Why Is the Vancouver Convention Centre Important to the Tourism Industry of the City and Province?

By Michael Ferguson

The Vancouver Convention Centre is an iconic landmark in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Built in 1987, the convention centre underwent a massive expansion in 2009 and has since become one of the most important venues for events and conferences in Canada. In this article, we’ll explore why the Vancouver Convention Centre is so important to the tourism industry of the city and province.

Location

One of the most significant advantages of the Vancouver Convention Centre is its location. Situated right on the waterfront, it offers stunning views of the harbour and mountains.

The surrounding area is home to some of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Stanley Park, Gastown, and Granville Island. The close proximity to these attractions makes it easy for visitors to combine their convention experience with leisure activities.

Size and Capacity

The Vancouver Convention Centre is one of Canada’s largest convention centres, boasting over 466,500 square feet of flexible meeting space. It can accommodate events ranging from small meetings to large-scale conventions with over 20,000 attendees.

The centre has two connected buildings: the West Building and the newer East Building that opened in 2009. The East Building includes a massive ballroom that can host up to 6,000 people at once.

Sustainability

The Vancouver Convention Centre is also known for its commitment to sustainability. It was designed with numerous green features such as a six-acre living roof that helps regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. The building also uses seawater for heating and cooling systems which reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Economic Impact

The impact that the Vancouver Convention Centre has on both the local economy as well as on tourism cannot be overstated. According to Tourism Vancouver, conventions and meetings held at the centre generated $373 million CAD in direct spending in 2019 alone. This spending supports local businesses and creates jobs in various industries including hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Vancouver Convention Centre is a vital asset to the tourism industry of Vancouver and the province of British Columbia. Its location, size, commitment to sustainability, and economic impact make it one of Canada’s most important convention centres. The centre continues to attract visitors from all over the world for various events and conferences, contributing to the growth of the local economy and promoting Vancouver as a world-class destination.