First Nations capitalize on B.C. tourism boom – BiV

Sept. 6, 2015

Hotels with aboriginal themes and artwork are posting strong occupancy rates

The K’awat’si Economic Development Corp.’s (KEDC) plan to spend $4.5 million to renovate an 85-room hotel in Port Hardy and make it a luxury, aboriginal-themed resort is the most recent example of a First Nation investing to capitalize on B.C.’s booming tourism sector.

The Osoyoos Indian Band was a trailblazer in 2005 when it built the Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in partnership with Bellstar Hotels & Resorts. That condo-hotel has suites that are individually owned and put into a rental pool.

The Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band then substantially renovated its Quaaout Lodge and Spa in Chase in 2010. That same year, the Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) opened the renovated 18-room Skwachàys hotel at 31 West Pender Street. All hotel rooms have distinctive aboriginal art and decor while the rest of the building includes 24 rooms that are provided to aboriginal people who are at risk of homelessness.

Read More: https://www.biv.com/article/2015/9/first-nations-capitalize-bc-tourism-boom/