Tourism Essay
by Judi Lees
It comes as no surprise that tourism is on a roll in Vancouver. Accented with a cityscape that blends architectural feats like the soaring five sails of Canada Place, towering skyscrapers and an eclectic mix of ethnic neighborhoods, the city scene complements Mother Nature’s best. One can’t help but marvel at the foresight of the city’s forefathers back in 1886 when their first resolution was to purchase 405 hectares and declare it a park. Surely they had tourism on their minds. Today, Stanley Park is Canada’s largest city park and a famous landmark. More than one international traveler has recalled Vancouver to me as “the city with the wonderful park in the middle.”
Expo 86 was the turning point. Not only did the world’s fair attendance surpass expectations--13 to 15 million visitors were projected and more than 20 million came--but visitors fell in love with the city. The love affair has continued. Today tourism is Greater Vancouver’s largest industry, generating an overall economic impact of $3.52 billion, creating $800 million in tax revenues and supporting over 62,300 jobs. (In the province, tourism ranks second only to softwood lumber and pulp exports. Revenues have increased an average of four per cent over the last four years.)
What brings them? A city that bustles with kinetic energy and thrives on this energy, a city where people are the focal point whether they arrive on a cruise ship for a day’s tour or book into a five- diamond hotel and “do the works” from Stanley Park to the Museum of Anthropology. Thanks to a mosaic of cultures, visitors are invited to imbibe in culinary feasts (from Thai to East Indian to Chinese and Greek, we have it all) and to participate in colorful events such as the International Dragon Boat Festival. Vancouver grabs attention, first with its dramatic setting then with its western hospitality. Our casual, West Coast lifestyle lends itself to a cheerful service industry where nothing is too much trouble. Most downtown hotels offer babysitting, can arrange dog walking and are adept at problem-solving. At the Waterfront Centre Hotel a concierge had a guest’s pearls restrung in record time.
A good part of Vancouver’s appeal is the meld of nature and commercial attractions. It has become a cliche that you can sail and ski in one day; you can also meander through an old growth forest, visit Science World, browse designer shops, take in an internationally acclaimed production at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts and dine in an elegant restaurant in one day. Granted, a very busy day--but it is possible.
A Vancouver visitor will not soon forget a boat cruise into Indian Arm, a friendly coffee bar on Robson Street, a stroll on the seawall, or a perfect sunset on English Bay. Tourism will continue as a juggernaut because Vancouver, once discovered, is truly unforgettable.
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