The province of BC has unveiled a new initiative that will certainly help a thriving economy here in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.
It’s known as the Tourism Engagement Council and is the government’s way of ensuring the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District continues to see healthy economic growth.
“Tourism is a large economic driver here in BC and we’re really proud of that,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lisa Beare, “When we talk about the North, there was $412 million dollars in related tourism spending in 2015. In Smithers last year, there were roughly 124,000 overnight visitors and these are the kind of exciting numbers we like to see. What this means is, we need to continue focusing on tourism to get strategic plans and policies in place, so we can continue to see this positive growth.”
As residents of the North, sometimes we feel forgotten about, so how does the formation of this council ensure we here in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District are taken care of?
“We are very happy to continue growing the tourism sector in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District and this engagement council will make sure that happens. It’s a fantastic region of the province and residents will be happy to know they are well represented by Clint Fraser, Mark Werner, and Stephen Smith. These members will bring voices of the North to the council to make sure everyone in the Northern region of BC are well represented.”
Council members represent small and large tourism businesses, marketing organizations, culture and sports groups, Indigenous communities, municipalities, technology companies, and wilderness guides, as well as many other sectors. The size and diversity of the council, 28 members, will ensure the government of BC receives timely information about emerging issues from every geographic region and every major tourism sector.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
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