After ‘resilient’ 2021, Tourism Kelowna says 2022 offers promising outlook

‘Despite a difficult 2021, the industry performed better than in the first year of the pandemic, but we know there is still a long road ahead to full recovery.’

Tourism Kelowna says 2021 was positive when compared with 2020, but that last year still remained behind pre-pandemic levels.

In a report issued on Friday, the association says the trend should continue for 2022, noting that barring unexpected challenges, early indicators show a strong year ahead for the greater Kelowna area.

“However, following two years of significantly reduced revenues, it will still take time for local tourism businesses to recover losses incurred during the last two years,” said Tourism Kelowna.

“Last year, we saw early momentum cut short and additional challenges placed on our industry in the second half of the year,” said Tourism Kelowna president and CEO Lisanne Ballantyne.

“Despite a difficult 2021, the industry performed better than in the first year of the pandemic, but we know there is still a long road ahead to full recovery. Now more than ever before, tourism businesses are showing their determination and commitment to service.

“We know our greatest challenge moving forward will be balancing the economic growth of the tourism industry while maintaining top-class guest experiences and residents’ support for welcoming visitors.”

Tourism Kelowna says tourism in the Central Okanagan generates $2 billion in business and 13,000 jobs.

According to Tourism Kelowna, approximately two million people made overnight trips to the Central Okanagan — an increase of 18.2 per cent from 2020.