Victoria February 2012
Victoria Tourism Bulletin 2012-02
February Shows a Glimmer of Light
After a dismal January, the stats for February 2012 show a glimmer of light as the accommodation sector experienced slightly higher occupancy rates compared to February of last year – however ongoing room discounting continues to affect RevPAR.
- Included in the BC 2012 provincial budget released in February, were a number of tourism related items including references to an industry-led marketing agency, improved coordination of tourism marketing, the elimination of provincial jet fuel tax for international flights, and $21 m (over 3 years) to help maintain and operate Provincial Heritage Property sites.
- The total number of international visitors who came to BC in February 2012 was up by 4.5% compared to February of last year. Year-to-date data indicates that the number of visitors from Asia/Pacific is up 9.6% and from Europe is up 9.3%.
- In February, Tourism Victoria launched a six-week marketing campaign aimed at attracting residents of Calgary and Edmonton to Victoria. The campaign involved posting branded messages on washroom hand dryers. Men’s room ads read “Warm up your golf grip here” while Women’s room ads read “This warmth brought to you by Tourism Victoria”.
