November 18, 2025
Indigenous Tourism BC AGM & Gathering
Indigenous Tourism BC held its annual general meeting (AGM) and gathering in Ch'elxwa7elch (Coal Harbour, Vancouver) situated on the Traditional Territories of the xʷməθkʷy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations last week.
Jody Kirk (Director of Destination Stewardship) was in attendance representing Tourism Tofino. Also in attendence were Maria Clark and Mauriah Chester from Tin Wis Resort as part of the panel discussion, Cultural Guides and Guardians: Training the Next Generation.
Key Takeaways:
- 88% of people in Canada are interested in Indigenous cultural activities
- 31% of international visitors seek Indigenous experiences with strong interest from Germany, France and UK markets.
- British Columbia hosts more than twenty per cent of Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada.
- Indigenous Tourism in BC provides $1.1 billion in annual economic impact contributions and $239.7 million in Direct GDP.
- Indigenous Tourism contributes to cultural practices, stewardship, sharing, learning and creating meaningful connections between land, water, sky, nature and people.