It’s time to raise a glass when the renowned New York Magazine writes about your “exploding wine region,” and one of your ski resorts (Sun Peaks Resort) is recommended by the Ski Club of Great Britain as one of its top recommended resorts worldwide.

Whether it’s sipping or skiing, the Thompson Okanagan area is receiving international recognition for its tourism offerings. See for yourself what the buzz is about this holiday season. There’s no shortage of fun #exploreBC opportunities to enjoy as this year winds down.

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

• A Christmas Story - The Musical, Kelowna, opens Nov. 30: https://www.kelownaactorsstudio.com/shows/show/ChristmasStory/
• Kettle Valley Steam Railway - Summerland Christmas Express, Summerland, starting Dec. 10: https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/
• CPR Holiday Train, Salmon Arm, Dec. 14: http://salmonarmdowntown.com/events/christmas-downtown
• Spirit of Christmas Rail Tour, Kamloops Heritage Railway: http://www.kamrail.com/spirit-of-christmas-railtour.php
• Past, Present and Future Christmas Eve Parade, Big White, Dec. 24: http://www.bigwhite.com/big-white-christmas-past-presents-future-christmas-eve-parade
• New Year's Eve, Sun Peaks: http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/events-things-to-do/events/new-years-eve-celebrations

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:

Todd Stone, MLA, Kamloops-South Thompson –

“The Spirit of Christmas Rail Tour in Kamloops and the New Year’s Eve event at Sun Peaks are just the start of many #exploreBC activities for you to enjoy this holiday season. Make this an unforgettable Christmas by supporting an activity where you live.”

Linda Larson, MLA, Boundary-Similkameen –

“The Thompson, Okanagan and Boundary regions offer diverse activities to enjoy at this time of year. The fun can include a visit to one of our ski hills, enjoying some fine cuisine and wines or mingling with Santa during one of his appearances near you. I urge you to plan a holiday staycation and make it a memorable Christmas season this year.”

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

For more info about Thompson Okanagan Tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/thompson-okanagan.aspx

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