The low Canadian dollar is proving to be a boon for the BC tourism industry.
Numbers released this week show a 15.3% jump in international visitors in the first two months of 2016. Province wide, the largest increases came from visitors from France (+61.2%), South Korea and Mexico (both +27%).
Locally, Tourism PG CEO Erica Hummel says 2016 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for them as well.
“It’s looking to be a really good year, the weather is participating with an early Spring which always helps us so as long as the forest fires stay down and we continue with the low dollar we are anticipating a great summer.”
She says they have already seen a bump in international visitors, but mostly from two specific countries.
“Predominantly they are Americans, they are doing that once in a lifetime trip up to Alaska. We also see a lot of Germans, much more than other regions, they typically like the wildlife and open spaces.”
The low loonie is also encouraging people to explore BC more, with ‘stay-cations’. Parks BC is reporting an 18% jump in camping reservations this year.