| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 47 |
| Copyright: Other |
Bourchier to take new position at Tourism British Columbia
Louise Bourchier has been named as Tourism British Columbia’s new UK sales manager, as of June 26.Bourchier has a background in tourism and sales marketing, having held positions at Wexas International, Alamo and most recently Discover New England.
Tourism British Columbia market development manager Geoff Sturgeon acknowledged the importance of the role at Rendezvous, noting that, for British Columbia, the UK is the largest player in the European market, with over 200,000 arrivals last year, a 12% increase on 1998.
“UK visitors were up 1.4% in January and February, which was down on the expected 5% but this was mainly due to the millennium impact on the ski market. We are confident we can get a 5% increase for the year overall,” he said.
Skiing breaks provide the backbone of UK visitors to British Columbia, with Whistler ruling the roost. But Sturgeon noted that the resorts of Fernie, Kimberly and Big White are receiving more interest. Other trends included a drop in the number of coach tours sold, but an increase in self-drive products. “Our client base of empty-nesters are becoming more independent,” he said.
Nevertheless, this year has seen British Columbia target the 24-45 age group. “Our TV and print advertising with the Canadian Tourism Commission has a younger and more hip slant. We want to stress British Columbia as a fun place,” he added.