A relaxing dip in some Rocky Mountain hot springs is what many visitors to the Kootenay Rockies want to hear after a day touring around the region. That’s been the case for Radium Hot Springs, which has seen an 8% increase in visitors for their summer season over 2014.

(flickr.com)

Radium Hot Springs is one of many tourism attractions in the Kootenay Rockies that is benefitting from tourism growth in B.C. Hotel occupancy rates were up this summer and, overnight visitors from the United States rose 9.2% over last summer and international visits were up 4.6% over the same period in 2014.

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. Radium Hot Springs is gearing up for more crowds who want to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs in the cold weather. This is 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 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 custom entries 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 attractions such as Radium Hot Springs and for 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.”

Donna Cook, marketing coordinator, Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, Parks Canada –

“We had a busy season with staff seeing higher visitation levels. From the May long weekend to the September Labour Day weekend, our attendance records show that approximately 140,538 visitors came to the hot springs. The staff at the visitor centre were very busy this summer and noticed a lot more regional visitation, especially from the U.S.

“Tourism is very important to the area and it’s great to see so many visitors enjoying Kootenay National Park, the hot springs and the Columbia Valley. Visitors help sustain so many of the small businesses and restaurants that make this area unique.

“It’s a wonderful place to escape the crowds and enjoy some winter fun with the family or get away for a girl’s spa and ski weekend in the mountains. There are always opportunities to view wildlife such as bighorn sheep and deer and an outing in the park to go snowshoeing or ski touring are also options.”

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.
• 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

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association: http://www.krtourism.ca/

For trip planning ideas in the Kootenay Rockies and around BC, visit: www.HelloBC.com

The Village of Radium Hot Springs: http://www.radiumhotsprings.com/

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