Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the Shuswap to spend their vacation time and money.
And while there’s something to be said for getting out of your hometown for a holiday, there’s an equal argument to be made for staying close to home.
Staycations are a great way to get out and explore the amazing recreational opportunities our region has to offer.
They are also a great way to keep your vacation dollars circulating in the local economy. By visiting regional events and venues, you’re not only supporting local businesses you’re also helping to create and maintain jobs.
The B.C. government reports in 2013, the tourism sector employed 132,000 British Columbians, almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C. The sector has more than 19,200 tourism-related businesses and paid out $4.5 billion in wages and salaries to tourism workers in 2013.
Tourism is especially critical to the economy in the Shuswap. This weekend is a particularly good time to invest some of your entertainment dollars into our own Roots and Blues Festival, which according to a Thompson Rivers University study generated roughly $4 million in direct new spending in the region in 2013.
So if you needed another reason to go to this weekend’s festival, think of it as an investment in Salmon Arm’s economy.