Oil prices is good for B.C.’s tourism industry
Low oil prices should be helping to make Stephen Pearce the happiest guy in the Lower Mainland.
In 2014, the Tourism Vancouver vice-president watched Greater Vancouver attract the largest number of overnight visitors in its history.
This year, the region will likely draw even more overnight guests, thanks to a growing number of visitors from key markets such as China, Mexico, and the U.S., Pearce says.
The loonie’s tumble in the wake of collapsing oil prices is good for B.C.’s tourism industry. It makes Canada more attractive to American tourists and encourages Canadians to travel at home, Pearce says.
“It gives us a stronger value proposition,” he adds.
But lower oil prices have left Pearce sliding on a slick of mixed emotions. He’s wary of how long fuel costs will stay low, and refuses to factor them into his visitor projections for 2015.
He also wonders about the impact of low oil and gasoline prices on the larger Canadian economy. Pearce worries that Canadians may pay a price down the road for the relief they’re getting at the pump today if governments’ ability to provide services is undermined.