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

• Step back in time to B.C.’s early days and take in the Gold Rush exhibit at the Royal BC Museum.
• 2nd Annual Korea Festival in Victoria, Aug. 22 Centennial Square.
• Tour de Victoria, Aug. 23.
• Esquimalt Lantern Festival, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Captain Jacobson Park.
• Kayak to Meares Island in Tofino to see some of the oldest trees in the world.
• Learn about First Nations culture and join a Nuu-chah-nulth guide to paddle a handcrafted dug out cedar canoe near Tofino.
• Tofino’s Carving on the Edge Festival showcases traditional and contemporary woodcarving from Aug. 28-Sept. 13.
• Try fishing off Nootka Island.
• Summer by the Sea Street Market: Tuesday nights until Sept. 1, (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) in downtown Parksville.
• Grizzly Bear Watching, Orca Killer Whale Watching, Marine Wildlife Viewing and Adventure Tours in Campbell River.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA Parksville-Qualicum –

“While there are only a few more weeks to go before the new school year begins, you still have time to enjoy local attractions and events this summer. There’s the daily Yoga on the Beach in Qualicum, the weekly Parksville Summer by the Sea Street Market andthe famous goats in Coombs, along with world-class golf and nautical opportunities. We’re spoilt for choice here on the mid-Island.”

Don McRae, MLA Comox Valley –

“Vancouver Island is consistently ranked as a top tourist draw, so why not take advantage and go on a quick trip and explore somewhere you haven’t been to or visit an old favourite? From Port Hardy to Victoria, there are so many attractions that can all be reached within a day’s drive. Believe it or not but summer is winding down, so why not take an overnight or weekend trip and enjoy your Island?”

Quick Facts:

• Travel + Leisure magazine named Vancouver Island one of the world's top ten islands in its 2014 World’s Best Awards.
• 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 Vancouver Island Tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-island.aspx