Manic Monday | A Strategic Framework for Tourism in BC

Attending last week’s Tourism Industry Conference in Vancouver, hosted annually by TIABC, it was apparent that our industry has come of age and is definitely being taken seriously. With record attendance, a tremendous line up of speakers and insightful, thought-provoking breakout sessions (many that were standing room only), things felt different.

And... the numbers don't lie.  Destination BC's CEO Marsha Walden and the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare were both in attendance presenting the irrefutable facts. The BC Tourism industry contributed 9 billion dollars to province’s GDP in 2017, it employs over 137,000 people in over 19,000 tourism-related experiences and in 2018 welcomed over 6 million visitors from around the world. Tourism is the province’s 3rd largest industry with year over year revenues continuing to climb and to outpace the rest of Canada.

The most significant announcement of the week, however, was the release of the Provincial Government’s New 3 year Strategic Framework for Tourism in BC. This critical roadmap highlights the important role that tourism must play in supporting People and Communities; Sustainably Growing the Visitor Economy; and Respecting Nature and the Environment. Focusing on all three of these pillars will ensure that the tourism industry not only continues to grow but does so in a way that recognizes its responsibility to all British Columbians.

To read the full document go to: Strategic Framework for Tourism In BC

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO