Harper Government Supports Growth of Aboriginal Tourism Industry

May 1, 2015 – Courtenay, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, accompanied by the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, announced an investment of $1,500,000 for the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) to grow and develop the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry in B.C.

The project, which is part of AtBC’s Five-year Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Strategy, will ensure that visitors receive a world-class Aboriginal cultural tourism experience through the development and implementation of authenticity and quality assurance programs. Through the creation of marketing campaigns, Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses will improve their ability to reach growing international tourism markets.

As a result of this Western Diversification Program investment, AtBC will increase the number of market-ready Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses, creating revenue growth and increasing the number of full-time jobs in the sector.

Quick Facts

• By 2017, AtBC aims to have 4,000 people employed full-time in the Aboriginal cultural tourism industry in B.C.
• One in four visitors to B.C. is interested in adding an Aboriginal cultural tourism experience to their visit.
• AtBC is comprised of more than 200 Aboriginal cultural tourism stakeholders across B.C.

Quotes

“Aboriginal tourism businesses provide world-class cultural experiences for visitors from around the world. Our Government is proud to support the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia in increasing Aboriginal business capacity, creating jobs and growth across the province.”

– The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

“Tourism is a vibrant industry in all corners of British Columbia. Through this investment in the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia, our Government is providing economic opportunities on Vancouver Island and across the province.”

– The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

“The Aboriginal tourism industry continues to be in high demand for visitors domestically and internationally. Support from Western Economic Diversification Canada will contribute to experience development and target marketing to increase overall revenue, jobs and tourism industry partnerships that will benefit Canada’s tourism industry. AtBC sincerely appreciates the important contributions to support our overall strategy.”

– Keith Henry, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia

Additional Links

• Federal Funding Strengthens Cultural Tourism in Squamish
• Government of Canada – Supporting Tourism
• Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C.

Contacts

Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-220-6208
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca

Brian Cant
Senior Communications Specialist
Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia
Telephone: 250-592-3838
Email: brian@tartangroup.ca

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