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Thirteen representatives from the tourism industry will provide advice to the Province on how to market and expand B.C.’s growing tourism industry as members of the new Minister’s Council on Tourism, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger announced yesterday. 

“The new council represents a broad cross-section of the tourism industry and reflects the diversity of B.C.’s distinct regions. Nearly half of the council’s members have previously served on the board of directors of Tourism BC, providing continuity and working with the balance of the council to continue building B.C.’s successful tourism sector,” said Krueger. “The council’s expertise and advice will directly impact how B.C. is marketed to the world as a top-notch tourism destination.” 

The Minister’s Council on Tourism will inform the minister on a wide variety of tourism matters including: product development, competitiveness, infrastructure, labour force, visitor services, and marketing and research. The council’s advice will help guide development of marketing plans and other strategies to reach the Province’s goal of doubling tourism industry revenues by 2015. 

“Through the minister’s council, tourism businesses will be able to help guide tourism marketing strategies, building upon B.C.’s reputation as a world-class destination at this critical juncture,” said Stuart McLaughlin, who will chair the council. “I look forward to working closely with the minister and with the other council members to help B.C. maximize the tourism opportunities presented by the 2010 Winter Olympics.” 

Tourism BC is being brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, effective April 1, 2010. As part of the transition, the Minister’s Council on Tourism has been established to provide input and advice on marketing B.C. successfully to potential visitors from around the world. The council includes tourism industry representatives from regions around B.C. and will report directly to the minister. 

Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts will better co-ordinate all the Province’s marketing initiatives and reduce administrative costs, allowing these savings to be reinvested into marketing initiatives. 

Tourism generated an estimated $13.8 billion in 2008, providing more than 130,000 direct and 170,000 indirect jobs across the province. The Province of British Columbia has actively supported the robust development of strong, upgraded infrastructure for the tourism industry since 2001, including airports, highways and bridges.