B.C. saw an 11.8 per cent increase in international overnight visitors in March 2012 resulting in a fourth straight month of gains, according to new figures released by Statistics Canada.

Over 233,000 international overnight visitors came to B.C. in March 2012, compared with just over 209,000 in March of the previous year. Overnight visitors to B.C. from the U.S. rose 8.8 per cent, with same-day U.S. visitation rising 2.1 per cent.

Visitor numbers were up 24.3 per cent from the U.K., marking an increase for the fifth month in a row. Growth was also recorded in visitors from other key markets such as Australia (up 18.7 per cent), China (up 15.2 per cent), and Germany (up 4.3 per cent) over March 2011.

Visitors from Japan increased 84.4 per cent over March 2011, rebounding from decreased travel due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami last year. B.C. also saw a 52.9 per cent increase in visitors from Mexico in March 2012 over the previous year.

The province had seen a decline in visitors from Mexico in 2009 and 2010 after the federal government introduce new visa requirements in July 2009.

Tourism is one of the key economic sectors identified in 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan'. The Province's new tourism strategy builds on the Jobs Plan, providing a framework for government and industry to work together to attract more visitors and create jobs for British Columbians. The strategy focuses on increasing the number of visitors by building on the global awareness generated by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The numbers reported by Statistics Canada are based on international visitors who cross through Canada Customs into British Columbia. Actual numbers of visitors to B.C. are higher, as domestic visitors are not included. As well, additional international visitors pass through customs outside of B.C. and then travel to the province.

Due to the seasonal nature of the tourism industry, year-over-year comparisons are used instead of month-over-month comparisons.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell -

"Today's visitor numbers reflect the strength of B.C.'s tourism industry. Given the current economic situation in Europe and the slow recovery in the U.S., it is encouraging to see that our focused marketing efforts are paying off with gains from some of our key tourism markets."

"Our ski resorts enjoyed great conditions and record snowfall this past winter, we are known the world over for our impeccable customer service and Vancouver was just been named top city in North America for international meetings. All these factors make B.C. a desirable and world-class destination."

Quick Facts:

• In 2010, the tourism sector employed 127,000 British Columbians, generated over $13.4 billion in revenue for tourism-related businesses and contributed over $1.2 billion to provincial government revenues.
• Total tourism wages and salaries were $4.4 billion in 2010, an increase of 37 per cent since 2000.
• The U.K.'s Virgin Atlantic Airways begins a new four flights per week service on May 24 from London-Heathrow to Vancouver. The new flights add an additional 960 seats per week, from the U.K., from May to October.
• In June, Sichuan Airlines will begin a new service between Chengdu, China and Vancouver.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.'s overnight customs entries, visit: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/research/IndustryPerformance/InternationalVisitorArrivals.htm

For more information on B.C.'s new provincial tourism strategy, visit: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/tourismstrategy/documents/MJTI_TourismStrategyReport_FNL.pdf

About 'Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan': http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104