There is no hesitation of the fact that tourism as a sector has experienced a major hit during the pandemic. However, in areas like the Kootenays, which provide great experiences as far as outdoor is concerned; there is opportunity to improve amenities that exist already with financial support from the province.

The Kootenay Rockies tourism region, teams up with community destination management organizations, local and regional governments, First Nations, non-profits and other partners, in working together and earmarking projects.

In the Kootenay Rockies tourism region, initiatives are in progress like developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure all over the region at the main attraction sites, developing and sustaining entry to the Elk River for commercial and recreation users, and developing municipal campgrounds along the Slocan Valley.

To quote Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, “We know recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses and people in the tourism sector are critically important. This fund creates new tourism infrastructure, which will help the sector recover, create local jobs and spur economic development.”

“The Targeted Regional Tourism Development funding has presented an opportunity to work with the province and regional partners to strategically position our region for a better future by addressing some important infrastructure gaps. It will also help ensure improved amenities are in place to handle growth and mitigate the impact of increased visitation,” said Kathy Cooper, CEO, Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the six tourism regions of the province have received $13.6 million, $2.3 million of which goes to the Kootenay Rockies region, to make opportunities related to employment, pull new businesses and perk up financial diversification within communities

To quote Nelson Creston MLA Brittany Anderson, “People across the Kootenays are ready to come back stronger than ever before. Tourism is an important part of the Kootenays and by investing in projects and organizations that will attract even more visitors to our incredible region, we will recover quickly and build a thriving region for years to come.”