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$142 thousand (resort tax) to Osoyoos

Province’s investment boosts tourism in Osoyoos

OSOYOOS – The Government of British Columbia is supporting local tourism by investing more than $5.97 million in 14 resort-oriented municipalities throughout the Province, including the most recent installment of $142,000 for Osoyoos.

Since the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) was launched in 2007, Osoyoos has received more than $1.7 million. Communities will use RMI funding to enhance services and infrastructure geared at attracting more tourists and having them stay longer.

“Investing in tourism and projects that will draw more visitors to Osoyoos is a great way to create jobs and bring economic growth to our region,” said Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “The projects that this funding will make possible, including marina enhancements and a trail system, will encourage tourists to visit Osoyoos and stay for longer.”

“It is really hard to stress just how important the RMI funding is to the Town of Osoyoos.  We use this funding to increase and enhance our visitor satisfaction and enjoyment which also improves the amenities for our local residents.  Tourism is such a competitive industry it is a real “leg up” to have this financial assistance,” said Stu Wells, Mayor of Osoyoos. “The 14 small rural communities take a collaborative approach to this program and share our successes on a regular basis.  My compliments to the Ministry for recognizing the challenges of small town rural British Columbia.”

Since 2007, more than $72.5 million dollars has been invested through the RMI in tourism infrastructure and programs to support regional tourism economies. In 2011, the tourism sector — identified in the BC Jobs Plan as one of eight key sectors — employed 126,700 British Columbians, generated more than $13.4 billion in revenue for tourism-related businesses and contributed more than $1.13 billion to provincial government revenues.

This year’s RMI funds will be used toward projects including the development of a trail system, signage, beach cleaner, public art, boat parking, and marina enhancements.