Vancouver keeps setting annual records for the number of tourists visiting it but why? It’s because of the city’s “international stature as a brand,” according to the head of Tourism Vancouver.Published on : Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Vancouver keeps setting annual records for the number of tourists visiting it but why? It’s because of the city’s “international stature as a brand,” according to the head of Tourism Vancouver.
According to Ty Speer, Vancouver has become a city that is “seen, understood, reported on, consumed and recommended” in key markets internationally.
“We have built up a great brand,” said Speer, the organization’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re an attractive destination brand and people are choosing to come here.”
In 2017, a total of 10,345,867 tourists spent at least one night in Metro Vancouver, which represents an increase of three per cent over 2016. It’s the fourth straight year the region has set new record in the number of tourist visits.
Speer also praised Vancouver International Airport for playing a big role in helping to increase the number of visitors. The airport, he said, continually works to make it as seamless as possible for tourists to visit Vancouver. YVR added 16 new flights in 2016 with Chinese, Mexican and Canadian airlines.
“Their ability to continue deliver great service to airlines such that airlines choose to add routes to and through Vancouver makes an enormous difference in our ability to go to markets and attract consumers in a way that’s easy to get here,” he said.
Speer also singled out new growth in existing markets. The biggest single increase was in visits from Australia, which jumped 20.4 per cent to 238,823, according to Tourism Vancouver data. Visits from China increased 7.1 per cent to 300,172.
Later this year, Tourism Vancouver expects to announce the results of the city’s first destination brand campaign being developed with McCann and FutureBrand.
This year is also expected to be another record year for tourists. With 33 major conventions of at least 1,000 visitors each expected this year, 2018 will be biggest year for conventions, meetings and events in the city’s history.
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