Thirty-one new infrastructure tourism projects will be getting funding from the province, include one mountain bike related development in the Comox Valley.
As part of the project, the province says a total of $15 million will be distributed for 2023-24 as one-time grants. In the Comox Valley, the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) will be getting $150,000 to build an International Mountain Bike Association “certified EPIC” backcountry trail.
They add the trail will act as a marquee attraction with the existing Cumberland multi-use trail network.
Officials says the projects were chosen for their contribution to communities, benefits to the tourism economy, and support for sustainability and accessibility.
Tourism, arts, culture and sport minister Lana Popham says the funding is needed as the province is a world-class tourism destination.
“The past three years have been incredibly challenging for people in the tourism industry, especially after years economic uncertainty and extreme weather events like the recent wildfires,” said Popham.
“Investing in tourism infrastructure supports the tourism sector, the people who work in it, and is helping to create vibrant communities for all British Columbians and visitors.”
Since 2021, the province says more than $60 million has been provided through the destination development fund to rebuild tourism revenues to 2019 levels and strengthening a year-round visitor economy for people in B.C.
