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.

There’s still time for a staycation in the beautiful Okanagan-Similkameen and despite recent challenges with wildfires in some parts of the region, businesses are open and ready to give visitors a great tourism experience. In particular the many award winning wineries are encouraging British Columbians to come and enjoy their hospitality and sample wines that are being recognized around the world.

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 an Okanagan-Similkameen staycation is on your radar, here are some fun activities you can enjoy:

• Night Market with the Stars: Steve Jones & the Patio Bandits play classic rock while you enjoy local vendors, Main Street, Penticton.
• Take a guided or self-guided tour of ‎Canada’s pocket desert through the 67-acre Osoyoos Desert Centre.
• Try a triathlon or cheer on the challengers at the Penticton Challenge from Aug. 26 to Aug. 31‎‎.
• Lakefront yoga at Lakeshore Drive in Penticton, Saturdays 9 a.m. in August.
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland.
• Learn about local First Nations culture at the En’owkin Centre at the Penticton Indian Band.
• Unplug while soaking up the sun on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Naramata. Maybe enjoy a tasting at local winery along the way?
• Ogopogo bathtub race, Aug. 22nd at 9:30 a.m. at Peach Orchard Park in Summerland.
• Penticton Street Dance Challenge, Aug. 28th, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Osoyoos Market on Main: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: 8707 Main Street.
• Grab you inner tube and float down the Penticton River Channel.

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.”

Linda Larson, MLA Boundary - Similkameen –

“The Okanagan and Boundary regions are full of attractions for locals and visitors alike. There is so much to see and do right here at home that there is no need to leave Beautiful B.C. to get the most from your vacation dollar.”

Dan Ashton, MLA Penticton –

“From cycling and winery tours to beaches, camping and plush resorts, the Okanagan has everything you could want in a vacation destination without leaving B.C. By vacationing close to home you are also strengthening our regional economies.”

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 Okanagan Tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/thompson-okanagan.aspx

Similkameen Valley Tourism: http://similkameenvalley.com/tourism/

Info on BC wildfires: http://bcwildfire.ca/situation/