Tourism in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan is now a $1.25 billion industry.
The Tourism Kelowna 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 Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 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.
香蕉视频直播淭ourism in Kelowna and surrounding communities continues to grow and is a strong driver of our local economy,香蕉视频直播� said Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 president and CEO.
香蕉视频直播淲hile this year香蕉视频直播檚 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,香蕉视频直播� she said.
Tourism is big business in Kelowna 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 Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 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.
香蕉视频直播淭ourism Kelowna markets our destination to attract visitors here, and then connects visitors to local businesses and experiences when they are here,香蕉视频直播� said Ballantyne. 香蕉视频直播淲e work to grow overnight visitation in Kelowna and neighbouring communities and increase the impact and profile of our local tourism industry.香蕉视频直播�
Tourism Kelowna Society香蕉视频直播檚 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:
香蕉视频直播hairman: Thom Killingsworth, Inn-Trust Hospitality
香蕉视频直播ice-chairwoman: Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotels
香蕉视频直播ast-chairman: Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
香蕉视频直播reasurer: Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel & Villas
香蕉视频直播ecretary: Debbie Dupasquier, Distinctly Kelowna Tours
香蕉视频直播rent Lavery, Holiday Inn Express Kelowna Conference Centre
香蕉视频直播an Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club
香蕉视频直播avid McFadden, Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
香蕉视频直播ebra Harding, UBC Conferences and Accommodation
香蕉视频直播ail Given, City of Kelowna
香蕉视频直播atie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort
香蕉视频直播ataley Nagy, Kelowna Art Gallery
香蕉视频直播atricia Leslie, Sandhill Wines / Andrew Peller Ltd.
香蕉视频直播enny Gambell, District of Lake Country
香蕉视频直播am Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
香蕉视频直播ean Coward, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
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