BC Liberal Party Tourism Co-Critics Michelle Stilwell and Doug Clovechok today raised concerns about the provincial government’s ability to follow through on its commitment to promote the province abroad after cutting over $1.3 million in funding from the 2020 tourism budget.

“Tourism is a major economic driver that brings in more than a billion dollars in annual tax revenue to B.C., but now the NDP has slashed the very budget used to promote our province and stimulate the industry,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Stilwell. “The NDP keep suggesting the tourism industry will somehow pick up the slack for communities hurt by the province’s failing resource sector, but it’s hard to see how Destination BC is supposed to do that with less money in their budget. These cuts make it clear that tourism is not a priority for this NDP government.”

The Tourism Industry Association of BC has also raised concerns about the impact that the Minister of Tourism’s short-sightedness will have on the industry. This comes on top of significant budget cuts to essential tourism-related areas like BC Parks and the Conservation Officer Services.

“The NDP seems determined to reduce provincial tourism revenue as they casually cut funding to every inch of nature in B.C., all while increasing taxation for British Columbians,” added Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Clovechok. “Now, on top of the budget cuts, they are actually pondering money-making schemes like slapping taxes on hiking boots or a yearly fee to walk the trails of British Columbia. This is taking tax hikes to a whole new level.”

Lead image: The Village of Radium Hot Springs, currently suffering from the closure (for repairs) of Radium Hot Springs pools in Kootenay National Park. e-KNOW file photo

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