B.C. tourism sector experiencing boom, province says

Tens of thousands more international visitors poured into B.C. this summer compared to last year, says the provincial government.

"We've heard from virtuallyacross the province about the success that people are experiencing this year," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training andMinister Responsible for Labour.

Bondsaid international visits are up 8.8 per cent so far,compared to the same time last year. An additional 72,085 people visited the province in July alone a 10 per centincrease from the same monthlast year.

Bond said the increases were due in part to thelowCanadian dollar and the FIFA Women's World Cup, which took place in July.

Increases were seen in some of B.C.'s biggest tourist markets, said Bond, including:

• India:15.6 per cent increase
• Japan: up 12.5 per cent
• U.S.: 11.6 per cent increase
• China: 8.3 per cent increase
• UK: 5.5 per cent increase

The province's tourism sector generates almost $14 billion in revenue every year, said Bond, and employs 132,000 people.

The province also announced a new three-year strategic tourism plan and funding model, including more money for small and medium-sized communities throughout B.C.