Layoffs Hit British Columbia's Tourism Industry

Tourism marketers in British Columbia face budget cutbacks that will challenge their ability to take advantage of the global exposure coming their way from the 2010 Olympics, according to a report from Canwest News Service.

Tourism Vancouver has lost 14 people—nearly 20 percent of its work force—through attrition and layoffs in the past two months; Tourism Victoria has cut 4.5 full-time positions through attrition the past six months and will review staffing levels on a quarterly basis; and while Tourism Whistler expects to maintain its 75-person work force, it will cut overhead costs such as travel expenses wherever it can.

Falling corporate sponsorship and hotel tax revenues this year are forcing tourism marketers to scramble to offset expected revenue shortfalls. The budget cutbacks will force all tourism agencies to engage in more joint marketing efforts.