We are supporting the tourism industry as a key component of a strong B.C. economy. Tourism revenues are on-track to double by 2015, and we are hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will provide worldwide exposure for B.C., and will be a driving force in increasing tourism in the coming years.
In 2008, tourism generated $13.1 billion for the provincial economy – up 35 per cent from $9.7 billion in revenue in 2002 (BC Stats).
The tourism industry provides 120,000 direct and 170,000 indirect jobs in B.C., about five per cent of our total workforce.
Despite challenges in the world economy, our tourism industry has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and is still on track to double tourism revenues by 2015.
We’re on the cusp of hosting the greatest and greenest 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games ever. The 2010 Games are expected to generate over $4 billion in economic activity and 244,000 jobs.
We’ve more than doubled Tourism BC’s annual budget from $25 million in 2001 to approx $60 million in 2009 – an increase the NDP said they would cancel in their 2005 platform.
Tourism BC has launched their $8.3-million ‘Welcome the World’ consumer marketing campaign to take advantage of the opportunity for greater exposure presented by the 2010 Games.
We gave a $12 million grant to the six Regional Destination Marketing Organizations to help enhance their infrastructure and marketing programs.
We gave $25 million to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for the development of the Community Tourism Program, providing grants to help communities with tourism marketing projects.
We invested $8 million towards the construction of five new Provincial Gateway Visitor Centres strategically located across B.C. where most visitors enter the province (Mt. Robson, Golden, Osoyoos, YVR & Peace Arch).
We contributed $5 million to Aboriginal Tourism BC to help build a culturally rich and sustainable tourism industry.
We completed the B.C. Resort Strategy and Action Plan in November 2004 to encourage further resort development.
Examples of some Master Development Agreements approved for resorts in 2005-2009:
Crystal Mountain
Mt Baldy
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Saddle Mountain
Ski and Ride Smithers
Tobiano Marina
We’ve opened a new expansion to the Vancouver Convention Centre that will be the greenest convention facility on the continent.
170 events are already booked into the expanded convention centre, representing over $2 billion in economic benefits for the province.
We’ve committed over $36.5 million to more than 35 community airports for terminal and runway expansions and upgrades, from 100 Mile House to Princeton to Vanderhoof (2003/04-2010/11).
We have a plan in place for the revitalization of B.C. Place that will see the Vancouver MLS Whitecaps soccer club move into BC Place in 2011.
We’re contributing $50 million towards a new Vancouver Art Gallery that will help bring 97 per cent of their collection out of the attic onto display, encouraging new traffic and visitors.
We brought the 2009 Juno Awards to Vancouver. The economic benefit to Halifax from the 2005 Juno’s was $5 million, and last year Calgary realized about $7.9 million in economic benefits from hosting the awards.
BC Place Redevelopment
We are redeveloping BC Place Stadium to create a renewed vision for sport, entertainment and cultural activity in downtown Vancouver that will grow jobs and celebrate excellence by attracting more events and higher quality attractions.
$70 million allocated for refurbishments to BC Place in September 2008 for expected completion in November 2009.
A contribution of $50 million towards a new Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery currently displays less than 3 per cent of their 10,000 pieces; most of the Gallery’s collection is hidden from view, locked away in vaults because there isn’t enough room to display them in their current location.
BC Place’s annual economic impact is more than $50 million with almost 40 per cent coming from non-B.C. residents ($58.1 million in 2007), and is occupied more than 200 ‘event days’ per year.
The new retractable roof and refurbishments extend the life of the stadium and will substantially increase the number and types of events the stadium can accommodate.
The renovated stadium is projected to attract an additional 41 ‘event days’ per year, including higher-margin events such as large festivals and concerts that currently bypass Vancouver.
These additional events will have an incremental impact of $32 million annually.
By going with a new retractable roof after the 2010 Games, rather than before, we have the time necessary to plan, budget and secure the best price.
Some people advocate replacing the stadium altogether, perhaps in another location. To do that would cost well in excess of $1 billion and the existing stadium is strategically situated for transit including both the Expo Line and Canada Line.
Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion
The expanded Vancouver Convention Centre will generate a significant increase in national and international visitors, solidifying BC as a worldwide leader in hosting events, generating job growth and investment across our province.
The new centre has tripled the amount of event space of the old facility, allowing B.C. to compete with leading convention centres around the world.
170 events are already confirmed for the new centre for April 2009 and beyond, 57 of which wouldn’t fit in the existing facility; these 170 events will contribute over $2 billion to the economy.
The convention centre is the first-ever repeat winner of the International Association of Congress Centre’s award for “World’s Best Convention Centre”.
The expanded space will be the greenest convention facility on the continent, incorporating a high level of environmental and sustainability standards including a green roof the size of 15 ice hockey rinks
Recent convention delegate surveys show that more than 70 per cent of non-resident visitors are from outside Canada, 40 per cent intend to return to B.C. within one year, and that they typically spend more than four times daily than the average tourist.
The cost of the new facility is $883 million. The federal government and Tourism Vancouver are contributing $382.5 million.
