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

• Canoeing on Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.
• Visit a ghost town at Sandon, B.C. near New Denver.
• Rossland Mountain Market, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Summer) Columbia Ave and Queen St, Rossland.
• Head to Golden and ride over 100 km of mountain bike trails or have a go at the pump track.
• Bear watching with CrossRiver Wilderness Centre & Tours in Radium Hot Springs.
• Fernie Demolition Derby, Sept. 6.
• Mudd, Sweat and Tears Rockies, obstacle course and run in Panorama Mount Resort, Sept. 12.
• Bikefest in Revelstoke, Sept. 10-13.
• Take in a self-guided walking heritage tour of the old Victorian building in Nelson’s downtown.
• Visit the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook.

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.”

Bill Bennett, Kootenay East MLA –

“We have world-class attractions right here in the Kootenay Rockies so there is no need for anyone to leave B.C. for their vacation. British Columbia has what people all over the world are looking for – and, by vacationing at home we are 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 Kootenay Rockies tourism visit: http://www.hellobc.com/kootenay-rockies.aspx