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 Vancouver staycation is on your radar, here are some fun activities you can enjoy:

• Richmond Night Market – 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays and holidays.
• Flyover Canada, simulation ride, Canada Place, downtown Vancouver.
• The Pacific National Exhibition, Aug. 22-Sept. 7, Vancouver.
• Tour Vancouver’s Punjabi Market. Six blocks on Main Street, starting at about East 49th Avenue.
• Walking rainforest tour at Whey-Ah-Whichen (Cates Park) in North Vancouver, located in the heart of Tsleil-Waututh Territory. A guide will identify plant species and will discuss their traditional uses. Also enjoy traditional legends and drumming during the two hour walk.
• Family Day in White Rock, Sunday, Aug. 23 at the White Rock Museum and Archives.
• Surrey Urban Farmers Market, Wednesday afternoons at Surrey Central SkyTrain at the North Surrey Recreation Center Plaza.
• Capilano Salmon Hatchery in North Vancouver. Late August through to November provides opportunities to view returning salmon, leaping up the river for spawning.

https://www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment/posts/1046914421993516

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.”

Sam Sullivan, MLA Vancouver-False Creek –

“Vancouverites are spoilt for choice for quick getaway options in our own backyard. From local attractions such as Granville Island, Science World and the annual PNE to weekend adventures in Whistler, Squamish or the Fraser Valley, there’s no need to travel far to enjoy the best of B.C. There’s still a few weeks of summer left so why not take advantage and enjoy a last minute staycation?”

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 Vancouver: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver.aspx