Whereas rural communities near the United States border are experiencing economic challenges due to declining tourism, which is a vital source of income for local businesses and job creation; And whereas these challenges are primarily caused by aging infrastructure, limited marketing support, and intense competition from well-funded US destinations, making it difficult for rural communities to attract and retain visitors: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to address declining tourism due to aging infrastructure, limited marketing support, and better-funded US destinations, by increasing targeted investment in recreational tourism infrastructure, including parks, trails, ski resorts, indoor facilities, and outdoor adventure amenities, and by providing enhanced marketing support to promote these areas to potential visitors from the United States; And be it further resolved that the Province work collaboratively with local governments, Indigenous communities, and tourism stakeholders to develop a sustainable, long-term strategy for tourism investment in border regions, ensuring economic growth while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Despite an evolving geo-political landscape, shifting visitor sentiments, and challenges with aging recreational infrastructure keeping up with increased demand, tourism remains one of the provinces most dynamic industries and a vital engine for economic growth, jobs and opportunity. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport the Ministry supports communities throughout BC in delivering destination events that bring benefits to people and communities and strengthen the economy. The Ministry also works to develop and maintain BC as a world-class destination, through the creation, administration and growth of existing all-season resorts for recreation and tourism. Destination British Columbia supports a strong, competitive future for BC tourism through global marketing, destination development, industry learning, community-based funding and visitor services. This includes targeted efforts to attract visitors from key U.S. markets, and introduction of the Invest in Iconics strategy, featuring six regional travel brands to boost year-round tourism and strengthen rural destinations. These efforts are supported by a global marketing plan and a refreshed Super, Natural British Columbia campaign designed to leverage FIFA World Cup 26 exposure. The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth JEG leads BCs economic development and recovery efforts, promoting diversification and long-term jobs. Through its Look West strategy, JEG identifies tourism as a key growth sector to strengthen the provinces tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Regional economic development managers support local governments, Indigenous communities, and businesses across BC, while the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Grant Program helps rural communities create economic opportunities, including infrastructure development. The Ministry of Environment and Parks ENV is responsible for managing and supporting BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC, which develops, maintains and manages a network of recreation sites and recreation trails throughout the province. ENV is leading the development of on Outdoor Recreation Strategy, in collaboration with partner ministries and public recreation groups. The Strategy will leverage BCs natural landscapes and dedicated outdoor recreation community to grow rural economic development through outdoor recreation and adventure tourism. The Province will continue to actively engage across all levels of government and with industry partners to think strategically about BCs complex tourism and recreational infrastructure needs and create a plan for tourism growth to build a resilient, prosperous tourism sector that delivers stronger outcomes for communities and the visitor economy.