BC – New annual international visitor arrival statistics show that in 2016, British Columbia saw a total of 5,532,065 million visitors – an increase of 12.3% accounting for 605,198 more visitors compared to 2015.
The positive impact of increasing international visitor numbers to BC is supported in a new study of the economic value of tourism to British Columbia.
The “Value of Tourism in British Columbia: A Snapshot of 2015” shows tourism generated $15.7 billion in tourism revenues for 2015, a 5.3% increase over 2014, proving the sector is a major economic driver for the province. The study was produced by BC Stats for Destination BC.
Following the release of new record-breaking visitor numbers, the Province is outlining a new funding formula for its tourism marketing Crown agency Destination BC that ensures stability and provides the opportunity for sustained growth.
To ensure the momentum in BC’s tourism sector continues, the Province has outlined a new funding formula for Destination BC that ensures stability and sustainability for the future. The new funding model will protect the annual base funding of $50 million, and will allow for ongoing increases tied to both Destination BC performance and the success of the tourism sector.
This means that there is an opportunity over the next six years for Destination BC’s annual base budget to increase by $5 million over what it is today – and that number could continue to grow year-by-year.