BC’s tourism industry applauds Family Day decision

This week’s announcement of BC’s Family Day as the second Monday in February initiated widespread enthusiasm across British Columbia’s tourism industry. Originally slated for later in the month to align with other provinces and the US President’s Day holiday, the announcement came on the heels of a consultation process led by TIABC, Tourism Whistler, the Canada West Ski Areas Association, and other tourism partners. At the urging of Pat Bell, Minister for Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, the industry-wide consultation process looked at the outcome of holding the holiday on a weekend already busy with visiting families from neighbouring provinces and states, and the findings overwhelmingly supported the decision to consider an alternate date. “There is no coincidence that this announcement was made at The Vancouver Aquarium, which is a prominent tourist attraction in the Province of BC,”commented Lana Denoni, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia. “There are so many places for families in British Columbia to explore and often so little time to do so. Having the holiday on the second Monday in February provides British Columbia families with an opportunity to Stay and Play on Family Day. Unique programming delivered on a less busy weekend will encourage families to explore the province together.”(http://www.tiabc.ca)