One hundred and fifty years ago, it was the Gold Rush that had people from around the globe descending upon Barkerville. Now it’s a rush of a different kind, as visitors flock to Barkerville Historic Town and Park to learn about the Cariboo Chilcotin’s golden days.

(flickr.com)

This tourism hot spot is celebrating an attendance record with more than 60,000 people that walked through its gates between May and September. That’s a 20% increase over last year. Hotel occupancy rates in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region are also up meaning a positive impact for local businesses.

While summer tourism numbers are something to celebrate, local businesses are encouraging British Columbians to staycation and take in winter activities in all of B.C.’s regions. Barkerville is gearing up for more crowds for its Old-Fashioned Victoria Christmas event in December. It’s a reminder to British Columbians to enjoy what the region provides year-round.

Staycations are 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.

B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. As an economic driver in the province, it employs 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013.

In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C. That is a 5.8% increase and a quarter of a million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date (January–September) international visitors arrivals are up 7.6% over the same period last year.

Quotes:

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

“It really has been a remarkable year for overall tourism growth in British Columbia and especially for attractions like Barkerville’s Historic Town and Park. I urge British Columbians to keep that momentum going by enjoying a staycation this fall and winter. Get out and see some of the world-class tourism activities that attract visitors from around the world.”

James Douglas, manager of visitor experiences and public relations, Barkerville Historic Town & Park –

“While the largest percentage growth in our visitation was from Northern B.C. and the Lower Mainland, Barkerville saw a myriad of people from all over the world including: the Atlantic provinces, Alaska, Switzerland, Scandinavia, China, Egypt, Kenya, India and Peru among other places.

“Barkerville generates approximately $16.9 million worth of activity for B.C.’s economy per year with $11.8 million directly affecting the Province’s North Cariboo region.

“The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has unparalleled short-haul access to back country snow that is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling. These amazing wintertime activities are complimented by the wealth of historical, cultural and additional recreational offerings.”

Donna Barnett, MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin–

“The Cariboo and Chilcotin offer experiences no other part of the province can provide. Come and explore, see for yourself. Staycation in beautiful B.C.”

Coralee Oakes, MLA Cariboo North –

“From Barkerville’s Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas to Christmas markets in Quesnel, there are lots of fun activities for families to enjoy here in our region. Get out and explore what the Cariboo has to offer.”

Marsha Walden, CEO Destination British Columbia –

“An estimated 19.1 million overnight visitors will travel around B.C. in 2015, with 57% of these trips being made by British Columbians. As they continue to explore their own beautiful province, and share those experiences with friends and family through their social networks, we can build on the amazing success we’re having in tourism.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbians are encouraged to tweet their favourite winter staycation activity using the hashtags: #StaycationBC #ExploreBC or #SnowBetterPlace.
• The Province invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector in every region in the province.
• When British Columbians #Staycation and #ExploreBC 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:

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association: http://www.landwithoutlimits.com/

Barkerville: http://www.barkerville.ca/

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