profit organization, Destination Vancouver is currently unable to offer free transit fares or meals for volunteers.
11. What are the benefits of volunteering with Destination Vancouver?
The volunteer program has various activities and rewards to show Destination Vancouver's appreciation for the volunteers' professionalism, passion and time commitment. The following are some of the rewards and opportunities offered at Destination Vancouver:
- Welcome and interact with visitors from around the world;
- Share your passion for the city and province you live in;
- Enjoy being part of an exciting organization and industry in Vancouver;
- Give back to your community and help others;
- Gain further professional experience and knowledge;
- Length of service awards;
- Tourism privilege pass & member familiarization tours;
- Annual volunteer appreciation events and more
12. How can I apply to become a volunteer at Destination Vancouver?
You may fill out our on-line Volunteer Application form in advance. Volunteer applications are kept on file for next recruitment. Volunteer recruiting for Destination Vancouver is selective. Candidates must complete an application form, followed by a personal interview to determine their knowledge, enthusiasm, availability, commitment and interest in promoting Metro Vancouver and Destination Vancouver members.
