TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – August 29, 2025

CEO Message

I’ve got to hand it to civic politicians who have the patience of Job to sit through discussions and/or voting on the 200+ resolutions put forward for the Province’s attention as part of the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Convention next month in Victoria. Imagine having to debate moose habitat considerations in landscape planning, or a review of the BC Library Act. In all seriousness…most of the local issues that require action on the part of the provincial government are extremely important to as few as one or as many as all BC communities.

From my quick perusal of the resolutions list, only a few of the motions pertain directly to tourism. One resolution I took note of was on investment in recreational tourism submitted by the City of Nelson that states, “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.”

Contrary to what the motion suggests regarding declining tourism, I’ve been assured by my DMO colleagues that the city and the Kootenay Rockies region are having a strong summer tourism season, although actual numbers vis-a-vis occupancy, revenues, and other key indicators won’t be known until mid-fall. Regardless, the recommendations are strong and valid.

For the record, while UBCM’s Resolutions Committee has not previously considered the recommendations contained in item EB91, it notes that the membership has consistently endorsed resolutions in support of recreational tourism, as well as calling on the Province to provide funding and staff to support the continued and sustained operation of provincial parks, recreational sites, trails, and backcountry areas. It goes on to say that communities throughout BC may be experiencing a similar decline in recreational tourism, and that Nelson may wish to consider the support that non-border regions of the province could provide to this resolution, if the wording did not exclude them.

Hear hear. TIABC concurs with the committee’s sentiments and will continue to lobby the Province to increase its investment in tourism infrastructure, which has been a key priority of ours for some time.

Over the years I’ve attended many UBCM resolution sessions and found them to be informative, lively and essential, although admittedly I’ve zoned out when certain topics are debated that have nothing to do with tourism. I’m sure my experience at the upcoming convention will be similar. For that matter, not even Job would have the patience to sit through a debate on topics such as mailing illegal substances via Canada Post, or solid waste management approvals. Thankfully there are civic politicians that do.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC