What Percentage of BC Economy Is Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

British Columbia is a province located in western Canada and is known for its scenic beauty, diverse cultures, and outdoor recreation activities. The tourism industry has always been an essential part of the province’s economy. In this article, we will explore what percentage of BC’s economy is tourism.

Overview of Tourism Industry in BC

The tourism industry in British Columbia is a significant contributor to the provincial economy. It generates revenue, creates jobs, and supports local businesses. According to Destination British Columbia, the provincial tourism marketing organization, tourism contributed CAD 20.5 billion to the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019.

Tourism Employment

Tourism also plays a vital role in employment generation in BC. The industry provides jobs for people across various sectors such as accommodation, food and beverage services, transportation, recreation, and entertainment. In 2019, tourism employed around 160,300 people in the province.

Tourism Revenue

Tourism revenue is another critical aspect of the industry’s contribution to BC’s economy. In 2019, tourism generated CAD 8.3 billion in revenue for the province. This revenue includes spending by visitors on accommodations, food and beverage services, transportation, recreation activities, and souvenirs.

Percentage of BC Economy Attributed to Tourism

Now that we have established how significant the tourism industry is for British Columbia let us look at what percentage of the provincial economy it comprises.

According to Statistics Canada data from 2018 (the most recent available), tourism accounted for approximately 4% of BC’s GDP. Although this may seem like a small number compared to other sectors such as construction or real estate which account for a more significant portion of the provincial GDP; it still represents a substantial contribution from the industry.

A Growing Industry

The tourism industry in BC is continually evolving and growing. In recent years, the province has seen an increase in international visitors and a rise in tourism spending. The government of British Columbia has recognized the importance of the tourism industry and has implemented various initiatives to support its growth.

Conclusion

To summarize, the tourism industry is a crucial part of British Columbia’s economy. It generates revenue, creates jobs, and supports local businesses, making it a significant contributor to the province’s GDP.

Although it accounts for approximately 4% of the provincial economy, it is still a substantial portion that should not be overlooked. With initiatives in place to support its growth, we can expect to see continued success for BC’s tourism industry in the years to come.