CANADA, August 27 -
Summary
- The Northern BC Tourism Association is receiving nearly $238,000 to help attract more visitors and strengthen the local economy along the Highway 16 corridor
- The initiative will support tourism growth and create local jobs and more opportunities for businesses in northern B.C.
- The initiative is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program
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People and businesses in northern B.C. will benefit from more visitors and customers in their communities, thanks to provincial support for a new initiative that will help develop new tourism experiences and strengthen the region’s visitor economy.
“Northern B.C. is home to incredible people, communities, cultures and landscapes that make the region a special place to live, work and visit,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “This investment will help bring more visitors to northern B.C., creating opportunities for local businesses, workers and families to benefit from a stronger tourism economy. Through our Look West strategy, we’re helping communities grow, strengthening local businesses and creating more opportunities for people to build a good life and a strong future right where they call home.”
Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing nearly $238,000 to the Northern BC Tourism Association, supporting its Beyond the Horizon Experience Development Program. The program will help attract more visitors to the region, creating more opportunities for local businesses to grow and create new jobs for people in their communities.
Supporting tourism growth in northern B.C.
With the funding, the Northern BC Tourism Association will support tourism operators, Indigenous communities and local organizations through training, mentorship and cross-community collaborations to create experiences that showcase the culture, landscapes and communities of northern B.C.
The initiative will help attract more domestic and international visitors, which will bring more customers to businesses throughout the Highway 16 corridor. It aligns with the Northern BC Destination Development and Iconics Strategy by supporting sustainable, collaborative and culturally respectful tourism opportunities.
The initiative is expected to create approximately 16 full-time and part-time jobs, with more jobs expected as a result of a strong tourism economy.
“Beyond the Horizon is about giving tourism operators the tools, expertise and confidence to turn great ideas into compelling visitor experiences,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association. “By supporting the development of authentic, locally rooted experiences across northwestern B.C., we’re helping businesses strengthen their market readiness while creating new reasons for visitors to explore our communities, stay longer and connect more deeply with the people and places that make this region unique.”
The investment is another step in the Province’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, supporting year-round tourism and creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses to grow in communities throughout B.C.
Supporting economic diversification through REDIP
REDIP supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities in B.C.
Since 2022, the Province has invested more than $156 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects in B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.
Quotes:
Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport –
“This investment in northern B.C.’s tourism economy is another example of how our government is working across ministries to drive economic prosperity and create new opportunities throughout the province. B.C.’s northern region is a destination rich in year-round tourism experiences, from outdoor adventures and cultural attractions to festivals and events. By supporting the expansion of tourism offerings in this region, we are helping local businesses grow while inspiring visitors to explore every corner of the province year-round, furthering a key goal of the Look West: Tourism Sector Action plan to strengthen B.C.’s position as a premier tourism destination.”
Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii –
“Northern B.C. is home to extraordinary cultures, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable visitor experiences. This investment will help communities, Indigenous partners and tourism operators showcase the best of our region, attract more visitors and create new opportunities for local businesses and workers.”
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