Shaping the future of Aboriginal Tourism
 

Provincial, Federal Partnerships Help Aboriginal Tourism Industry Double Growth

June 20, 2011

Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC: A report on the status of British Columbia’s Aboriginal cultural tourism industry shows how the sector has grown dramatically over the past four years, exceeding expectations in job creation, economic impact and nearly doubling the number of visitors to Aboriginal cultural attractions.

The AtBC Blueprint Strategy: Tourism Performance Review 2006-2010 summarizes the results of a partnership between the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada. The partnership was designed to strengthen Aboriginal cultural tourism as an economic driver within the tourism sector.

Highlights from the report include a number of economic achievements:

  • An estimated 3.7 million tourists experienced some form of Aboriginal cultural tourism experience in 2010, almost double the number from 2006.
  • There are more than 200 Aboriginal tourism businesses in B.C., about 23 per cent of these established between 2006 and 2010.
  • An estimated 2,226 full-time equivalent jobs were generated by these businesses in 2010, a 32 per cent increase from 2006.
  • Aboriginal tourism expenditures reached an estimated $40 million in 2010, representing a 6 per cent increase over 2009 levels and doubling over 2006 levels.

In 2006, AtBC initiated an Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy focused on strengthening and growing the industry throughout British Columbia. The Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada each contributed $5 million over five years to assist AtBC in building awareness of cultural tourism opportunities, developing and providing skills training and promoting Aboriginal tourism products.

By 2012, about 3.9 million visitors are expected to include Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences in their B.C. trip itineraries. It is anticipated that these visitors will collectively spend around $43 million, representing an increase of about 115 per cent over 2006.

For more information about the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC visit www.aboriginalbc.com

Quote from Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation:

“The funding and ministry resources we have provided the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC have helped strengthen our culturally rich and sustainable tourism industry throughout the province. This report clearly demonstrates how strategic partnerships can support economic development among First Nations, creating valuable jobs for British Columbians.”

Quote from Keith Henry, CEO, Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC:

“Aboriginal cultures all across the province are experiencing a rebirth and revitalization. The success of a strong cultural tourism industry plays a large part in this. The Blueprint Strategy and its support from the provincial and federal governments is giving communities the economic means and the will to celebrate their cultures and traditions and share them with visitors.”

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Media Contacts:

Greg Johnson

Marisa Adair, Communications Director, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

  • T: 250 920 8500
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