SOOKE
NEWS MIRROR
2010 WINNER
CD RELEASED
THANKS GIVEN Editorial
Singer/songwriter John McNeil is a well kept secret. Page 21
Wednesday, OCTOBER 3, 2012
Page 8
Entertainment
Page 19
Sports
Page 28 Agreement #40110541
Sooke triathlon volunteers were feted with a thank you dinner. Page 28
Your community, your classifieds P25 • 75¢
Global changes affect tourism, delegates told Pirjo Raits Sooke News Mirror
The convention centre was full to capacity with delegates who came for the 2012 Tourism Vancouver Island 49th Annual Conference and AGM at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort. The sold out event featured keynote speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions and local community activities. Keynote speaker at the lunch on Wednesday afternoon was MLA Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. His address focused on the changes coming globally which will affect tourism in British Columbia. He said there is as much change coming in the next five to six years as there has been in the last 35 years. “It will be the largest shift of capital that has ever happened on Earth... it is happening every single second,” said Bell. He was referring to the economy in China, India and Korea and the impact and opportunity it will have on tourism. He said in about eight years the Chinese economy will surpass that of the United States. “There are 300 million middle class Chinese looking to go for a great holiday.” In their own country, he said, they live on top of each other and they are looking for those very unique experiences we have to offer. “Change is on us and it is happening at a pace never
Pirjo Raits photos
Delegates for the 49th annual Tourism Vancouver Island met in Sooke. Among the keynote speakers was MLA Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, below. se before,” said Bell. seen He said it was crucial for Br British Columbia to captu that value presented in ture fro of us. To be successfront fu and compete in tourism, ful w need to be aggressive, we he said. His number one message w to really think about was th change occurring on the th planet and to build new the st strategies. “Figure out what it is you do better than anyone else... an stay very very focussed and on core values.” He mentioned our st strengths and differences in the tourism industry that co could set us apart from the ot other countries which com-
pe for tourist dollars. pete Areas where British Co Columbia shines are in w winter sports such as skiin all-season conventions, ing, ab aboriginal tourism, eco-adve venture tourism, city states an touring. and He said no one comes to Br British Columbia specifically fo aboriginal tourism, but for ab about 35 per cent of those ex experiencing part of that cultu plan to return for it. ture The wide open spaces an scenery in the province and se very well to upscale sells to tourists who can afford a be better vacation. “As nice as it is to stand on top of a mountain, some w would rather get there by he helicopter,” said Bell. Bell recognized some of th problems faced with BC the Fe Ferries and he said the provi ince is spending $70 million to reduce fare increases. He said a goal has been set to build tourism into an $18 billion business and this could be accomplished because of the massive shift of wealth and the fact that “we are perfectly located.” In 2012 there was a 26-27 per cent growth in Chinese tourism. Bell said it was important to be more culturally aware and how to present to the Chinese market, as this would be the next wave of tourists coming to B.C. His final recommendation was, in order to protect “small business” it was important to participate and join in with associations such as chambers of commerce and tourism associations. Spencer Chandra Herbert,
Ahhhhh…...Lakefront Living !! Love the country & appreciate craftsmanship? This post & beam home on 1 acre of tranquil lakefront could be yours. Light & open with massive heavy timbers, soaring ceilings & 2 real stone fireplaces. Plus hardwood, granite, multiple lake view decks & dock for enjoying water activities, even fishing! Woodstove warms open plan lower level / 1BR inlaw. Down a long country lane the views are protected as opposite side of lake is parkland. High speed internet available & new cell tower coming to area. This could be your refuge. $739,000
Shelly Davis 250.642.6361
138 7x2.5 www.ShellyDavis.ca
MLA for Vancouver WestEnd and the NDP Critic for Tourism, Culture and Gaming, spoke earlier Wednesday on the future of tourism as the opposition sees it. He said Tourism BC should be brought back to an industry led formula funded body. “Instead of bureaucrats and politicians running it,” he said. He also called for better support for the BC Parks system along with arts and culture. He had concerns around ferry fares and the impact it has had on tourism in B.C. He said people has a “hunger to see what the NDP would do” in regard to tourism. He said the Sooke area had it all — everything from culinary, eco, historical, cultural and marine tourism. “The area has it all, it’s good for the residents, it’s good for tourists.” When asked what the NDP would do, he said said the last three years under this government has been chaos, the HST is hurting tourism and small business and local tourism need to be heard. “We need to reinstate the industry leadership so industry can plan more than one year in advance,” he said. Better skills and training are needed to will ensure young people or older folks can change occupations later in life. Affordable education is needed in these cases, he said. “Tourism is challenged regardless of government,” he said.