Tourism stakeholders from the North Fraser communities of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission, came together today for the next step in the development of a Regional Tourism Strategy.

Participants learned about the tourism assets in each community, identify the priority regional tourism focus and provide input into a regional tourism strategy that will draw more tourists to the three communities.

Why It Matters:

There is an abundance of recreational and tourism assets in the North Fraser - pristine wilderness, outdoor recreation opportunities, rural character (including agricultural and heritage attractions), unique festivals, community events and history.

A co-ordinated approach to tourism planning is being taken across the region, including an asset inventory, signage audit and development of a regional tourism brand with funding from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.

This workshop is just one of many positive outcomes of the North Fraser Economic Pilot facilitated by the ministry last winter and builds on the recently completed gravel improvements on the Florence Lake Forest Service Road and the newly launched Business Accelerator program in Maple Ridge.

Quote:

MLA Maple Ridge-Mission Marc Dalton -

"We have so much to offer and it's time to share our region with the world. There are numerous tourism and recreation opportunities in the North Fraser, and a tourism strategy will allow us to focus and co-ordinate work on key priorities for the benefit of our region. The work we are doing today is a significant step towards establishing a North Fraser Tourism and Recreation Corridor."

Quick Facts:

• The North Fraser region, located along the north shore of the Fraser River, covers approximately 155,400 ha (600 square miles).

• A fast-growing population, affordability, diverse workforce, good transportation infrastructure and proximity to Vancouver and US border crossings make the North Fraser an attractive proposition for investors.

Learn More at:

To find out more about BC Jobs Plan visit http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Gaining the Edge - A Five-year Strategy for Tourism in BC: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/tourismstrategy/documents/MJTI_TourismStrategyReport_FNL.pdf

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 356-8177