While communities around the Okanagan Valley have had to cope with declining tourism statistics, Summerland is attracting more visitors.
Speaking to municipal council on Monday evening, Christine Petkau, manager of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce said the number of visitors increased by roughly 20 per cent in 2013 over 2012.
The majority of Canadian visitors to Summerland come from British Columbia and Alberta, she said.
The United States also provides many tourists to the community, with the number on the increase.
The chamber board has identified Europe, especially Germany, as a key market for visitors to the community.
Petkau said in the future, China will become a more important source of tourists as the middle class grows and as travel restrictions are relaxed.
Earlier this year, the Summerland Chamber published its annual visitors’ guide, with more content than in previous years.
A tourism website, separate from the Summerland Chamber website, was also launched this spring, as was a tourism video, highlighting some of the attractions and amenities within the community.
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