Sun Peaks and a dozen other resorts getting government boost

The Government of British Columbia is investing $10.5 million in 14 resort communities to enhance local tourism in the province.

The funding comes from the government's Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) to grow the tourism sector in eligible municipalities like Fernie, Golden, Harrison Hot Springs, Invermere, Kimberley, Osoyoos, Radium Hot Springs, Revelstoke, Rossland, Sun Peaks, Tofino, Ucluelet, Valemount and Whistler.

“Resort Municipality Initiative funding ensures qualifying resort communities have the resources they need to provide a world-class traveller experience,” Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour said. “It's an important step toward making sure visitors return to our province for years to come, supporting businesses and keeping our economy diverse, strong and growing."

According to the B.C. government, more than $108.6 million in RMI funding has been invested since 2006 to support these smaller resort-oriented municipalities.

The funding is used by the communities to enhance their infrastructure, services and programs including new trails, venues and tourist info centres.

The number of total overnight international visitors to British Columbia from January to July 2016 surpassed the three million mark-- an increase of 12.5 per cent over the same period last
Year.

"B.C.'s tourism industry is experiencing incredible growth,” continued Bond. “It's helping to create jobs and is one of the reasons why our province has the leading economy in Canada.”

Tourism in B.C. supports close to 19,000 businesses and 127,500 employees in the province.