Tourism Growth for Kamloops in Q1 2018
For Immediate Release
May 31, 2018, Kamloops, British Columbia - Performance indicators are reporting growth for tourism in Kamloops for the first quarter of 2018. The Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) collected monthly by the Kamloops accommodation industry is reporting an 18.5% increase over the same quarter in 2017.
Occupancy rates and occupied room nights, are also seeing increases over the same period.
Year |
Occupancy Rate |
|
|
Occupied Room |
|
|
|
January |
February |
March |
January |
February |
March |
% Change |
6.7% |
6.6% |
6.2% |
21.5% |
20.1% |
14.4% |
“These results are indicative of our new brand and positioning of Kamloops as a desirable tourism destination. It has been one year since the launch of the Boldly Unscripted brand and mobilization of targeted marketing campaigns in key markets,” notes Beverley DeSantis, Tourism Kamloops CEO. “The significant shift to a digital-first marketing approach, complimented by a targeted outreach direct to consumer, and through travel media relations and travel trade is paying off. Our passions-based storytelling highlighting experiences such as mountain biking, fishing, golf, sport and event hosting and winter adventure hyper-targets enthusiasts creating inspiration and urgency to visit Kamloops.”
Additionally, Tourism Kamloops has concentrated efforts and support to prioritize tourism opportunities in off-peak months. The organization works collaboratively with the City of Kamloops, the Kamloops Sports Council and local tourism industry partners to build tourism in these periods.
Major events hosted in January, February and March included Rogers Hometown Hockey, 2018 BC Winter Games and Swim BC Meet National Championships drawing thousands of athletes, families and fans to the city.
This week, Tourism Kamloops is celebrating National Tourism Week, recognizing the valuable contributions the tourism industry makes to national, provincial and local economies. The Kamloops Tourism Economy is robust welcoming 1.8 million visitors annually, delivering $270 million in direct visitor spending and resulting in $449 million in total economic impact.
Much attention has been directed to communicating the value of the local tourism industry and the positive contributions it delivers to Kamloops’ economy, local residents and vibrant lifestyle. There have been many recent announcements of new and proposed tourism infrastructure and experiences – a good sign of a healthy and thriving industry:
- Hotel 540 to renovate and rebrand as a Delta property in 2019
- New Wingate by Wyndham opened spring 2018
- New Thompson Valley appellation for Kamloops wine region
- Air Canada introduces non-stop flight from Toronto to Kamloops starting June 21, 2018
- International Buskers Festival relocates to Kamloops July 26-29, 2018
- New restaurant, Forno on 5th, to open late summer 2018
- Two new breweries coming soon – Alchemy (opening fall 2018) and Bright Eye Brewing (2019)
- New guided fly fishing company, Interior Fly Fishing Co.
- New guided bike tour company, Kamloops Bike Tours
- Kamloops to welcome Sport Chek World Junior Showcase July 28 – Aug 4, 2018
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Media Contact:
Beverley DeSantis, CEO
Tourism Kamloops
P: 250.372.8000
C: 250.517.9094
E: bev@tourismkamloops.com