OSOYOOS SHOULD BE PACKED WITH TOURISTS 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR, NOT THREE
Posted on 27 June 2012 by admin
When you live in one of the most beautiful geographic regions in the world, as we are blessed to do here in the South Okanagan Valley, there is absolutely no reason why this area can’t be promoted as a year-round, world-class destination.
That was the basic premise presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) chief executive officer Glenn Mandziuk during a keynote presentation during the Pacific Northwest Economic Development Conference, a three-day gathering held at the Watermark Hotel in Osoyoos last week.
As Mandziuk pointed out on more than one occasion, more than 80 per cent of the tourist dollars spent in this region of British Columbia, including here in Osoyoos, is spent during the peak summer months of June, July and August.
The good news is the tourism industry in the TOTA coverage area generates an incredible $1.8 billion in revenue and helps employ more than 15,000 people.
The bad news is the vast majority of people who come to the South Okanagan and Osoyoos, only come here during the three peak months, meaning there are nine months of down time for the majority of people in the industry.
After months of discussions with dozens of various stakeholders, TOTA has published a comprehensive 10-year tourism strategy that Mandziuk talked about in detail at last week’s conference.
There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that Osoyoos and the South Okanagan shouldn’t be able to attract visitors from around the world on a year-round basis.
We enjoy, on most occasions, the nicest weather in the country. You can play golf usually 10 months of the year. We enjoy some of the best wineries, restaurants and culinary experts in the entire country.
There’s no reason, as Mandziuk stated, that the South Okanagan can’t become known as the “Tuscany of North America” because we have the quality food, wine and experiences to do just that. This region provides world-class outdoor recreational activities during all four seasons. Osoyoos is certainly about summer, fun and sun, but we have so much more to offer to people 12 months a year.
With the spirit of co-operation and teamwork being a key, there is no reason at all why this 10-year tourism strategy can’t be a resounding success.
I’m not sure what people would do here for 12 months of the year. Not everyone is into golf for example, and there is basically nothing to do for the non-summer months. One thing I think that might keep people away are the expensive prices. We are permanent residents here and like to go out to eat, but we find many restaurants are so expensive.
One summer I paid $4 or $5 for a glass of iced tea at the Burrowing Owl. There was no way that we could afford to buy a meal there. One year my wife’s office was planning to have their Christmas party/dinner there, and then canceled out as everyone said it was soo expensive with small portions.
We do like going up to the golf course for lunch and have taken friends and family there. We also go to Penticton and across the border, rather than spending huge amounts of money to eat here. Smitty’s is another place we go to. Our friend’s that visit would rather spend money on other things besides expensive restaurants!
There used to be abundant wildlife in the valley, but thanks to the wine industry taking over much of the natural environment as well as housing development ranging further and further into the hills, much of the wildlife unique to this part of Canada is now greatly diminished as well as endangered and threatened. The scenery is no longer as attractive as it once was due to houses nearly everywhere you look. I realize that all this enhances the economy but at what cost? There should have been some land use planning!
I have noted that Spotted Lake (a most unusual landform) appears to be drying up. I have photos going back to 1958 showing the lake full of water. Every time I have seen it lately the water has been very low. Is this due to too much development in the area? Conifryd Lake has dried up as well.
I agree with you William. I do enjoy walking in the desert up on the Nk’Mip Cultural Center trails, but the beautiful desert is disappearing. It is sad that the orchards and vineyards have taken over this once beautiful area. It’s advertised as “Canada’s only desert environment”, but that desert environment has mostly been destroyed.
I’ve been wintering in Osoyoos for 12 years.
There is so much to do here during the winter that my neighbour once joked that instead of paying rent, I should just sleep in my car..since I was out & about so much.
I have found that there are quite a number of economical restaurants & pubs with good food here.
Everyone is friendly and helpful.
I’ll be back again in November…and I can’t wait!!!