Tourism
Tourism as a global economic sector has been growing steadily over the past few decades, and already forms a major component of the economies of many rural BC communities.
Other rural communities are interested in growing their tourism sector to create much needed local economic activity and employment.
Tourism can also be an effective community "marketing tool" to introduce and entice visitors, who then may consider moving to a community permanently.
Due to our beautiful landscape and natural amenities, rural BC already has a well-established destination and resort tourism sector. An increasingly growing segment of both the domestic and international tourism market is looking for "experiential" tourism products, including cultural tourism. This creates a new opportunity for smaller rural communities and First Nations to create new tourism products that are tailored and appropriate to their specific community and region.
On this page you will find a variety of resources to assist with community-based tourism development. We encourage you to explore related resources found on the Arts & Culture, Asset Based Community Development, Housing & CLTs, and Revitalization resources pages.
Key Links & Success Stories
Related Articles
A conversation with Dana Blouin of Between a Lake & a High Place. Not every rural citizen is a fan of tourism as an…
Read More
Experiential tourism operations are popping up all over rural BC, taking full advantage of the province’s varied — and spectacular — terrain, its rich cultural…
Read More
Between wrenching structural changes in the forestry industry, the pine beetle epidemic, and other significant economic and social changes, countless rural BC communities are struggling…
Read More
Documents
Transforming Communities Through Tourism
Canada's Indigenous Tourism Sector
Tourism 360 Guide for Assessing Your Community's Tourism Potential
Unlocking the Potential of Canada's Visitor Economy
Cultural & Heritage Tourism Development
Cultural & Heritage Tourism Handbook
Innovative Best Practices to Foster Sustainable Tourism
Community Tourism Planning Guide (Saskatchewan)