Hosting a major games related event, such as the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, can have significant impacts far beyond the event into many areas, including: transportation, volunteers, security, public spaces, health care, housing and human resources. For more information on learning opportunities connected to the 2010 Games, visit www.eLegacies.ca/2010.

Business development and investment in tourism takes place at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels from both the public and the private sector.

Sound planning is the key to success for communities wishing to incorporate tourism into their local economy - or those with existing tourism businesses wanting to make the most out of this economic driver. Communities can learn from tourism plans and Case Studies from BC and beyond. For more information on Tourism BC's community programs, click here .

The field of Destination Development encompasses a number of strategically linked tourism economic development activities, aimed at encouraging visits to the area and, usually, increasing overnight stays. The process may include assessments, planning, partnership development, education for local government officials, zoning and construction initiatives, problem area revitalization, branding, and signage initiatives.

Tourism is widely recognized as a "people industry", making human resources a particularly important component of success. Recruitment, retention, managing staff, training and development: these are the critical areas go2, the resource for people in tourism, is mandated to address. Visit go2's website (www.go2hr.ca) for more information or read on.

Tourism and hospitality businesses and organizations are becoming increasingly reliant on a range of marketing activities. The process of marketing means creating a match between a target market and the mix of product (or service), location (distribution), price, and promotion.

More communities than ever before are incorporating tourism into their economies. Due to the social, environmental, and economic impacts of tourism, developing sound policies to support tourism and creating effective community tourism action plans are an important component of influencing tourism development.

Risk management involves comprehensive efforts from tourism operators, individuals, organizations, and government. From legal protection to mitigating damages from natural disasters, this is an area of growing importance in the tourism industry.

Whether a visitor is experiencing a four-star hotel or enjoying a week on the slopes, tourism businesses must deliver consistent, outstanding service to guests, residents, and employees. Tourism BC's WorldHost, the quintessential service program, was created in preparation for the 1986 Expo in Vancouver. Click here to check out WorldHost or read on for more about service quality in tourism.

Businesses with well developed health and safety plans create a better environment for employees, and save on lost time and injury claim costs. As many tourism and hospitality occupations carry risks, it's important for businesses to incorporate health and safety strategies into their workplace plans. Click here to visit go2's health and safety division or read on.