Eleven new destination and tourism infrastructure developments are underway in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region with support from the Province.

“We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Building on the calls to action from the sector, this fund invests in initiatives that link communities together and encourages visitors to spend time at several destinations within a region.”

Destination BC, representing the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region, in partnership with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners have worked together to identify initiatives that will enhance the region’s tourism amenities and experiences.

Initiatives underway in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains tourism region include developing public outdoor instalments in the Metro Vancouver area to animate gathering spaces, investing in the Experience the Fraser project, and developing a self-guided journey to Pemberton’s, Lillooet’s and the Bridge River Valley’s key agri-tourism attractions.

Examples in other parts of the province include improvement of trail systems throughout a region for hiking, Nordic skiing or mountain biking, self-guided tour signage to highlight agri-tourism areas and a series of Indigenous landmarks throughout a region. The Province has provided $2.1 million toward these projects.

“Intentional destination development planning in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region brings together diverse tourism partners to strengthen the hearts of our communities and create compelling experiences for visitors,” said Jody Young, manager, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region for Destination BC. “When we work together to invest in experiential infrastructure projects that benefit numerous communities in the region, the result is not only economic return, but a stronger connection between people and the places they share.”

As part of StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the province’s six tourism regions have received a total of $13.6 million to create employment opportunities, attract new businesses and increase economic diversification within communities.

The Targeted Regional Tourism Initiative is one of three infrastructure investment programs for tourism as part of StrongerBC, including the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure program, Destination Development and the Tourism Dependent Communities Initiative. The approved projects must be completed by March 2023.

Quotes:

Brenda Bailey, MLA for Vancouver-False Creek –

“Tourism is such an important industry for people and businesses across Greater Vancouver. While the pandemic has forced many to put their travel plans on hold, with this funding, we will be in an even better position to welcome visitors back after the pandemic. In addition to benefiting our neighbourhoods and creating local jobs, these regional initiatives, such as new outdoor art installations in public gathering spaces around Metro Vancouver, will give people more reasons to explore our backyard and see more of what the area has to offer.”

Allison Colthorp, executive director, Tourism Chilliwack –

“This financial investment from the Province will have a significant impact on the continued development of the ‘Experience the Fraser’ project. This project was formed as a partnership between the regional districts, municipalities and First Nations along the Fraser River as a means to strengthen connections between communities, residents and visitors. We look forward to working in collaboration with our partners to move this great project forward.”

Learn More:

For a backgrounder listing approved projects and costs, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/TRTD_Master_List_Initiatives_May2021.pdf

For more information on StrongerBC, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/