As British Columbia experiences some of its strongest tourism growth in years, Tofino is receiving $667,047 from the Province’s Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) to support its tourism industry.

Through the Province’s RMI, Tofino has received a total of $5,869,671 since 2008 in funding toward projects including (but not limited to): Lighthouse trail, multi-use paths, beach access and infrastructure, downtown revitalization, event and festival support, water access and beach improvements.

The RMI provides $10.5 million each year to help eligible resort-oriented municipalities to develop and enhance their tourism infrastructure and amenities. RMI communities include Whistler, Fernie, Kimberley, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet and Valemount.

Since the RMI’s inception in 2006, more than $108.6 million has been invested in tourism infrastructure and programs to support local and regional tourism economies in the 14 participating communities.

Quotes:

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

“B.C.’s tourism industry is experiencing incredible growth. It’s helping to create jobs and is one of the reasons why our province has the leading economy in Canada. Resort Municipality Initiative funding ensures qualifying resort communities have the resources they need to provide a world-class traveller experience. It’s an important step toward making sure visitors return to our province for years to come, supporting businesses and keeping our economy diverse, strong and growing.”

Josie Osborne, mayor of Tofino –

“Tofino's participation in the Resort Municipality Initiative program has made it possible to invest in infrastructure and amenities that help build a more liveable and vibrant community. Better facilities at our beaches, improvements to our downtown, a growing trail network and a calendar of lively local events have made it so much easier to welcome visitors year-round and provide them with the best experience possible."

Quick Facts:

• In 2015, 4.9 million international visitors came to B.C. – about an 8% increase compared to 2014.
• The number of total overnight international visitors to B.C. in 2016 so far (January to July) surpassed the three million mark (3,200,503) for an increase of 12.5% over the same period last year.
• 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.

Learn More:

To learn more about the RMI, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=30A40BDA6D8346798E15C6050063F719

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/