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BC Chamber of Commerce
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Vancouver, BC V6C 2T8

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Advocacy & Policy

2010 - 2011 Policy & Positions Manual

<< back to Statements of Policy

Tourism and Travel

Tourism has grown at an incredible rate in the last decade, and the level of enthusiasm among professionals may surpass those of any other industry in the world.  Even so, there continues to be a constant struggle within the private sector of the industry to prove it’s worth as a viable industry, particularly in comparison to the resource industries which are the traditional base of BC’s economy.

The Chamber has long believed in and recognized the importance of tourism and the extraordinary economic value it brings to all residents of the province.  The importance of tourism to the economy of BC will grow significantly in the aftermath of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To ensure that the province is prepared to leverage the full benefits of the 2010 Games, a strategic tourism plans needs to be developed in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders as quickly as possible to ensure that the tourism industry has the funding and plans in place to realize the full opportunities throughout the province.

The importance of the tourism industry in BC as a producer of tax revenue, profits and employment will continue to grow substantially after 2010.  At present, over 220,000 persons are employed under the tourism umbrella in this province.  Many more will reach out to the industry for career options now that the Games are over.  Training has become an integral component to the industry as a whole.  People with professional skills and attitudes will be the future servicers of the BC product.  Both domestic and world competition must be recognized and responded to on a priority basis by both industry and government, and the country’s and province's positions must be maintained in the global market.

The importance of a wide range of world-class facilities, services and products are known and striven for by both the private sector and government.  Although it is clear our natural beauty, coupled with our friendly people are major resources, both must be constantly groomed and nurtured.  The Chamber will continue to contribute in all ways to ensure the good health and steady growth of the tourism industry of BC within the global market.