Initial reports show northern B.C.'s tourism industry is weathering the downturn in the U.S. economy, according to Northern B.C. Tourism Association CEO Anthony Everett.
Visits to northern B.C. have remained fairly level, while nationally tourism numbers are down, Everett said.
"Our U.S. visitation may be a little down, but Germany, the U.K., Netherlands and Australia area really strong," he said. "We buck the trend for cross-border travel."
Across the North tourism operators in the Peace region reported lower-than-average crowds this summer, Everett said.
"It was higher in the northwest. It was a very good year for fishing," he said. "That wilderness experience... we're starting to be recognized as a place where people can come and experience that."
People coming to northern B.C.L. are often on a longer trip planned well in advance, he said, which works in favour of the region during the current economic downturn.
"Travelling up the Alaska Highway is a lifetime trip. People are doing these things to take them off their bucket list," he said.
Everett said his analysis is based on anecdotal comments from tourism operators, but statistics on visitors to the region will be compile later this month.
Spring through fall are the prime travel seasons for northern B.C.L. However, the North is beginning to offer a wider range of winter tourism amenities like heliskiing and dog sledding, he said.
"We have a whole range of things that people can do," he said. "I think we're going to see some real strong growth."
