The Province is investing $220,000 in the 2017 ITU World Multisport Championships to help welcome an estimated 3,000 athletes and supporters to the Okanagan for a 10-day sports event, announced MLA for Penticton Dan Ashton, on behalf of Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.

The series of races run from Aug. 18-27, 2017, and will have a long reaching impact on tourism by providing global exposure to Penticton and the surrounding areas. It is expected to generate $7.9 million of economic activity in B.C. The unique multisport event will combine the duathlon, aquathlon, cross-triathlon, aquabike and the long-distance triathlon.

The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise awareness nationally and internationally of British Columbia’s tourism experiences and motivate Canadians and people from other countries to travel and experience British Columbia. These events also generate tourism and economic activity in communities and regions across the province.

Quote:

Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton –

“The ITU World Multisport Championships will provide global exposure to Penticton’s natural beauty and unique landscape for triathlons and multisport events. Our government is investing in this sports event as it will highlight the warm hospitality of the Okanagan, generate millions in revenue and create jobs both locally and provincially.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests more than $98 million annually in the tourism industry across every region to grow and market the sector.
• In 2016, 5.5 million international visitors came to B.C., a 12.3% increase over 2015.
• In 2015, the tourism industry generated $15.7 billion in revenue with a direct contribution to B.C.’s gross domestic product of $7.4 billion.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/tourism/

For more information about the 2017 ITU World Multisport Championships: https://penticton2017.com/

To learn more about the Tourism Events Program: http://www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx