Volunteer FAQs

1. Who is Tourism Vancouver?

Tourism 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 and ensure they return.

Tourism Vancouver is the Official provider of travel information to visitors of Vancouver. In addition to operating its flagship Visitor Centre in Downtown Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver also operates Visitor Centres at convention and special event locations throughout the city and has recently opened a Satellite Visitor Centre in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street Plaza. This is the first of many Satellite Visitor Centres to open around the downtown area to provide high level of service to all visitors before, during and after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

2. How long has Tourism Vancouver been around?

Tourism 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 Tourism Vancouver - The Greater Vancouver Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

3. How long has Tourism Vancouver's volunteer program been around?

Tourism Vancouver's volunteer program was established in 1996 with the first group of 13 volunteers at our downtown Touristinfo Centre. Since then Tourism Vancouver's volunteer program has expanded to 140 volunteers at multiple Visitor Centre locations.

4. Do you have more than one location?

In addition to operating its flagship Visitor Centre in Downtown Vancouver at 200 Burrard St, Tourism Vancouver also operates Visitor Centres at convention and special event locations throughout the city and has recently opened a Satellite Visitor Centre in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street Plaza (700 Hornby Street). This is the first of many Satellite Visitor Centres to open around the downtown area to provide high level of service to all visitors before, during and after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.


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5. What types of volunteer positions are offered at Tourism Vancouver?

Volunteer Visitor Counsellors contribute to Tourism Vancouver's Visitor Services department by significantly increasing its ability to deliver industry leading travel counselling and product promotion. The volunteers play an essential role in maintaining the service excellence that is expected by the visitors, members and industry partners.

After completing a comprehensive training and orientation program the volunteers are relied upon to respond to visitor inquiries and whenever possible promoting Tourism Vancouver member products and services. Click on the following titles to see the job descriptions for Volunteer Visitor Counsellor and/or the Volunteer City Host.

6. How can I apply to become a volunteer at Tourism Vancouver?

You may fill out our on-line volunteer application form.

Volunteer recruiting for Tourism Vancouver is selective. Candidates must complete an application form, followed by a personal interview to determine their professionalism, enthusiasm, availability, commitment and interest in promoting Metro Vancouver and Tourism Vancouver members. The volunteer role requires a few specific qualifications.

7. When will I know if I am selected for a volunteer position?

Volunteer recruiting for Tourism Vancouver is selective. Candidates must complete an application form, followed by a personal interview to determine their professionalism, enthusiasm, availability, commitment and interest in promoting Metro Vancouver and Tourism Vancouver members. The volunteer selection process may take anywhere from two weeks to eight weeks from the time of the interview depending on the position and security screening requirements.

Tourism Vancouver has now completed the volunteer recruitment process for 2009 and 2010. We may hold an additional recruitment in the fall of 2009 or late spring of 2010 based on operational needs. All applicants who meet the volunteer qualifications may be contacted for future opportunities at that time.

To learn more about our positions or training opportunities please go to

> Volunteer Training and Orientation
> Volunteer Job Opportunities

8. When does Tourism Vancouver recruit volunteers?

Tourism Vancouver has now completed the volunteer recruitment process for 2009 and 2010. We may hold an additional recruitment in the fall of 2009 or late spring of 2010 based on operational needs. All applicants who meet the volunteer qualifications may be contacted for future opportunities at that time.

9. Should I follow up regarding my application?

It is not necessary to follow up on your application. We review each volunteer application carefully for a potential match with current volunteer opportunities. If we identify a potential fit, we will contact you. Otherwise, we will maintain your volunteer application on file in the event a suitable volunteer opportunity arises in the future.

10. Who is Tourism 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, counselling, fluency in other languages are some of the beneficial skills and experience, among few other specific qualifications, that are desired for the volunteer positions at Tourism Vancouver.

11. What type of volunteer training and orientation is provided?

Volunteer Visitor Counsellor
All volunteers interested in this role are required to complete a mandatory 3-day provincial certification training program called Tourism Visitor Counsellor training and participate in Olympic specific training.

During this training, volunteers receive an introduction to Tourism Vancouver's customer service expectations, a review of a variety of travel counselling tools and an orientation to the various aspects of the visitor centres. Following this classroom style training volunteers receive additional on-site shadowing and coaching. After the completion of 40 hours of on-site visitor counselling experience volunteers receive a performance evaluation which is the final step in completing the requirements of Tourism Visitor Counsellor Certification.

Volunteer City Host
All volunteers wishing to be a city host are required to complete a mandatory 2-day certification training program called City Host training and participate in Olympic specific training.

During this training, volunteers receive an introduction to Tourism Vancouver's customer service expectations, a review of most frequently used maps, guides and other information resources and a general orientation to the various services of the visitor centres. Following this classroom style training volunteers receive additional on location shadowing and coaching. After the completion of 5 volunteer shifts experience volunteers receive a performance evaluation which is the final step in completing the requirements of Volunteer City Host Certification.

In addition to the initial training, in-house workshops and member product familiarization tours are organized as part of Tourism Vancouver's commitment to on-going training and product knowledge development.

12. What is the length of volunteer commitment with Tourism Vancouver?

Tourism Vancouver is committed to exceeding expectations and invests considerable resources into recruiting, training and supporting its staff & volunteers. To provide the best travel information services and create positive experiences for all visitors before, during and after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Tourism Vancouver requests the following volunteer time commitment.

  • Commitment to attend training and orientation in 2009 and
  • Minimum of 4 hours/week volunteer commitment leading up to February 2010 and then increasing to
  • Minimum commitment of 50-60 volunteer hours during the 17 days of the 2010 Olympic Games and
  • Minimum commitment of 20-30 volunteer hours during the 10 days of the 2010 Paralympic Games

Games time volunteer shifts will be approximately 6-8 hours in duration depending on operational needs.

13. Is the volunteer uniform provided by Tourism Vancouver?

A uniform and a nametag are important indicators of consistent, professional service. As part of Tourism Vancouver's commitment to professionalism and superior customer service a communal volunteer vest or a jacket (depending on location) and a nametag are currently provided. The volunteer is responsible for providing their own white shirt/blouse, black dress pants/skirt and closed toe black shoes.

In December 2009 all volunteers committed to the required games time contribution will receive a new official Tourism Vancouver games time personal uniform consisting of indoor and outdoor wear clothing pieces. All City Host volunteers will also be provided with additional uniform items and tools necessary to provide excellent information services while welcoming visitors on the streets of Vancouver.

14. Are the meals and public transportation provided by Tourism Vancouver?

Water, coffee, tea, milk or hot chocolate is always available for volunteers to enjoy while at Tourism Vancouver. In addition surprise treats are offered from time to time as a way of appreciation. As a not for profit organization, Tourism Vancouver is currently unable to offer free transit fares or meals for volunteers.

15. What are the benefits of volunteering with Tourism Vancouver?

The volunteer program has various activities and rewards to show Tourism Vancouver's appreciation for the volunteers' professionalism and time commitment. The following are some of the rewards and opportunities offered at Tourism 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
  • Be part of one of the biggest most celebrated sporting events on the planet
  • Give back to your community
  • Gain further experiences and knowledge about the city and province
  • Choose your volunteer job when you apply
  • Volunteer at or near major Olympic venues and celebration sites during the games
  • Get an Official Tourism Vancouver uniform and other exciting keepsake items
  • Expect realistic volunteer hours requirement leaving you time for other activities
  • Have an experience of a lifetime and be part of the legacy
  • Tourism Visitor Counselor or City Host certification training
  • Receive service awards
  • Access the local sights by way of familiarization tours and the Tourism Challenge Passport Program
  • Attend volunteer appreciation events and functions
  • Receive a multitude of rewards and recognition

16. Can I continue volunteering with Tourism Vancouver at one of the Visitor Centres after the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games?

There will definitely be an opportunity to continue volunteering with Tourism Vancouver after the games. This will be determined on individual basis in consideration of operational needs, individual volunteer's level of professionalism, volunteer time commitment and ongoing learning commitment.

17. How do I know my application has been received?

You will receive a confirmation e-mail.

18. Is there age limit for volunteers?

All applicants need to be at least 18 years of age at this time.

19. What is the background or security check?

All Tourism Vancouver volunteers and staff may be required to undergo a security check conducted by the RCMP as part of the accreditation process for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This is to ensure safety and well-being of everyone involved as well as the security of the event itself and accessibility of designated volunteer position locations during the games. All prospective volunteer candidates will be required to provide a photo ID and additional information to RCMP for this background check as part of the volunteer interview and selection process.

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