Staycations are a great way to get out and explore your town, your region, your province.
They are also a great way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in B.C.’s economy.
By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses you’re also helping to create jobs.
In 2013, the tourism sector employed 132,000 British Columbians, almost 1 in every 15 jobs in B.C. The sector has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses and paid out $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to tourism workers in 2013 – an increase of 3.8 per cent over the year before.
“There is still a lot of summer left with enough time to enjoy a staycation,” said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism and skills training and responsible for labour.
Being a tourist in your own town or your own province is a great way to enjoy our beautiful province and grow our regional economies.”
While there are no set rules for staycations, here are some handy dos and don’ts to make sure you get the most out of your B.C. staycation:
- Do take one – they’re good for your wallet and good for local businesses;
- Do visit the HelloBC website for trip, festival and event ideas – www.hellobc.com;
- Do sleep-in, read a big book, and spend time with your family;
- Do check out local farmers markets;
- Do take advantage of happy hour and sit back with one of B.C.’s local craft brews or fine local wines or ciders;
- Don’t check your e-mail more than once a day;
- Don’t forget to tag your tweets using #staycationbc.
