A NEW DIRECTION

The Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) held its 19th annual general meeting in Richmond, BC recently. TIABC reports that more than 50 tourism industry leaders attending the event resoundingly endorsed a new Moving Forward process for the organization that is targeted towards uniting the industry around the issues that significantly impact the travel decisions of our out-of-province customers and BC residents. TIABC chair, Christine Stoneman said: “Tourism is an important revenue generator to the BC economy and by bringing all the sectors, marketing organizations and businesses together within this diverse industry, we will be able to accomplish more together than we can apart. An improved business climate for tourism operators will not only benefit business owners but all British Columbians.” Before the AGM, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business, Naomi Yamamoto told TIABC members that: “Our government is focused on securing tomorrow by building a strong economy today, and spurring job creation as a result. The tourism industry is vital to achieving that vision and so, in concert with Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister Shirley Bond, I look forward to collaborating with the new TIABC board and congratulate them on their election. Working together, I believe there is every opportunity for the tourism sector to grow rapidly in the next few years.” Go to http://www.tiabc.ca for more.