An important announcement was made today by Premier Christy Clark in collaboration with the Mid-Coast Working Group, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC). The Provincial government and BC Ferries have made a commitment to run a seasonal direct ferry service between Port Hardy and Bella Coola in an effort to support Aboriginal tourism and the mid-coast economy.
“This new service will provide access for visitors to the unique and unparalleled beauty of the Great Bear Rainforest, now protected by the Province, and create additional interest in tourism along the mid-coast and through the Cariboo-Chilcotin for years to come,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.
“This is a significant achievement today and the work of ITAC as part of the Mid-Coast Working Group is one of the best examples of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal tourism industry partnerships in the country,” said co-chair for the Mid-Coast Working Group and ITAC president and CEO Keith Henry. “Aboriginal tourism along B.C.’s coast is yet to realize its full potential and today marks an important step in our work to build new experiences and market this incredible destination to the world.”