As Tourism Week in Canada comes to a close today, communities throughout British Columbia are wrapping up a week that celebrated an industry that is helping the provincial economy be an economic leader in Canada.
 
Tourism Week in Canada officially kicked off with a proclamation presented by Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, at the Tourism Industry Association of BC AGM and Summit in Sun Peaks on May 25.
 
Bond called upon B.C. mayors and MLAs to be tourism ambassadors for the day on May 30 and throughout the week. They were urged to be active in their tourism community and to take part in an activity such as visiting a local attraction or visitor centre to work alongside staff and volunteers.
 
Osoyoos, Trail and Victoria were some of the cities that officially proclaimed the week. A long list of mayors from communities including Harrison Hot Springs, Summerland, Kamloops, Squamish, Ucluelet, Tumbler Ridge, Alert Bay, Radium, and others participated in a tourism related activity. 
 
Some other highlights include:

• One of the Rocky Mountains' busiest visitor sites, the Mount Robson Visitor Centre received $325,000 in provincial funding for renovations.
• Valemount’s Cranberry Marsh Trail and Boardwalk was officially opened by Bond and the Village of Valemount Mayor Jeannette Townsend. 
• Featured during the week was B.C.’s renowned fly fishing industry and the free Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC fishing programs for children and families and other British Columbians.
• Aboriginal tourism was highlighted as one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors in British Columbia.
• June 1-6, 2016 – The Vancouver Convention Centre hosted 1,350 travel agents and cruise line representatives from around the world for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise360 conference. The benefits of the industry were highlighted by the Province.

Tourism supports approximately 19,200 businesses and 127,500 employees in B.C. and is also a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan.
 

Quotes:
 
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour – 
“Our Super Natural British Columbia is topping bucket lists of travellers world-wide thanks to the hard work and dedication of the tourism sector. Tourism Week in Canada gives us a chance to stop and celebrate the success we are experiencing and explore ways we can keep the momentum growing. Special thanks to the mayors and communities that took part in tourism related events this week. As we head into summer now is the time for British Columbians to make their plans to #exploreBC.”
 
Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC –
"On the heels of a very productive gathering of tourism leaders at Sun Peaks last week, Tourism Week prompted many municipalities to recognize and celebrate the importance of the visitor economy to their communities, and rightfully so. This year has started like the last two with higher than anticipated visitation in most regions throughout the province. To say BC Tourism Matters has never been more apropos." 
 
Brenda Baptiste, chair, Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC –
“At the close of another successful Tourism Week celebration, I am happy to acknowledge that the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia is committed to working with all levels of government and our industry partners to ensure that our province continues to shine as a destination on the world stage. As a leader in Aboriginal tourism development and world class experiences, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC is proud of the economic benefits that tourism brings to our First Nations communities.”
 
Quick Facts:

• The goal of Tourism Week in Canada is to focus on the tourism industry and how it contributes to Canada’s economy.
• In 2015, 4.9 million international visitors came to B.C.—a 7.9% increase compared to 2014. 
• Tourism provides a job for roughly one out of every 15 people employed in B.C.
• RMI supports the province’s tourism strategy - Gaining the Edge and the BC Jobs Plan.