Opening up BC's potential in tourism

Since 2001, we have put in place a strategic plan (see www.gov.bc.ca/tca ) to double tourism revenues with related new strategies for cultural tourism and Aboriginal tourism. To that end, we have more than doubled funding to the tourism industry and greatly enhanced regional tourism marketing initiatives. Last year, tourism generated over $13 billion in economic activity – up 35 per cent from 2002. Tourism now employs over 120,000 workers in BC and indirectly supports another 170,000 jobs.

We are opening up new tourism offices in key global markets and working with communities to open up new destination resorts, “circle tours,” and stunning facilities, like the new Convention Centres in Penticton and Vancouver, the refurbished BC Place Stadium that will be home to the new Vancouver MLS Whitecaps Soccer Club, and the Squamish Lil’wat, Haida and Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centres.

It is why we established the $150-million BC150 Cultural Fund and are investing $50 million in a new generation Vancouver Art Gallery. Our film, visual, and musical arts communities help define a rich cultural diversity and vibrancy that always puts BC in a great light internationally.