Kamloops Tourism Performance Surpasses 2018 Targets
For Immediate Release
December 19, 2018, Kamloops, British Columbia – 2018 is proving to be another successful year for tourism in Kamloops. Tourism revenues and visitation in 2018 continue to surpass targets and performance indicators for October show record breaking results.
October accommodation revenues increased by 24% and visitation is up 18%. Independent travel increased 24.5% and group travel is up 7% in October alone.
Year to date (January to October) accommodation revenues are up 6.2% and visitation up 4.2%.
“Tourism Kamloops has worked exceptionally hard to ensure that our marketing is hyper targeted and delivers inspirational content to interested and engaged audiences. We maintain outreach to our key drive markets in BC and Alberta as well as expanding efforts internationally in the UK and Germany,” notes Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops CEO. “Our nimble, digital-first approach featuring our passions-based experiences such as fishing, golf, mountain biking, sport and events as well as our newly appointed Thompson Valley wine region and burgeoning beer culture have helped to turn the attention on Kamloops.”
By the end of October, Kamloops is poised to surpass the annual growth target by nearly 3% finishing the year at 6% ahead of 2017.
“Competition for visitor dollars is fierce and we need to remain closely aligned with our partners including the City of Kamloops and our local tourism businesses. Tourism Kamloops will continue to share insights, trends and enhanced marketing practices to raise the bar for the destination. Additionally, we look to share details of all the amazing experiences and events we have in Kamloops with our residents to ensure the story of Kamloops is strong and top of mind for people deciding where to spend their vacations,” adds DeSantis.
The Kamloops Tourism Economy is robust delivering $270 million in direct visitor spending and resulting in $449 million in total economic impact. 1.8 million visitors come to Kamloops each year.
Targets have been set for 2019 and seek to further grow Kamloops’ tourism revenues by 3.5%. Attention will be focused on the value of tourism and the positive contributions it delivers to Kamloops’ economy, residents and vibrant lifestyle. Announcements of new and proposed tourism infrastructure and experiences all demonstrate a healthy and thriving industry and continue to inspire visitors to Kamloops:
- Hotel 540 reopening as Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops
- New Choice Hotel Brand opening near Cascades Casino
- Bright Eye Brewing
- Rocky Mountaineer’s commitment to doubling their passenger volumes by 2022
- Proactive engagement and support for the City’s Tournament Capital initiatives and bids to secure events
- Advocacy and support for the development of a dedicated meetings / conference / civic facility to host meetings and conferences. Meetings business will help to grow shoulder season tourism.
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Media Contact:
Beverley DeSantis, CEO
Tourism Kamloops
P: 250.372.8000
C: 250.517.9094
E: bev@tourismkamloops.com
