Summer Slump Hits B.C. Tourism Industry

Is it just a rainy June that’s keeping tourists at bay this season? As someone who constantly encourages friends and family to visit Vancouver, I can tell you I’ve done my part this summer to boost tourism numbers for the city. Unfortunately, my successful efforts to lure in several rounds of American tourists didn’t make a dent for the early summer. Tourism Vancouver is reporting that the province has hit a slump for the season, with numbers flatlining and even decreasing for year-over-year traffic.

Is it just a rainy June that’s keeping tourists at bay this season?

As someone who constantly encourages friends and family to visit Vancouver, I can tell you I’ve done my part this summer to boost tourism numbers for the city.

Unfortunately, my successful efforts to lure in several rounds of American tourists didn’t make a dent for the early summer. Tourism Vancouver is reporting that the province has hit a slump for the season, with numbers flatlining and even decreasing for year-over-year traffic.

For May, Tourism Vancouver reports that overnight stays in the city decreased by 1.2 per cent (or around 719,000 visitors) from the same time last year. While the organization says there is still stable visitor growth from Asian countries, particularly from China, it’s a little alarming to see that many fellow Canadians and Americans are either staying at home or are going elsewhere for their summer vacays.

Tourism Vancouver reps blame the crummy weather in May and June for the dismal tourist turnout. But is the extra rain the only thing that dampened tourists’ desire to visit beautiful British Columbia?

Sure, that’s likely the main cause. But another factor is likely the aggressive new tourism campaign recently launched in the U.S., dubbed Discover America. Our neighbours are desperately trying to keep Americans within their own borders for the added (and much needed) tourism revenue.