It’s a wrap in more ways than one for the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria. Thanks to a busy film and tourism season this summer, the hotel is celebrating.

(flickr.com)

A record-breaking 25 film productions were shot in Victoria in 2015 and contributed to 3% of the Laurel Point’s room bookings this year. There was also an increase in ferry traffic to the Island and a 10.7% (January to August) increase in U.S. and a 16.1% increase international visits to the Island have had a big impact on business here.

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. The Inn at Laurel Point is enjoying more crowds during its Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase event that’s on now. 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 million more visitors than we welcomed in 2013. As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date international visitor arrivals are up 7.6% over the same period last year.

While local businesses such as the Inn at Laurel Point are celebrating their summer success, they say winter is a great time to enjoy the Island.

Quotes:

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

“It really has been a remarkable year for hotels such as the Inn at Laurel Point 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.”

Avril Matthews, director of marketing and sales, Inn at Laurel Point –

“Best year since 2008! In the summer our visitors primarily come from Western Canada and the Western US Seaboard. It’s important however to acknowledge that business comes from all over the world and in particular within the bus tours and Free Independent Travel sector with business coming from the UK, Australia and to a lesser degree Japan and Korea.”

“Vancouver Island has such a broad spectrum of activities and what I love personally is that you can go from skiing to a winter walk along the beach all in the same day.”

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum –

“It’s been an outstanding year for tourism on Vancouver Island and I offer my congratulations to all involved in the industry on their success. While the tourist season has wound down, this actually presents an excellent opportunity for Islanders. If you’re organizing a business conference or convention, why don’t you support your local economy and book it here on Vancouver Island. From the southern tip in Victoria to the north Island, there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and other small business operators who would welcome your patronage.”

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 at:

For more info on Vancouver Island Tourism visit: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-island.aspx

Destination BC: www.DestinationBC.ca

Vancouver Island Tourism Association: http://www.tourismvi.ca/

For trip planning ideas on Vancouver Island and around BC, visit: www.HelloBC.com

The Inn at Laurel Point: http://www.laurelpoint.com/

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