Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
By exploring what B.C. has to offer - even close to home - British Columbians can contribute to job creation, the development of local businesses and support the tourism industry in B.C.
In a series of videos, Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour, is highlighting some of the exceptional tourist experiences British Columbians can find in their own communities and also throughout the province. While the campaign is kicking off in the Christmas season, it will continue throughout next year to highlight the many year-round experiences B.C. has to offer.
In the latest video, Bond showcases the Fairmont Empress Hotel's Festival of Trees as a great family activity for a staycation. The Vancouver Christmas Market is also featured as a vibrant venue and a way to support small businesses, with many offering crafts and products for sale at the market.
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto will also take part in the campaign with an upcoming video highlighting B.C.'s ski hills as a fun-filled staycation idea and a way to grow the tourism sector.
Tourism is an important economic driver in British Columbia and is one of the eight key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan. In 2011, the tourism sector generated revenues of $13.4 billion and employed 127,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. The industry supports businesses of all sizes - with approximately 18,000 tourism-related businesses in B.C.
British Columbians can join the conversation on Twitter with #staycationbc.
Quotes:
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour -
"Tourism is an important job creator in our province and by exploring British Columbia we can help to keep tourism dollars and jobs here in B.C. I'll be finding ways to explore my own community with my family - and I hope you'll take the opportunity to celebrate what B.C. has to offer as well."
Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -
"One of my favourite ways to spend my free time is to go snowshoeing on the North Shore Mountains. Tourism is an important economic driver in our province - and ski resorts are a key player. Why not explore your local ski hill this year? By taking a staycation, we can support vital businesses in our communities and also grow our economy right across B.C."
Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination BC -
"British Columbia has an abundance of diverse landscapes, exciting attractions and entertaining activities; this winter is the perfect time for a B.C. staycation. At Destination BC it's our job to market British Columbia to the world but we also encourage British Columbians to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness right here in our own backyard."
Learn More:
To view Minister Bond's staycation videos featuring the Vancouver Christmas Market and the Fairmont Empress' Festival of Trees, please visit: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/12/explore-bc-with-a-staycation.html
To find out about activities and destinations throughout the province, please visit: www.hellobc.com
Media Contact:
Media Relations
Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799
