As B.C.’s tourism industry gets set for summer, the Province’s tourism leaders are gathering at Sun Peaks Resort at the annual Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) Annual General Meeting and Summit, May 24-26.

The conference’s keynote speaker, Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism, Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, will highlight recent tourism successes and the support the Province provides to British Columbia’s tourism industry.

The TIABC and the Province will be recognizing Canadian RVing and Camping Week (May 24-29) in Kamloops. During the week, Canadians are encouraged to go camping and enjoy the B.C. outdoors while they take advantage of discounted camping rates as well as the opportunity to participate in charitable fundraising activities across the country for Make-A-Wish Canada.

The week following will be a provincewide celebration of Tourism Week in Canada (May 29-June 4) to bring attention to the economic opportunities available to Canada through travel and tourism.

The tourism industry is helping fuel the provincial economy which is expected to lead the country in economic growth in 2016 and 2017. Tourism supports approximately 19,200 businesses and 127,500 employees in B.C. and is a key sector of the BC Jobs Plan.

Quotes:

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

“It’s an incredible time to be involved with British Columbia’s tourism industry. We’re seeing significant growth with five million global travelers coming to B.C. last year - an almost eight per cent increase. The Tourism Industry Association of B.C.’s AGM and Summit is a great opportunity for tourism representatives to gather to celebrate our successes and to work together to find ways to promote continued growth and consider some of the challenges that growth brings.”

TIABC board chair Jim Humphrey –

"When industry and government work together, good things happen. Such is the case for TIABC’s AGM and Summit where operators, DMOs and sectors look forward to meeting with Minister Bond and other government officials to listen, learn and discuss ways to move the tourism industry forward. We anticipate meaningful dialogue and input as we strive to build British Columbia’s visitor economy into one of the province's leading and most-sustainable business sectors."

Mayor of Sun Peaks Al Raine –

“The Sun Peaks community is pleased to welcome Minister Bond and the TIABC members for this AGM. 2016 is proving to be an exciting year for the tourism industry. With strong provincial policies and support, excellent leadership at Destination BC and a B.C. industry that is prepared for the challenges, tourism has become an economic leader in the Province.”

Quick Facts:

• Tourism provides a job for roughly one out of every 15 people employed in British Columbia.
• To grow and market tourism, the Government of B.C. invests more than $90 million annually in the tourism sector throughout the province.
• In 2015, 4.9 million international visitors came to B.C. – a 7.9% increase compared to 2014.
• Through the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia is growing its tourism sector by establishing an integrated marketing approach, in partnership with tourism marketing organizations.

Learn More:

For more information on the Tourism Industry Association AGM and Summit:
http://www.tiabc.ca/tiabc-agm-summit/

2015 BC Tourism Statistics: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016JTST0029-000269

Tourism Week in Canada info: http://tiac.travel/About_Tourism_Week.html

Details on Canadian RVing and Camping Week:
http://ccrvc.ca/event/canadian-rving-and-camping-week/

To learn more about the many camping opportunities in BC Parks, please visit: www.bcparks.ca

To book your camping spot at BC Parks, please visit: www.discovercamping.ca

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