October 8, 2003
Tourism in Burnaby
MLA Statement
R. Lee: I would like to take this opportunity to talk about an outstanding tourism initiative that is being driven by Burnaby's business community and the hospitality industry. I understand that the Burnaby Board of Trade is working with the local hotel industry to rally support for the formation of a new agency that will promote Burnaby's excellent tourism and recreational destinations. The timing for this idea couldn't be better with two major sporting events on the horizon — the 2009 World Police and Fire Games and the 2010 Olympics.
Parks in Burnaby are among some of the most beautiful in the province, and our heritage homes and gardens have to be seen to be believed. Our community's love for the arts, dance, theatre and music is second to none. This wonderful attribute should not be kept a secret. It is time to spread the word that Burnaby is ready to welcome the world.
The Board of Trade and a number of hotel representatives are proposing a local 2 percent hotel room tax to fund a tourism promotion agency that they would like to call tourism Burnaby. It's believed that this agency can generate an additional $3 million in tourism business for the city each year. This proposal for a hotel tax has already received the endorsement of the city council, the Board of Trade and an overwhelming majority of the hotel owners within the city.
I'm sure we can all agree that tourism equals jobs and economic growth for all British Columbians. I would like the business and hotel owners in Burnaby to know that I fully support their efforts to bring our community to the forefront of B.C.'s tourism market.
