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 Sea to Sky staycation is on your radar, here are some fun activities you can enjoy:

• On the Sunshine Coast, visit totem poles, tour a longhouse, or take a guided kayak paddle as you learn about Tla’Amin (Sliammon) First Nations history and traditions.
• Participate in Mudderella in Whistler on Sept. 26. It is a world class 8-11 km obstacle course challenge, designed by women for women.
• Learn about local mining history at the Britannia Mine.
• Listen to Canadian music power couple Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida and songstress Chantal Kreviazuk for free on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
• Take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world on the Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish.
• The Friday Farmer’s Market in Gibsons. Enjoy locally produced food and works of local artisans every Friday morning throughout the summer
• Whistler bear viewing tours to see black bears and cubs in their natural habitat.

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.”

Jordan Sturdy, MLA West-Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“There are amazing sites and attractions that are just a short drive from Vancouver that make perfect day or overnight trips. Along to the Sea-to-Sky Highway, there’s the Britannia Mine Museum, the Squamish Gondola, countless recreational trails, lakes and parks, and internationally recognized mountain biking throughout the Sea to Sky. There’s so much to see and do so close to home, it's in our backyard, it’s fun and it’s affordable.”

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 tourism in the Sea to Sky: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-coast-mountains/popular-areas/sea-to-sky-country.aspx