Provincial program to give financial boost to Northern B.C. tourism sector

The Northern BC Tourism Association is receiving nearly $238,000 to help attract more visitors and strengthen the economy along the Highway 16 corridor.

“Northern B.C. is home to incredible people, communities, cultures and landscapes that make the region a special place to live, work and visit,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.

“This investment will help bring more visitors to northern B.C., creating opportunities for local businesses, workers and families to benefit from a stronger tourism economy. Through our Look West strategy, we’re helping communities grow, strengthening local businesses and creating more opportunities for people to build a good life and a strong future right where they call home.”

The provincial dollars are through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) to help grow and create new jobs for people in their communities.

The funds will support tourism operators, Indigenous communities and local organizations through training, mentorship and cross-community collaborations to create experiences that showcase the culture, landscapes and communities of the region.

The initiative is expected to create approximately 16 full-time and part-time jobs.

“Beyond the Horizon is about giving tourism operators the tools, expertise and confidence to turn great ideas into compelling visitor experiences,” said Clint Fraser, CEO, Northern BC Tourism Association. “By supporting the development of authentic, locally rooted experiences across northwestern B.C., we’re helping businesses strengthen their market readiness while creating new reasons for visitors to explore our communities, stay longer and connect more deeply with the people and places that make this region unique.”

Since 2022, the Province has invested more than $156 million, supporting 525 projects in B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.