As Chair of the Minister’s Council on Tourism, I am pleased to report that twelve of our thirteen members met on Monday, November 30th, exactly one week after our appointments had been made. We wasted no time in getting down to business.
It is an indication of the great importance that government places on the tourism industry that Premier Gordon Campbell attended our inaugural meeting. I am very pleased that the Premier devoted this time to help set direction for the Council and to offer his support. In his remarks, the Premier urged us to think outside the box about ways that we can use the 2010 Olympics as a launch pad to the future. He also reiterated government’s goal to double tourism revenue by 2015. From a baseline of $9.8 billion in 2003, we are at $13.8 billion now, so we’re making good progress toward that ambitious goal.
Minister Kevin Krueger, who participated and listened during the entire meeting, challenged us to be fearless and creative. The Minister outlined the broad context of our role and the range of opportunities for the members to contribute their varied expertise. In his words, “nothing is off the table”. It was very clear that this Council will not be focused exclusively on marketing – government wants our input and advice on every aspect of the tourism industry.
Council was pleased to learn that both the Premier and the Minister are committed to bringing other Cabinet Ministers to the table when we need all areas of government to work together on issues affecting tourism. Given this level of support, we are very optimistic about the role that the Minister’s Council on Tourism will be able to play to build upon B.C.’s reputation as a world-class destination and to generate increased business.
Our broad representation of the industry will be especially valuable in guiding strategies on a wide range of tourism issues. At our next meeting, we will confirm the Council’s Terms of Reference, address three identified immediate issues; and begin to prioritize the areas on which we will focus our attention over the next year.
We are excited about this new forum for input, the respect shown for industry’s views and we look forward to working closely with the Minister to ensure the on-going vitality and growth of British Columbia’s tourism sector.
Stuart McLaughlin
Chair
