Getting up close with science, learning about ancient dinosaurs and exploring the history of the Prince George region and traditional territory of the Dakelh attracted visitors to The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre.

(flickr.com)

The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre is seeing one of its best years for visitor numbers. It is one of many tourism attractions in Northern British Columbia that are benefitting from an increase in tourism. Hotel occupancy rates and airport passenger volumes at Prince George’s airport are both up and this is welcome news for local businesses.

While summer tourism numbers are something to celebrate, local businesses encourage British Columbians to staycation and take in winter activities in all of B.C.’s regions. The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre expects the crowds to keep coming in the months ahead. It’s just one of many attractions British Columbians can enjoy during the winter time.

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 1 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 million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date (January to September) international visitor arrivals are up 7.6% over the same period last year.

Quotess:

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

“It really has been a remarkable year for attractions such as The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre and overall tourism growth in British Columbia. With this in mind, I urge British Columbians to keep that momentum going by enjoying a staycation in the fall and winter. See some of the world-class tourism activities that attract visitors from around the world.”

Tracy Calogheros, CEO, The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre –

“Much of it is attributable to hosting the Canada Winter Games this year. We had a major uptake in visits from across Canada during February 2015. Meantime, we saw visitors from all over the world during our summer season including visitors from Germany, the US, Denmark, England and across Canada.

“While much of our visitation is comprised of our core, members and regional tourism, the revenues generated by long haul visitors are essential to our ongoing fiscal health. Not only does it give us an opportunity to learn more about what these visitors are seeking when they drop into the museum, but they tend to be “shoppers” and not only pay admission fees but leave dollars behind in our gift shop and donation boxes.

“With incredible blue skies and often, spectacular northern lights, Prince George is ideal for a winter vacation, after all, we ARE winter!”

Mike Morris, MLA Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Northern B.C. offers adventure for everyone. This winter, stay, explore and play in our backyard and support our regional tourism industry.”

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:

• Prince George airport passenger volume during June to August increased 2.8%.
• 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.
• 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:

Destination BC: www.DestinationBC.ca

Northern BC Tourism Association:  http://www.travelnbc.com/

For trip planning ideas in Northern BC and around BC: visit www.HelloBC.com

The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre: http://www.theexplorationplace.com/

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