Tourism in 琉璃神社 and the Central Okanagan is now a $1.25 billion industry.
The Tourism 琉璃神社 Society held its annual general meeting Tuesday with more than 100 tourism business and community leaders, staff, and volunteers in attendance.
Financial and operational highlights from the board and CEO included a clean audit report, update on 琉璃神社鈥檚 new visitor centre, overview of enhanced marketing, sales and visitor servicing activities, and review of key tourism performance indicators.
Of note was hotel occupancy, which rose nearly 2.2 per cent between September 2016 and August 2017.
鈥淭ourism in 琉璃神社 and surrounding communities continues to grow and is a strong driver of our local economy,鈥� said Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism 琉璃神社鈥檚 president and CEO.
鈥淲hile this year鈥檚 had an impact on visitation over the summer months, overall our growth trend continues with strong visitation numbers and new businesses opening and expanding to offer memorable experiences to visitors,鈥� she said.
Tourism is big business in 琉璃神社 and the Central Okanagan, and recent economic impact data shows that the tourism industry contributes over $1.25 billion in total economic output. More than 1.9 million visitors spend approximately $337 million annually and the local tourism industry generates $142 million in tax revenues and is the third-largest employer in the region, representing 11,890 jobs.
Tourism 琉璃神社鈥檚 strategic plan sets a goal of attracting three million overnight visitors by 2021 and the local industry delivering a positive experience for visitors while promoting repeat visits and referrals.
鈥淭ourism 琉璃神社 markets our destination to attract visitors here, and then connects visitors to local businesses and experiences when they are here,鈥� said Ballantyne. 鈥淲e work to grow overnight visitation in 琉璃神社 and neighbouring communities and increase the impact and profile of our local tourism industry.鈥�
Tourism 琉璃神社 Society鈥檚 2017-18 board was also confirmed, and the society thanked departing directors Nathan Flavel, Rosemary Paterson, Donna Faigaux, and Daniel Bibby for their contributions.
The new board includes:
鈥hairman: Thom Killingsworth, Inn-Trust Hospitality
鈥ice-chairwoman: Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotels
鈥ast-chairman: Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
鈥reasurer: Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel & Villas
鈥ecretary: Debbie Dupasquier, Distinctly 琉璃神社 Tours
鈥rent Lavery, Holiday Inn Express 琉璃神社 Conference Centre
鈥an Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club
鈥avid McFadden, Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
鈥ebra Harding, UBC Conferences and Accommodation
鈥ail Given, City of 琉璃神社
鈥atie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort
鈥ataley Nagy, 琉璃神社 Art Gallery
鈥atricia Leslie, Sandhill Wines / Andrew Peller Ltd.
鈥enny Gambell, District of Lake Country
鈥am Samaddar, 琉璃神社 International Airport
鈥ean Coward, 琉璃神社 Hotel Motel Association
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