This month, Kelowna is on full display in Sport Tourism Canada's Member Spotlight, showcasing our destination as a host city for sports events to over 250 national and provincial sport organizations. Sport Tourism Canada is an organization founded through a partnership with the Destination Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Commission) with the goal to increase Canada’s capacity to attract and host sport tourism events.
As part of the member spotlight, Tourism Kelowna can showcase not only the array of available venues, but also highlight the numerous activities and scenic views that can be enjoyed year round by athletes, their coaches and families, and the many fans who travel to cheer them on while they compete.
In 2018, Tourism Kelowna established a Major Events Strategy to further our destination’s national and international exposure, and become competitive as a host city for major events. A significant driver of overnight visitation and economic activity, sport tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry with over $7.4 billion in annual spending by domestic and international visitors. Early results from the strategy, like 2019 Skate Canada International, put our destination on the map and contributed to Kelowna being named Canada's number one mid-size city for sport hosting two years running.
For more information on our Major Events Strategy or to discuss hosting your next sport event in Kelowna, contact me at sara@tourismkelowna.com or at (250) 861-1515 ext. 218
