The 2016 BC Provincial budget was released February 15.   BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA), as a service to our members asked long time member and economist Jamie Vann Struth to attend the budget lockup to analyse the budget and the impacts on economic development programs.  This BCEDA release summarizes …

According to the provincial government tourism is booming in B.C. A new study of tourism trends between 2004 and 2014, reveals a 38 per cent increase in tourism revenue. “Tourism is a key sector in the BC Jobs Plan, a major employer and one of the reasons why our province’s diverse economy …

This weekend marked B.C.’s fourth Family Day, and Okanagan mountains were packed with snow enthusiasts. According to Big White, Family Day marked one of its busiest days of the season. “The weekend broke all-time records,” said spokesman Michael J. Ballingall. “The busiest day of the year was Dec. 28, 2015, but Family Day …

We need 15 minutes of your time to help hoteliers in British Columbia with economically crippling labour shortages. Please click here to complete this online survey by February 12, 2016, or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCTourismLabourSurvey. The BCHA will raffle off two IPads as a thank you for helping us collect data on …

Gearing up for a busy summer? Finding local labour can be a struggle, and doing cross-provincial or international recruiting has its own challenges. Join Mobilize for a FREE webinar that will help you find the staff you need. Can’t attend? Register for a link to the recorded session. Wednesday, February …

With rolling hills dotted with sagebrush and ponderosa pine—and thousands of acres of vineyards—the Okanagan Valley can no longer be considered a nascent Napa. Lying between two mountain ranges and stretching roughly 125 miles north from the U.S.-Canada border, the geography varies from the desert-like conditions in the south to …

Attention all Culinary Enthusiasts! Destination BC is looking for a way to highlight British Columbia’s great food and drink through creative and original photos on social media. If you often eat out at amazing restaurants in beautiful locations across BC, or enjoy a trip to the local farmers market to …

KELOWNA – Kelowna International Airport has enjoyed steady passenger growth for years but the downturn in the oil patch has finally ended that run. Airport director Sam Samaddar says fresh numbers for 2015 show a half per cent drop in the number of passengers using the city-owned airport, down a …

Do you have an hour to spare to grow your business? Learn how to unlock the desires of your customers and attract new guests by connecting with their values. These complimentary webinars will help you do all that, plus improve your sustainability performance. Register for one or more of the following webinars: Webinar 1: February …

Destination Canada is seeking to invest into the most innovative, collaborative and creative marketing initiatives brought forward by our industry that will compel US travellers to visit Canada. There are over 19 million Americans in 12 US cities with direct air access to Canada who are keen to visit us …