Vancouver, the coast and mountains are on the travel radar of many top travel publications. Recently Lonely Planet highlighted the city of Vancouver as a must-visit destination. This holiday season there’s no shortage of fun activities to take in at some of the area’s world-class #exploreBC attractions.

Here are some holiday options to enjoy as 2016 comes to a close:

• Enchant, the world’s largest Christmas light maze, opens Nov. 25: http://enchantchristmas.com/
• Christmas Market, Vancouver, opens Nov. 26: http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com/
• Surrey’s Heritage Christmas Weekends, opens Dec. 3: http://www.discoversurreybc.com/blog/2016/11/18/heritage-christmas-weekends/
• Light Up Bowen, Dec. 3: https://www.tourismbowenisland.com/destination/whats-up/
• Whistler Presents New Year’s Eve Celebrations: https://www.whistler.com/christmas/\
• Holiday Heights at Bloedel Conservatory, opens Dec. 9: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/holiday-heights.aspx

This year is shaping up to be one of the busiest years for tourism in British Columbia. Year-to-date figures show an 11.9% increase in international visitors over the same time period last year (January to September). That represents more than four million total overnight international visitors (4,564,070) that came to B.C. during the first nine months of this year.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, is encouraging British Columbians to make this year an even more memorable one for the province’s tourism industry by supporting local holiday activities through a staycation.

Staycations are a good way to #exploreBC and 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.

Quotes:

Jordan Sturdy, MLA, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“There’s a reason that travel experts such as Lonely Planet recommend a visit to our part of B.C. It offers so much to do in an unforgettable setting. Whether you live on the Sunshine Coast, Whistler or the Lower Mainland, make a point of enjoying a few holiday activities over the next few weeks. It really is a time to celebrate where we live and to Explore B.C.”

Suzanne Anton, MLA, Vancouver-Fraserview –

“The Vancouver coast is the place to be at this time of year. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying holiday activities. Whether it’s Holiday Heights at the Bloedel Conservatory, walking, cycling, or hiking along the mighty Fraser River, or one of the many other events being offered, be sure to Explore B.C. this Christmas!”

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination British Columbia –

“The holiday buzz is officially here! People from around the world are choosing to visit destinations across B.C. and participating in celebrations that speak to them at a personal level. With no shortage of events, this is a great opportunity for travellers to authentically experience what life is like in our communities. Regardless of budget, there’s something happening somewhere that will help make this an unforgettable holiday season.”

Quick Facts:

• British Columbians are encouraged to tag their favourite winter staycation activities on social media with: #StaycationBC and #exploreBC.
• 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 nearly 19,000 businesses and 127,500 employees in B.C. and is a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan.
• The Province supports the sector with a $98 million annual investment across every region of B.C.
• In 2015, 4.9 million international visitors came to B.C. – about an 8% increase compared to 2014.

Learn More:

Find B.C. trip ideas, travel tips and deals to help you #exploreBC: http://www.explorebc.ca/

Watch British Columbia’s brand anthem video, The Wild Within: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNFrZNjs2ng

For trip planning ideas in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region and around BC, visit: http://www.hellobc.com/vancouver-coast-mountains.aspx