The year 2015 was successful provincially for the tourism industry with indicators suggesting that 2016 is shaping up nicely for businesses in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. International entries to B.C. increased by 7.9 per cent, while overnight visits from the U.S. to B.C. grew by 9.6 per cent year over year.
Generally speaking it is good for B.C.’s tourism economy when the U.S. dollar is strong. In addition a strong U.S. dollar means other international markets start to look at trips to Canada with added value.
Most of the long haul markets that are key to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast have been showing steady growth for two consecutive years with no change predicted. Although important, international visitors are the minority of visitors to the region. In fact nearly 11 million travellers from in and around our province are on the move in B.C. annually, and close to 70 per cent of the total visits to B.C. originate from B.C. and Alberta.
When looking at the changing trends and habits of the travelling consumer, whether for business or leisure, it is important to realize how visitors are sourcing information to plan trips.
The Internet (accessed on a computer, tablet, or phone) is the key pre-trip information, while visitor centres, Internet at accommodations and on mobile devices, is used for information during trips.
Having information that is easy to access on a mobile device is one of the most important platforms a business can invest in today. There is also a shift in the way people are deciding on vacations.
Travellers are seeking experiential and life-enriching vacations that involve culture, nature, the outdoors, and learning by doing.
Visitors coming to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast are looking for authentic experiences that explore local culture, foods, and products that engage all of their senses. They want to get behind the scenes and be enriched by the people and places they visit. They are seeking a greater understanding of nature and the world we live in. Our diversity in both nature and culture gives the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast an advantage over other destinations.
Looking behind the scenes within the tourism industry there is good news for our regional stakeholders. After six years of working collaboratively with the Cariboo Regional District and MLA Donna Barnett, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) board of director’s proposed amendments to the Tourist Accommodation (Assessment Relief) Act (TAARA) have been read into the 2016 provincial budget.
