Staycations are a great way to get out and explore your town, your region, your province.

They are also a great way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in B.C.’s economy. By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses you’re also helping to create jobs.

In 2013, the tourism sector employed 132,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. The sector has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses and paid out $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to tourism workers in 2013 – an increase of 3.8 % over the year before.

While there are no set rules for staycations, here are some handy dos and don'ts to make sure you get the most out of your B.C. staycation:

• Do take one – they’re good for your wallet and good for local businesses
• Do visit the HelloBC website for trip, festival and event ideas – hellobc.com
• Do sleep-in, read a big book, and spend time with your family
• Do check out local farmers markets – markets.bcfarmersmarket.org
• Do take advantage of happy hour and sit back with one of B.C.’s local craft brews or fine local wines or ciders

• Don’t check your email more than once a day
• Don’t wait at any border crossings
• Don’t stay indoors
• Don’t forget your sunscreen and a water bottle
• Don’t forget to tag your tweets using #staycationbc

Quote:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour –

“There is still a lot of summer left with enough time to enjoy a staycation. Being a tourist in your own town or your own province is a great way to enjoy our beautiful province and grow our regional economies. Do take time for a stayaction and when you’re back, tweet out your photos at #staycationbc.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests $90 million each year in the tourism sector.
• Tourism is one of eight priority sectors in the BC Jobs Plan and a key economic driver in the province.
• Staycations help boost domestic tourism revenues and local economies.
• You can plan your most efficient staycation road trip route using www.drivebc.ca
• Staycations help support over 19,000 businesses and 132,000 jobs in the tourism sector in B.C.
• In 2013, the tourism industry generated $13.9 billion in revenue and a direct contribution to B.C.’s gross domestic product of $7.3 billion, accounting for 4% of the Province’s total GDP.

Learn More:

Discover summer holiday activities and ideas in your area: www.hellobc.com