Salmon run hooks Visitors

Mar 12, 2007 08:03:28

By Martha Wickett MARKET NEWS Staff Dec 01 2006 Visitors from Alberta and other parts of B.C. continue to top the list of tourists to the Shuswap. At Salmon Arm council’s Nov. 14 meeting, Corryn Grayston and Ingrid Kirchin provided an update on the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce. Tourism statistics made up part of the presentation. Overall, the number of visitors dropped slightly this past summer over last year. In 2005, a total of 11,525 visitors were tallied in July and August. This year, that number dropped to 8,960. The majority of visitors came from B.C. and Alberta this year, just as they did in 2005. The number of European visitors dropped from 1,986 in 2005 to 1,734. Kirchin noted that the number of Asian visitors dropped dramatically. She said she attributed the overall drop in numbers to factors such as higher gas prices, a higher Canadian dollar and both internal and external trade and political factors. In contrast with the overall drop, the number of visitors to Salmon Arm during October was the highest of the past three years. Kirchin noted that not a day goes by that the visitor centre doesn’t issue two or three relocation packages for people interested in moving to the area. She said the push for this year will be making the area a destination rather than just a relocation area – getting tourists to stay an extra day. Coun. Alan Harrison remarked that he is not too concerned with a drop in visitors during July and August, in that the town is always overflowing in the summer. “It’s the shoulder-season and the off-season where we need to increase tourism traffic.” Coun. Kevin Flynn agreed, asking if the salmon run is what drew so many extra people to Salmon Arm. He was told it was. He suggested that in 2007, the chamber could work with sporting groups to encourage sports tourism. Grayston referred to some of the chamber’s projects this year, including the Salmon Arm Community Guide and the Twilight Market. She said the guide was well-received and the market was successful, with more than 50 vendors participating in the market. “That’s a really good start to a very promising program,” she said, noting that the chamber will work toward including more family-oriented activities there. Plans for 2007 include the relocation of the visitor centre to the old courthouse building as well as more liaison with the Adams Lake Band regarding employment partnership programs. Also in focus will be strategic planning involving other key groups, a membership survey, a Tourist in Your Own Town program and several other initiatives. Several council members spoke enthusiastically about the move of the visitor centre to the old courthouse. Coun. Marg Kentel complimented the chamber on its part in the Business Excellence Awards. Coun. Debbie Cannon, in looking at the balance sheet for merchandise sold at the visitor centre, suggested the chamber consider purchases carefully and be mindful of the margins needed for profit. From Salmon Arm Observer