Indigenous tourism experiences are part of British Columbia’s international appeal and a core element of the Super, Natural British Columbia® brand.
Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) | Grant Harder
Indigenous tourism is a valued and integral part of BC’s tourism network, providing a distinctive identity to our province and a deeper connection to travellers.
What is Indigenous Cultural Tourism?
Trends in tourism indicate a strong and increasing demand for cultural tourism attractions. Put simply, more and more visitors are looking for experiences that immerse them in a culture different to theirs, allowing them to experience customs and traditions firsthand. British Columbia’s Indigenous cultural tourism industry has some of the most diverse and best developed operators in the world.
How is Indigenous Tourism Revitalizing Culture?
The demand for cultural tourism products has given Indigenous peoples in British Columbia an unprecedented opportunity to develop businesses that showcase their traditions, histories, and cultures.
Tourism is helping create sustainable and meaningful employment for Indigenous communities, and providing opportunities for elders to pass down culture, history, and traditions to youth.
Indigenous Tourism by the Numbers:
In 2016 there were approximately 401 Indigenous tourism related businesses operating in BC, generating $705 million in direct gross domestic output and creating 7,400 direct full-time jobs
1 in 4 visitors to BC actively seek authentic Indigenous experiences
Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
Destination BC partners with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC) to grow and promote a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry.
ITBC is dedicated to raising awareness of the diverse and enriching Indigenous tourism experiences available in BC. The non-profit organization communicates directly with consumers, travel trade, and travel media creating interest in Indigenous tourism experiences, activities, and products.
Destination BC Works With ITBC to:
Foster long-term growth
Integrate and leverage Indigenous cultural tourism within BC’s destination brand and marketing activities, including travel trade, travel media, and familiarization trips
Ensure the destination development programs support Indigenous tourism development throughout the province
Engage Indigenous communities in destination development opportunities, identifying ways to support Indigenous cultural heritage and future aspirations for tourism
Include Indigenous tourism in all areas of Destination BC’s program delivery
About Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC)
The Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities, and co-operative marketing programs, ITBC is a one-stop resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education, and government organizations to help BC’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local residents.
