VICTORIA - A new campaign encouraging British Columbians to take a vacation close to home was launched today with the release of two videos that highlight exceptional tourist experiences British Columbians can find in their own backyards.

The government is declaring August the official Staycation Month leading up to the B.C. Day long weekend, however, we encourage British Columbians to take a staycation and experience world-class adventures close to home throughout the year.

Tourism is an important economic driver in British Columbia and is one of the eight key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan. In 2011, the tourism sector generated revenues of $13.4 billion and employed 127,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. The industry supports businesses of all sizes - with approximately 18,000 tourism-related businesses in B.C.

To view the staycation videos click links below:
http://youtu.be/PXfYgbp73m4
http://youtu.be/WGRUfhDbWnM

SoundCloud links:
http://bit.ly/1nELQl3
http://bit.ly/1k5UTLV

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour -

“Tourism is an important economic driver in British Columbia and that’s why we’ve identified it as one of the eight key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan. This summer I’ll be exploring a number of regions in the province including the beautiful part of the province I call home. I hope you’ll plan a “staycation” and take the opportunity to discover some of the world-class attractions in your own community or just down the road.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“We can all contribute to our economy by exploring our local attractions and taking in summer events, festivals and outdoor markets.  When you take a staycation, you’re not only supporting vital businesses in your town or city, you’re also helping to create jobs in B.C.”

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination BC -

“British Columbia has an abundance of exciting attractions and entertaining summer activities. At Destination BC it’s our job to market British Columbia to the world but we also encourage British Columbians to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness right here in our own province.”

Learn More:

To find out about activities and destinations throughout the province, please visit: www.hellobc.com

British Columbians can join the conversation on Twitter with #staycationbc

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799