Press Release - Tourism Kamloops Presents Convention Centre Feasibility Study to City Council
Facility would expand Kamloops' capacity to attract higher-value conferences and events driving year-round visitation and local economic impact.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KAMLOOPS, BC — Today, Tourism Kamloops presented a convention centre feasibility study to Kamloops City Council, outlining how purpose-built event infrastructure can help grow year-round visitation, strengthen the visitor economy, and deliver broad benefits for local businesses and residents in one of British Columbia's emerging major cities.
Kamloops welcomed nearly 2 million visitors in 2024. Direct visitor spending hit a record $316 million and supported thousands of jobs across the local economy. With most leisure travel concentrated in the summer, the feasibility study highlights a major opportunity to grow visitation in the shoulder seasons and midweek by attracting larger meetings and events. Today, existing venues primarily accommodate smaller groups under 250 people, meaning Kamloops is well-positioned to pursue regional, provincial, and national conferences as soon as it has dedicated convention space.
"This study confirms what our industry has been saying for years," said Erik Fisher, CEO of Tourism Kamloops. "Kamloops has a great culture of hosting sporting events and is very centrally located. With the right facility, we can tap into a new audience and convert proven demand into new room nights, new spending, and more year-round opportunity for Kamloops businesses. The market is there and it's time to build the infrastructure to meet it."
The feasibility study, commissioned through CBRE and Spruce Labs, found that a purpose-built convention centre could generate approximately 28,300 additional hotel room nights annually. Data shows business travelers also contribute more to the local economy, frequently spending up to four times more than leisure visitors, creating outsized benefits for local accommodation, food and beverage, retail, and transportation.
The proposed facility would span roughly 55,000 square feet, including about 30,750 square feet of flexible, purpose-built rentable event space designed to accommodate a range of gatherings. Plans include an 18,000-square-foot ballroom that can host major conferences, supported by meeting and breakout rooms and a dedicated gathering area to enhance the delegate experience. Downtown locations were identified as the best fit given the proximity to existing hotels and other demand generators.
The project is being explored in partnership with Sc.wén̓wen Economic Development Corporation, the business and economic development arm of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusive growth and long-term community benefit.
"What excites me most is what this can enable beyond conferences," said Lisa White, Director of Community Development and Engagement at Tourism Kamloops. "This is a space the entire community can use from cultural gatherings and ceremonies to local celebrations and industry events. Exploring this in partnership with Sc.wén̓wen from the very beginning speaks to the kind of project this is: one grounded in shared values and shared benefit."
Next steps may include establishing a working group, refining the design, and seeking funding and partnership development opportunities.
Erik Fisher, CEO of Tourism Kamloops, is available for interviews. To arrange, contact:
Media Contact Ryan O'Donnell PR Specialist 403-978-6000
