Tourism Gets Help From Province

The Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association is thanking the province for what it says is vital and timely support.

The Tourism Ministry is providing $200,000 to the group to help with tourism-related impacts caused by BC wildfires.

TOTA president Glenn Mandziuk says the fires caused significant tourist losses due to road and park closures, along with issues with smoke and air quality.

“With the funds provided, we will be working closely to engage our industry to implement recovery strategies that will attract visitors back to the region through the balance of the season and into the New Year,” says Mandziuk.

The province is also providing $200,000 to the Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare says she has seen first-hand the impact of the wildfires on BC, and that includes the tourism sector.

“Today’s investment will support tourism operators and business owners to mitigate tourism-related losses caused by the wildfires and assist regional marketing and recovery efforts.”

Tourism employs 127,000 people in BC, supporting nearly 19,000 tourism-related businesses and contributing $7.4 billion toward the province’s gross domestic product.

In 2015, the B.C. tourism industry generated $15.7 billion in revenue, a 5.3% increase over 2014, and a 37% increase from 2005.