Tourism numbers off to strong start in 2014

NEWS — Bolstered by the Brier in March, accommodation numbers for Kamloops showed strong growth during the early part of 2014, according to numbers released today (Tuesday) by the B.C. finance Ministry.

“From all of the activity in our city this past spring, we were confident that we’d see strong results for our local tourism sector,” said Tourism Kamloops CEO Lee Morris.

“The newly released numbers have confirmed our belief. Numbers for March 2014 saw a 19 per cent increase in accommodation revenues compared to the previous time period and year to date, we’ve seen a 14 per cent lift. This is great news for our sector.”

Morris attributed much of the growth to the Tim Hortons Brier. which saw curling fans from across the country come to the city for the March 1 – 9 event.

In addition, she said, the B.C. Junior All Native Basketball Tournament brought more than 500 players from March 16 – 21.