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

• Visit the only dinosaur and ancient fossil centre in B.C. and dinosaur trackway at the Tumbler Ridge Palaeontology Research Centre.
• Head to Chetwynd and visit the chainsaw carving capital of B.C., and the over 150 chainsaw carvings done by world renowned carvers.
• Dawson Creek: Mile 0 of the Alaska Hwy, visit Alaska Hwy House to discover the wonder of the construction of the Alaska Hwy.
• Visit Kinuseo Falls. An icon of Northern British Columbia. The falls are taller than Niagara Falls. Located at Murray River in Monkman Provincial Park, 63 km south of Tumbler Ridge.
• Camp, hike and enjoy the amazing mountain scenery at Mount Robson Provincial Park.

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.”

Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North –

“There’s nothing like Northern B.C.’s natural beauty. So come on out and explore, support businesses near home, help our province’s economy and have some good old fashioned fun!”

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South –

“Why pack your bags to go overseas when you can explore here at home? Northern British Columbia is a beautiful tourist destination with lots to offer. From a volcanic crater at the Nisga’a Visitor Centre to a dinosaur and ancient fossil centre in Tumbler Ridge, to local farmers’ markets in Prince George and Valemount, there’s something for everyone!”

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 Northern B.C. tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/northern-british-columbia.aspx