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November 2, 2025 With a warm sense of excitement, the city of Kelowna is preparing to welcome leaders from across the tourism world as the 2026 BC Tourism Industry Conference is set for March 4–6 2026 at the Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort. Organised by the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC), the gathering aims to bring together tourism operators, destination marketing organisations and government representatives to map out the road ahead for the province’s visitor economy.Advertisement TIABC describes British Columbia’s visitor economy as generating approximately CAD 18.5 billion in revenue in 2022. The conference will provide a platform for discussion of key issues such as sustainability, workforce development and regional tourism growth.A time for turning ideas into actionAfter several years of disruption, the tourism industry in British Columbia is showing signs of renewed strength. According to the Destination BC annual service plan, the industry revenue for 2022 was reported at CAD 18.5 billion, marking a significant jump over the previous year. One of the central themes at the conference will be how to translate this momentum into durable gains for businesses and communities.AdvertisementTIABC emphasises that this is not just about economic recovery but about shaping an industry that serves residents, preserves the environment and honours Indigenous heritage. Attendees will hear about strategies for year‑round tourism, diversification of destinations, and deeper community engagement.Why Kelowna matters in this momentKelowna, nestled in British Columbia’s wine country and lake‑scenery region, is an apt choice for this conversation. Within the region, tourism spending in 2022 reached an estimated CAD 540 million, supporting about 8,750 direct jobs and contributing roughly CAD 373 million in wages.By hosting the conference, Kelowna positions itself not only as a destination but as a discussion hub for provincial tourism strategy.Advertisement The resort venue offers delegates an opportunity to experience first‑hand how a destination blends natural beauty, hospitality and economic purpose. It also signals a vision for tourism hubs beyond major metro centres. Local business owners and tourism operators in the Okanagan region will no doubt be watching closely as ideas presented at the conference translate into regional action.What to expect at the conferenceRegistration for the event will open in early November, and organisers are advising participants to book accommodations and travel early to take advantage of special rates.The programme is expected to cover keynote sessions, breakout workshops and networking opportunities focused on themes such as …
