This report contains a review of and outlook for tourism activity in British Columbia, assessing the impact of COVID-19 and the public health restrictions on tourism. It examines domestic, U.S., and overseas activity.
Document Highlights
- Tourists will venture back to British Columbia over the next few years in search of nature, fresh air, and themselves. We expect total visits to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
- Climate change is starting to impact tourism in the province. Severe weather events damaged key transportation linkages in 2021. Bolstering infrastructure will help to reduce future disruptions.
- Labour shortages in B.C.’s tourism industry have been particularly severe. As seasonal international workers return to the province, job vacancies will decline. But solving the labour crisis will take time.
- With government support, tourism operators in B.C. are developing and improving visitor experiences in the outdoor and Indigenous cultural tourism niches. As travellers look for authentic and natural places to explore, the province will resonate strongly as a destination for many visitor segments.
- Restarting major events in B.C. will boost the recovery process. The province intends to bid on several new large-scale conferences and cultural and sporting events, which may include the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2030 Winter Olympics. If successful, these events could enhance long-term growth prospects for tourism in British Columbia.
There are no reviews yet.