Every Week is 'Tourism Week' in British Columbia

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - June 02, 2015) - This week Canada celebrates Tourism Week -- national recognition for an industry that not only supports the socio-cultural fabric of our lives, but also provides important economic benefits for all Canadians.

Here in British Columbia we have lots to celebrate! Tourism is a key economic driver across our province and the value of our visitor economy benefits communities all around BC. Employing 132,200 British Columbians in over 19,000 businesses, Tourism generated $13.9 billion in revenue in 2013 alone. In 2014, the province saw a 5.3 percent increase in international overnight visitor arrivals, surpassing the 3.2 percent increase in arrivals to Canada as a whole.

Tourism also improves our quality of life. There are many activities we enjoy as residents that would not be as viable without the Tourism engine such as museums and galleries, festivals and sporting events, transportation, dining and wine tours, parks and recreational facilities, and many other benefits that make life so good here in BC.

We are fortunate to live in a province that delivers spectacular natural beauty and world-class adventures and attractions. As school wraps up for another year and families begin to plan their summer vacations, I encourage British Columbians to explore BC and celebrate all that our province has to offer. BC presents a wealth of diverse and iconic experiences, lush rainforest, monumental mountain peaks, rugged coastline and sparkling lakes, not to mention our big cities and friendly small towns perched on the edge of nature. With such an enticing setting, it's little wonder why visitors from around the world and across Canada choose to visit our province every year.

While options are seemingly endless, there's a simple way to determine which path to follow thanks to the plethora of information available on our travel-planning website, HelloBC.com. Here, you'll find almost every escape imaginable-one that's sure to offer your own 'wish-you-were-here' moment.

I invite you to travel British Columbia this summer and experience our province's natural beauty and hospitality for yourself.

Marsha Walden
CEO, Destination BC

Learn More:
Destination British Columbia is an industry-led Crown corporation that works collaboratively with tourism stakeholders across the province to coordinate marketing at the international, provincial, regional and local levels. For more information about Destination British Columbia's programs and services, please visit: http://www.DestinationBC.ca/

Consumer Accounts:
Website: www.HelloBC.com
Twitter: @HelloBC
Instagram: @HelloBC
Facebook: Facebook.com/HelloBC

Corporate Accounts:
Website: www.DestinationBC.ca
Twitter: @DestinationBC

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