The tourism sector is having an excellent year and it’s not surprising that many British Columbians are choosing to staycation and enjoy the spectacular tourism experiences in their own backyards.

Staycations can give British Columbians a chance to enjoy the province’s world-class travel experiences first-hand. The low Canadian dollar adds incentive for British Columbians to get out and explore their community, region and province. Staycations are also a good 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 sustain important jobs in the tourism sector.

Tourism is a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan and an important economic driver in the province. B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing. In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C., a 5.3% increase and nearly a quarter million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, the tourism sector employed 132,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013. 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.

If a Cariboo Chilcotin Coast staycation is on your radar, here are some fun activities you can enjoy:

• Jetboating on the the Fraser River with Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures.
• A visit to Barkerville. The largest heritage site in Western North America.
• 100 Mile House has hundreds of kilometers of backcountry trials. Explore them by ATV, mountain bike, motorcycle, horseback or on foot.
• Tour de Cariboo Gran Fondo, 75 kilometer ride from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake, Sept. 12th.
• Williams Lake Harvest Fair, Sept. 12-13th.
• Quesnel Farmers Market on Saturdays in summer.
• Take a guided tour along the traditional fishing ground of the St’at’imc People with Xwisten Experience Tours.

Quotes:

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

“We are lucky to live in “Supernatural” British Columbia where there is an endless variety of ways to vacation. Why not consider a staycation and explore this fantastic place we call home. Whether you want to hike or camp in our beautiful parks, eat at world-class restaurants, take a step back in time at a museum, learn about First Nations culture or just enjoy the views – our province has it all. I encourage everyone to visit any one of the six diverse regions that make our province so special.”

Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin –

“The Cariboo-Chilcotin is a wonderful place for locals to get re-acquainted with and for visitors to experience. From a relaxing trail ride at a local guest ranch, to perusing our unique shops and galleries, to exploring our region’s fascinating history and beautiful wonders of nature – there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North –

“Our region is rich in history, with tales of the gold rush continuing to intrigue people of all ages. I encourage visitors to experience Barkerville and take a journey back in time to one of the most exciting eras in B.C.’s history. What’s more, nearby Quesnel offers outstanding outdoor recreation possibilities including fly-fishing, canoeing, hiking and biking.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests about $90 million annually in the tourism sector.
• British Columbia posted a 5.3% increase in international overnight visitors for 2014, surpassing the 3.2% increase in arrivals to Canada as a whole.
• International tourist visits to B.C. climbed again in May 2015, marking a fifth gain in six months.
• These gains support the more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses in B.C.
• 2013, the tourism industry generated $13.9 billion in revenue, an increase of 3.6% from 2012 and a 44% increase since 2003.

Learn More:

For more info on Cariboo Chilcotin tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/cariboo-chilcotin-coast.aspx