When Vogue Magazine puts one of your ski resorts (Revelstoke Mountain Resort) in the spotlight and when your mountains are recognized worldwide as iconic symbols of Canada, you know you’re in a beautiful part of B.C.

The Kootenay Rockies region has been internationally celebrated for everything from its amazing scenery and relaxing natural hot springs to its buzzing arts and cultural scene.

Experience for yourself some of what it has to offer this holiday season. Here are five holiday options to enjoy as 2016 comes to a close:

• Kaslo Lights Up, Kaslo, Dec. 3: https://www.kootenayrockies.com/event/light-up-celebration-kaslo/2016/12/03
• Santa on Baker Street, Nelson, Dec. 3: https://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/calendar
• Live Kicks, Ken Lavigne’s Christmas Musical Roadshow, Golden, Dec. 7: www.KickingHorseCulture.ca
• Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade, Invermere, Dec. 24: https://invermere.com/events/torch-light-parade/
• Christmas Eve Fireworks, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Dec. 24: http://www.revelstokemountainresort.com/resort/events

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:

Bill Bennett, MLA, Kootenay East –

“The Kootenays really are a winter wonderland at Christmas. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by taking in an event in the region. Santa on Cranbrook’s Baker Street and skiing at Fernie are only a couple of fun activities to take in at this time of year. Get out and enjoy what the Kootenay Rockies have to offer.”

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 activity 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:

For more info about Kootenay Rockies tourism: http://www.hellobc.com/kootenay-rockies.aspx

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

For a complete list of Festivals and Events for every community in the Kootenay Rockies, link to: https://www.kootenayrockies.com/events/

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

To discover more festivals and events in B.C., visit: http://www.explorebc.ca/