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Radium shares in B.C. tourism success
A relaxing dip in some Rocky Mountain hot springs is what many visitors to the Kootenay Rockies want to hear after a day touring around the region. That’s been the case for Radium Hot Springs, which has seen an eight per cent increase in visitors last summer over 2014.
“We had a busy season with staff seeing higher visitation levels. From the May long weekend to the September Labour Day weekend, our attendance records show that approximately 140,538 visitors came to the hot springs. The staff at the visitor centre were very busy this summer and noticed a lot more regional visitation, especially from the U.S.,” explained Donna Cook, marketing coordinator, Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, Parks Canada.
Radium is one of many tourism attractions in the Kootenay Rockies that is benefitting from tourism growth in B.C. hotel occupancy rates were up this summer and, overnight visitors from the United States rose 9.2% over last summer and international visits were up 4.6% over the same period in 2014, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour reported last week.
While summer tourism numbers are something to celebrate, local businesses are encouraging British Columbians to staycation and take in winter activities in all of B.C.’s regions. Radium Hot Springs is gearing up for more crowds who want to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs in the cold weather. This is a reminder to British Columbians to enjoy what the region provides year-round.
Staycations are a good 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 sustain important jobs in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism suggested, noting that B.C. residents who play at home help bolster B.C.’s economy.
“It really has been a remarkable year for attractions such as Radium Hot Springs and for overall tourism growth in British Columbia. With this in mind, I urge British Columbians to keep that momentum going by enjoying a staycation in the fall and winter. See some of the world-class tourism activities that attract visitors from around the world,” stated Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.
“An estimated 19.1 million overnight visitors will travel around B.C. in 2015, with 57% of these trips being made by British Columbians. As they continue to explore their own beautiful province, and share those experiences with friends and family through their social networks, we can build on the amazing success we’re having in tourism,” said Marsha Walden, CEO of Destination British Columbia.
“Tourism is very important to the area and it’s great to see so many visitors enjoying Kootenay National Park, the hot springs and the Columbia Valley. Visitors help sustain so many of the small businesses and restaurants that make this area unique,” Cook said, adding, “It’s a wonderful place to escape the crowds and enjoy some winter fun with the family or get away for a girl’s spa and ski weekend in the mountains. There are always opportunities to view wildlife such as bighorn sheep and deer and an outing in the park to go snowshoeing or ski touring are also options.”
B.C.’s tourism sector is strong and growing and a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan. As an economic driver in the province, it employs 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. in 2013.
In 2014, 4.65 million international travellers came to B.C. That is a 5.8% increase and a quarter million more visitors than we welcomed in As well, so far in 2015 year-to-date custom entries are up 7.6% over the same period last year.
British Columbians are encouraged to tweet their favourite winter staycation activity using the hashtags: #StaycationBC #ExploreBC or #SnowBetterPlace.
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