This summer, AtBC is proud to be bringing an oustanding Aboriginal tourism experience to Vancouver. Building on the success of the Klahowya Village at the Pan Pacific Hotel during the 2010 winter games, AtBC will be transforming Stanley Park into an authentic Aboriginal tourism experience complete with a performance stage, artisan kiosks, Aboriginal food vendors and the Spirit Catcher Minature Train!

The proposed Klahowya Village was unanimously approved by the Stanley Park Board earlier this evening. The Klahowya Village has been planned to provide a number of activities including daily cultural performances, authentic cuisine, Aboriginal artist showcase, plus many other exciting experiences.

British Columbia’s First Nations peoples and their tourism industry were on the world stage during the 2010 Games. Now that the cauldron’s close to being extinguished, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is taking stock of its new found fame and shifting its focus to the future.

Today's Vancouver Sun ran an article featuring AtBC's 2010 Games Time programming and detailing all the progress made by AtBC during the games.

More than 600 media and special guests attended an Aboriginal feast at the opening of the AtBC Kla-how-ya Village in the lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel.

From February 12-28, the lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel will be transformed into an Aboriginal village called “Kla-how-ya”. The stunning 16-day showcase of Aboriginal art, performances, and culture is free to residents and visitors during the upcoming 2010 Games.

The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia is making it easier for visitors to identify the most authentic, accurate and respectful representations of First Nations and Métis culture by launching its "Authentic Aboriginal" cultural authenticity program.

Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC is pleased to offer Trailblazers training to prepare individuals and communities to welcome the world in the Aboriginal Pavilion for 2010 and beyond through the tourism industry.

Demand for cultural tourism products has never been higher and the 2010 Winter Games will deliver the world to our doorsteps. Our industry is uniquely suited to deliver the authentic, cultural travel experiences people are after. Today, British Columbia’s Aboriginal cultural tourism industry contributes $35 million to the provincial economy. By 2012, we’re expecting that number to increase to $50 million.