Kelowna's Tourism Centre

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Tourism is bringing in more money to the Central Okanagan than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new economic impact study shows that tourism in the region has become a $2.4 billion industry, about 14 per cent higher than in 2018, according to a Tourism Kelowna press release issued today, Feb. 29.

“Tourism continues to be one of the Central Okanagan’s leading industries and contributes to the growth and wellbeing of our economy,” Tourism Kelowna CEO Lisanne Ballantyne said in the release.

Tourists contributed $540 million to the region through local businesses, which is 22 per cent higher than last year.

“The ripple effects of this visitor economy support infrastructure and public services that benefit our city and region. It’s important to note, that as residents we benefit from these businesses, too, and can enjoy these amenities throughout the year, contributing to a stronger quality of life,” Ballantyne said.

READ MORE: New airport hotel and parkade could bring more off-season tourism to Kelowna

The report said 12,630 people work in tourism making a combined $598 million in wages.

Despite setbacks from the pandemic, which caused a three per cent decline in the number of jobs in tourism, the industry is the fourth largest employer in the region and total wages are up four per cent since 2018.

Local tourism contributed $218 million in taxes which is 11 per cent higher than in 2018. The federal government got $141 million, the province got $67 million and $19 million went to municipal taxes.

“Kelowna’s brand as a desirable travel destination remains strong, and this resiliency is reassuring as we continue to promote Kelowna nationally as a year-round travel destination,” Ballantyne said.

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