Tourism

The Thompson Okanagan region is the third largest tourist destination in British Columbia, after the Mainland/Southwest and Vancouver Island/Coast regions, and accounts for about one-fifth of the provincial total number of rooms. Room revenues in the Thompson Okanagan grew by over 12 percent between 2006 and 2007, outperforming the other two top destination regions. In 2007 the region’s accommodation sector earned over $306 million in room revenues (BC Stats).

Along with the rest of British Columbia, the Okanagan Similkameen region attracts an ever increasing number of travelers from around the world. The lush valleys, stunning mountain areas and warm, freshwater lakes combine to create a beautiful landscape that is cited by the majority of visitors as the most outstanding characteristic of the region. The good climate is the second most frequently cited positive characteristic by visitors to the valley.

Comparison of Room Revenues (2007)

Region Room Revenue ($,000) No. of Properties No. of Rooms
BC Total 1,996,282 2,49 100,624
Thompson Okanagan 306,282 612 20,937
Okanagan Similkameen 53,557 133 3,533
City of Penticton 28,254 49 1,815

Source: BC Stats

According to a report published by Tourism BC (Characteristics of the Commercial Nature-Based Tourism Industry in British Columbia, January 2005) there were approximately 2,193 nature-based tourism businesses in the province in 2001, of which 11 percent operated in the Thompson Okanagan tourism region. With its diverse range of ecosystems and landscapes, opportunities exist in the region to develop and promote multiple day packages including specialty tours associated with ecology, bird watching, historical interpretation, agri-tourism, adventure experiences and recreational sports.

Visitors to the Okanagan Valley spend an average of $167 per day with winery visitors spending significantly more ($188 per day) than the average (Source: Tourism BC).

Penticton’s Tourism

A Unique Destination

“Time to breathe” sums up the relaxed and informal pace for the thousands of visitors who come to Penticton.

It is estimated that the City hosts more than 1.5 million tourists each year.

Penticton is ideally situated between the shores of two large, warm, fresh water lakes which provide excellent opportunities to capitalize on future development in the tourism industry. Famous for its long, hot summers and short, mild winters and its affordability, the area has many world class attractions and a natural environment second to none. The region’s unique climate makes it possible for visitors to ski in the morning and golf or sail in the afternoon.

The City is alive with festivals and events attracting thousands of visitors year-round.

Subaru Ironman Canada

Subaru Ironman Canada

Subaru Ironman Canada

This five-day event attracts over 2,600 participants and an estimated 5000 family members to the  community.  The Subaru Ironman Canada is a world class event attracting participants from all corners of the planet and provides the community with a twelve-million dollar spin off.

The event also draws an average of 5000 volunteer participants and over 25,000 spectators. Athletes also travel to Penticton throughout the year to train.

Okanagan Wine Festivals - Spring & Fall Wine Festivals

The community attracts over 100,000 visitors annually to experience its spectacular wineries. The region also hosts a number of wine festivals   during every season of the year to provide visitors with an opportunity to taste its award-winning wine vintages. Guided wine tours and festivals provide visitors with a unique experience that makes this region a popular destination for a growing demographic of wine lovers. Your property will see a definite economic spinoff of this growing industry in the valley.

Penticton Peach Festival

This five-day event currently, attracts over 18,000 attendees and has been running for 64 years.

Originally a celebration to honour of the peach harvest, the festival has blossomed over the years into a frenzy of entertainment and activities, which includes an amusement park, outdoor concerts and one of the largest parades in the province.

Rotary Okanagan Children’s Festival

Three days of non-stop fun, this fantastic event sees over 9,500 attendees and includes something for everyone to enjoy.

And More…

  • The Fest of Ale,
  • Meadowlark Festival,
  • Peach City Beach Cruise,
  • Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival,
  • Beach Blanket Film Festival,
  • Peach Festival,
  • Pentastic Jazz Festival

The Penticton Lakeside Resort is a major attraction at the south end of Okanagan Lake. The Caribbean-themed Lake City Casinos offers great entertainment for both locals and visitors. The Hooded Merganser restaurant, cantilevered over the waters of Okanagan Lake, is the signature restaurant of the Penticton Lakeside Resort where guests enjoy unsurpassed views as they dine in the casually elegant, relaxing atmosphere.

Penticton is richly steeped in artistic, historic and cultural tradition. The Art Gallery of the South Okanagan displays the work of some of Canada’s most intriguing artists. The Leir House Cultural Centre is home to a variety of service organizations including the well-known Okanagan Summer School of the Arts.

In the winter months, Apex Resort, located 29 km west of Penticton, offers 2,000 feet of vertical and 67 runs for skiers and snowboarders. The resort is serviced by a high-speed quad chair, triple chair and surface lifts.

The summer program features horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking trails. There are on-hill accommodations, entertainment facilities, a ski shop and some of the best cross country and backcountry skiing in the Okanagan Valley.

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Tourism Economic Impact

Biking in Penticton, BCApproximately 2,000 workers or about 9.8 percent of greater Penticton’s workforce, are employed in tourism-related businesses (accommodation and food services) (Statistics Canada, 2006 Census). Employees with more than one language are at an advantage, given the broadening of the tourism draw.

Penticton is ranked as the 7th largest urban centre in British Columbia in terms of the amount of money generated by tourism room revenues. In 2007 Penticton earned over $28 million in room revenue (BC Stat). The accommodation industry in the city has approximately 1,700 hotel/motel units and 1,025 campground/recreation vehicle sites (Source: Penticton Visitor Information Centre, 2008), as well as a rapidly growing number of bed and breakfast operations. The higher end hotels/motels, with national advertising campaigns, do well and achieve higher occupancy rates than the small establishments.

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Questions? Contact Penticton Economic Development

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