Tourism Counts
Tourism week is celebrated all over the world. It is a week to recognize the importance of the tourism industry in the lives of travellers, locals, and a destination’s economy. Because of tourism being forced to look a little different over the last little while, people have had the opportunity to be a tourist in their own hometown or region, giving us all a unique perspective of our local tourism experience.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
Wine Tasting in West Kelowna - Indigenous Tourism B.C./Brendin Kelly / Indigenous World Winery
Hiking at Christina Lake - Destination B.C./Hubert Kang
Tourism allows destinations to showcase and celebrate their culture and traditions with visitors from all over the world. The B.C. Tourism industry is a $20.5 billion dollar industry. It consists of everything from outdoor adventures in the back country, to 5 star luxury hotels and spas, and everything in between. All play an equal role to ensure that there is truly something for all travellers.
Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos - Destination B.C./Hubert Kang
Coffee at Bright Jennys Kelowna - Destination B.C. / @vancouverfoodie
“Tourism supported approximately 1 in 10 jobs in communities across Canada in 2019.”
In the 1950s, there were just 25 million international travellers in the world. By 2010, that number became more than one billion. Most tourism businesses are locally owned and contribute directly to their local economy. With more than 19,329 tourism businesses in B.C., 13% of these are found in the Thompson Okanagan. Tourism creates jobs for our residents and ensures that amenities like recreation sites, arts and culture, attractions, parks, restaurants, resorts and events prosper and are available for locals to enjoy as well.
Lunch at Naramata Inn - Destination B.C./Hubert Kang
Hiking in Kamloops - Destination B.C./Andrew Strain
Along with everyone throughout the pandemic, the tourism industry businesses have had to pivot their operations to make them safe and accommodating to locals. Stories of breweries making hand sanitizer and hotels offering free accommodations to front line workers are just a couple of the innovative and generous efforts of tourism businesses in the region and province.
Accessible Biking at Chute Lake - Destination B.C./Hubert Kang
Mountain Biking at Sun Peaks Resort - Destination B.C./Cristina Gareau
“This idea of investing in meaningful travel experiences that not only enrich a visitor’s time in a place but also leave the destination better off is gaining traction...”
Everyone has a desire to explore, which is why sustainability and accessibility have become a top priority in B.C. to ensure that people of all abilities can explore this beautiful province for many generations to come. The tourism industry is one that brings joy to locals, travellers, and betters the lives of communities through job opportunities and economic growth.
As travel restrictions are gradually being lifted, let’s continue to explore and support local.
—Written by Jenna Labossiere
Born and raised in Kelowna, Jenna loves being able to be a tourist in her own backyard. As a Brand Ambassador for the Thompson Okanagan region, she hopes to be able to showcase the region’s local businesses and natural attractions in order to encourage others to take the opportunity to enjoy.
