Provincial Government of BC

Tourism Policy

Tourism is a complex industry that is affected by legislation, regulations, and policy decisions at the federal, provincial and local government levels. The Tourism Branch in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport works collaboratively across all levels of government to maximize the value of tourism, while raising the profile of the sector as a key driver in growing a strong visitor economy.

The Tourism Branch supports the alignment of provincial tourism priorities and sets the strategic direction, while working collaboratively with other parts of the provincial government that deliver tourism-related activities.

Tourism Branch responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading the implementation of provincial priorities to grow tourism.
• Engaging with all BC provincial government ministries and agencies with mandates that complement tourism, identifying and leveraging key opportunities for economic growth and diversification.
• Ensuring that provincial decisions are informed by the needs of the tourism industry.
• Coordinating activities between the provincial government and Destination BC, the Ministry’s key tourism marketing and development partner.
• Working with other provincial/territorial, federal and international agencies with mandates that intersect with the travel and tourism industry in British Columbia, and providing recommendations in support of BC’s tourism sector on legislative/regulatory reviews where tourism may be impacted.
• Fostering the development of policies and programs that encourage sustainability and growth for the travel and tourism industry in British Columbia.