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 Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 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.
91裸聊视频淭ourism in Kelowna and surrounding communities continues to grow and is a strong driver of our local economy,91裸聊视频� said Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 president and CEO.
91裸聊视频淲hile this year91裸聊视频檚 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,91裸聊视频� 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 Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 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.
91裸聊视频淭ourism Kelowna markets our destination to attract visitors here, and then connects visitors to local businesses and experiences when they are here,91裸聊视频� said Ballantyne. 91裸聊视频淲e work to grow overnight visitation in Kelowna and neighbouring communities and increase the impact and profile of our local tourism industry.91裸聊视频�
Tourism Kelowna Society91裸聊视频檚 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:
91裸聊视频hairman: Thom Killingsworth, Inn-Trust Hospitality
91裸聊视频ice-chairwoman: Tanya Stroinig, Prestige Hotels
91裸聊视频ast-chairman: Stan Martindale, Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
91裸聊视频reasurer: Heather Schroeter, Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel & Villas
91裸聊视频ecretary: Debbie Dupasquier, Distinctly Kelowna Tours
91裸聊视频rent Lavery, Holiday Inn Express Kelowna Conference Centre
91裸聊视频an Matheson, Okanagan Golf Club
91裸聊视频avid McFadden, Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
91裸聊视频ebra Harding, UBC Conferences and Accommodation
91裸聊视频ail Given, City of Kelowna
91裸聊视频atie Balkwill, Big White Ski Resort
91裸聊视频ataley Nagy, Kelowna Art Gallery
91裸聊视频atricia Leslie, Sandhill Wines / Andrew Peller Ltd.
91裸聊视频enny Gambell, District of Lake Country
91裸聊视频am Samaddar, Kelowna International Airport
91裸聊视频ean Coward, Kelowna Hotel Motel Association
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