Prince Rupert - In an important partnership to develop and promote BC's unique Aboriginal tourism product, Tourism British Columbia and the Aboriginal Association of British Columbia signed a new Aboriginal Tourism Accord. Tourism BC chair Jean Anderson and Sandra White, president of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC made the announcement at the signing ceremony held in Prince Rupert. "The association and its members play an important role in the future development of the Aboriginal tourism sector of our industry," said Anderson. "We look forward to working with them to help identity new opportunities for growth."

Through the Accord, both organizations pledge to work closely to raise awareness of the opportunities of tourism to the Aboriginal community in BC, to assist the Association to build a strong membership and to participate in joint industry planning sessions. "This is a momentous step in the development of Aboriginal tourism in BC," said White. "We're pleased to work with Tourism BC to help our members capitalize on the growing consumer demand for our products and services. The benefits of our work will contribute greatly to the growth of the tourism industry in BC."

"Visitors are seeking cultural and heritage experiences as part of their vacations in BC," "Through this Accord, our joint efforts will ensure that our visitors are more aware of the unique cultural activities open to them." A series of six regional workshops throughout the province are planned this fall to introduce Aboriginal business people and other tourism operators to the Association and the opportunities for development of Aboriginal tourism products and services.

"The future growth of the Aboriginal tourism sector depends on our joint efforts to ensure the association and its members realize their full potential within a strong and vibrant tourism industry," said Tourism BC president and CEO Rod Harris. Tourism BC is a consumer-driven tourism marketing corporation, under the direction of an industry board, responsible for marketing Super, Natural British Columbia as a visitor destination throughout the world.