The spotlight will be on Comox Valley, thanks to a $250,000 investment to increase and promote tourism activities in the region.

Through its Co-op Marketing Partnerships Program, Destination BC, along with Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism, is supporting a number of projects in the Comox Valley. These projects are designed to increase tourism revenues in the region. In addition to marketing and advertising campaigns, the investment will be promoting:

• BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival – the largest shellfish and seafood festival in Western Canada.
• Two Wheels Bike Festival – inaugural event highlighting the Comox Valley as a major cycling destination in British Columbia.
• Comox Valley WinterFest – includes 50% off Ski at Mount Washington Alpine Resort with stays in Courtenay, more than 45 après-ski live concerts and events, and more throughout the region, with the goal of positioning the Island as a winter outdoor destination of choice.

The announcement was made by Comox Valley MLA Don McRae, on behalf of Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond at the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival Launch event. Over 250 participants attended, including top B.C. chefs and seafood producers.

Destination BC, the Province’s Crown agency for tourism marketing, delivers on key actions under the provincial tourism strategy, Gaining the Edge: 2015-2018, and plays a key role in leading tourism marketing and development activities for the province. Destination BC is an industry-led Crown corporation that works collaboratively with tourism stakeholders throughout the province to co-ordinate marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels.

Tourism is an important economic driver in British Columbia and is featured prominently in the BC Jobs Plan.

Quotes:

Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley –

“The tourism sector helps drive the economy and job creation in our province. I know first-hand that the Comox Valley can provide unique and memorable experiences that will leave visitors coming back year over year. This new funding is going to give us the tools we need to bring tourists to our area and that will continue to build and drive job creation in the region.”

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination BC –

“Coming together with private and public stakeholders in the Comox Valley, we’re looking to creatively use combined funds to amplify our marketing impact and get the best bang for our buck. Tourism is unique in that among all of B.C.’s natural resource industries, not only does it generate the highest direct GDP revenues, its spinoff benefits tend to be localized. This important investment will drive more visitors to the valley and help lift small businesses, which are the beating heart of the local economy.”

Mayor Paul Ives, Town of Comox, member of the Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism Board –

“As the regional destination marketing organization, the Co-op Marketing Partnership Program has fundamentally enhanced the Comox Valley’s resources to develop dynamic, sales-oriented marketing campaigns in collaboration with our partners to drive increased, measurable results.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province invests over $98 million annually in the tourism industry across every region to grow and market the sector.
• In 2015, the tourism industry generated $15.7 billion in revenues, $7.4 billion in GDP, and supported nearly 19,000 tourism-related businesses, with 127,700 employed in the industry.

Learn More:

Destination BC’s Co-op Marketing Partnerships Program: www.destinationbc.ca/Programs/Regions-Communities-and-Sectors/Destination-BC-Co-op-Marketing-Partnership-Program.aspx

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

B.C. Provincial Tourism Strategy, Gaining the Edge: www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/tourismstrategy/documents/GainingTheEdge_2015_2018.pdf

For more information on the international visitor statistics, visit: www.destinationbc.ca/Research/Industry-Performance/International-Visitor-Arrivals.aspx

For more information on the economic Value of Tourism in British Columbia, visit: www.destinationbc.ca/Research/Industry-Performance/Value-of-Tourism.aspx

For tourism information and to plan your visit: www.hellobc.com/

BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival: http://www.bcshellfishfestival.com/