Just how much the tourism industry contributes to Nanaimo’s economy has been calculated by The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation. NEDC commissioned Chemistry Consulting Group to study the sector and determine its impact.
NEDC CEO Sasha Angus says the tourism industry acts as a platform for a whole host of other sectors, since it supports hotels, retailers and restaurants. Angus says there are over 2000 tourism related businesses in the community, and the industry employs almost 3400 people.
Angus says total visitor spending tops $72 million dollars per year, and the tourism sector generates over $90 million in take-home income for local employees.
NEDC’s Tourism Leadership Committee is working on a variety of new initiatives to draw more tourists to Nanaimo and grow the industry. City Council also gave three readings on Monday night to the bylaws for a 2 per cent hotel room tax, which will help fund a new cultural centre on Newcastle Island, new festivals and increased tourism marketing.
The full tourism impact report is available online.
