BC Government News Release: Strengthening Support to Grow Indigenous Tourism in BC

Summary of BC Government News release below: 

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Province of British Columbia (the Province), represented by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, signed an Indigenous Tourism Accord at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Kelowna on November 14, 2019. This accord acknowledges a long-standing positive working relationship and collaboration for Indigenous tourism development and support for a vibrant tourism industry across BC.

Destination BC has been a strong partner and supporter of ITBC for almost 20 years. Investing in Indigenous tourism will help ensure more travelers experience the authenticity, uniqueness, and diversity of BC, and the stories and products offered by Indigenous peoples and communities across the province.

The Indigenous Tourism Accord, signed at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference, outlines a commitment to work together in areas such as:

• skills development;
• revitalization of Indigenous cultures, protocols and languages;
• better co-operation across provincial ministries; and
• more collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism operators.

Quick Facts:

• Indigenous tourism contributes $705 million a year to B.C.’s economy and employs 7,400 people in more than 400 businesses.
• 7.2 million visitors are expected to engage in Indigenous tourism experiences over the next two years from the top five markets for Indigenous tourism in Canada (Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and China).
• The Province provides additional supports to Indigenous tourism through:
  • Indigenous co-management and presence in provincial parks;
  • contract management of provincial recreation sites and trails;
  • entrepreneur and management training at B.C. post-secondary institutions;
  • destination development planning throughout B.C.;
  • skills training programs; and
  • marketing partnerships.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Strategic Framework for Tourism in B.C. and read the Indigenous Tourism Accord in full, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/tourism-resources/bcs-tourism-framework

Indigenous Tourism BC: www.indigenousbc.com

Full release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019TAC0116-002190

Media Contact:

Carla Wormald
Communications Manager
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 208-4309