From the hot summers of Artemisa, Cuba to the cold winters in Smithers, B.C., Latin Grammy and Juno award winning singer-songwriter Alex Cuba has lived in two different countries. However, he says nothing beats his adopted hometown of Smithers and Northern British Columbia at this time of year.

While residents in Northern B.C. enjoy local holiday activities, they are contributing to B.C.’s economy by spending their vacation dollars nearby. By visiting regional events and venues, they’re not only supporting local businesses but also helping to sustain jobs in the tourism sector.

(flickr.com)

The province’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. The solid growth in the tourism sector can be linked to a number of factors including provincial tourism marketing efforts, lower fuel prices and direct flights to B.C. Compared to the rest of Canada, in 2014 B.C. was number one in absolute visitor volume growth and had the highest growth rate in total international visitation.

To find out why visitors are making B.C. their destination of choice, experience tourism offerings in your backyard. Here are some activities for your Northern B.C. staycation:

• Indoor Farmer’s Market, Smithers, Curling Rink, Dec. 5, 12 and 19
• Snowed In Comedy Tour, Smithers, Roi Theatre, Jan. 7
• Downtown Winter Fair, Prince George, Dec. 19
• Prince George Cougars vs. Kootenay Ice, Prince George CN Centre, Dec. 8
• 20th Annual Winterfest, Prince Rupert, Dec. 4-5
• Uplands Christmas Concert, Terrace, R.E.M. Lee Theatre, Dec. 14 and 15
• Christmas Artisan Market, Fort St. John, North Peace Cultural Centre, Nov. 28 through Dec. 24
• Songs of the Season, Fort St. John, North Peace Cultural Centre, Dec. 15

British Columbians are urged to spread the news about their fun holiday activities by tweeting about them using hashtags: #StaycationBC #ExploreBC or #SnowBetterPlace.

Quote:

Alex Cuba, Latin Grammy and Juno award winning singer-songwriter–

“I really enjoy winter in Smithers, B.C., to me the real beauty of the area comes alive. Hudson Bay Mountain looks incredible with all the snow and I just don’t get tired of looking at it from my window every morning. I also go for hikes with my family on cold, sunny, winter days and come back to a hot tub and a roll in the snow. Skating on Lake Kathlyn is spectacular and the Christmas lights on Main Street are also stunning to look at, I usually drive or walk at night with my kids to look at them. Winter is wonderful in Smithers.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour –

“Alex Cuba really captures how amazing Northern B.C. is at this time of year. It’s been a remarkable year for tourism in British Columbia. We’ve seen growth in visitor numbers from around the world. However, success also includes British Columbians enjoying a staycation and experiencing the world class tourism offerings we have in our own province. I encourage everyone to enjoy a holiday activity and make some special memories with loved ones during the Christmas season.”

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes —

“From hockey, to skiing and snowboarding, to concerts, Smithers has lots of fun activities for families. This winter, go out and play and see all that Smithers has to offer.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector in every region of our province.
• Tourism builds communities, promotes culture and creates year-round jobs in every region or our province.
• Staycations help boost domestic tourism revenues and local economies and support over 19,000 businesses and 132,000 jobs in the tourism sector in B.C.
• The BC Jobs Plan builds on the strengths of our key sectors and our educated and skilled workforce, keeping our province diverse, strong and growing.

Learn More:

For trip planning info for Northern B.C. and around the province: http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/trip-ideas.aspx

For more info about Northern B.C. Tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/northern-british-columbia.aspx

Alex Cuba: http://healer.alexcuba.com/

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/