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Burns Lake's 2024 tourism season witnessed steady growth: CAO

Burns Lake had yet another successful tourism season this year attracting tourists from all around the globe.
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Burns Lake had yet another successful tourism season this year attracting tourists from all around the globe.

This year, the Visitor Information Centre welcomed 2,145 tourists during over 1,250 hours of operation, with guests travelling from diverse locations including Germany, Sweden, Brazil, and as far away as Australia, Chief Administrative Officer Sheryl Worthing said.

Notably, visitors were reported to be captivated by the area's stunning fall colours, which left Australian tourists in awe, expressing that they had never experienced anything like it before, Village of Burns Lake staff reported.

A key player in the local tourism landscape is the Magee House, a new bed and breakfast that opened in February. Owned and operated by the Village of Burns Lake, it has been popular among guests who love the location of the house.

The establishment has been fully booked since its launch, achieving 238 days of occupancy and has generated a revenue of $44,682.

"The Magee House has been book solid since we opened in spring," said Worthing, adding, the bookings run into the fall season.

Worthing said, guests have praised the Magee House for its locally themed rooms, complimentary welcome baskets filled with local treats and flowers, and a dedicated visitor centre cabinet packed with information on local activities.

The Village of Burns Lake launched several initiatives to promote the area, including distributing 400 maps and mailing the Burns Lake brochure throughout British Columbia.

The community's social media presence has also grown, with the Visit Burns Lake Facebook and Instagram accounts boasting over 1,500 followers. Merchandise sales also saw a boost this summer.

"Our most popular souvenirs are magnets and postcards. This year we added a fabulous bonus: stamp 'em and ship 'em which people love," Worthing said.

Hoodies bearing the slogan "Carve Your Path" have also garnered attention, alongside a selection of complimentary items like pins and pens.

The Village also received valuable feedback from visitors regarding local amenities, Worthing said. Common inquiries include restroom locations, spots to relax and grab a treat—often leading them to Spirit Square and the free campground—and what makes Burns Lake unique.

Worthing noted the staff at Visitor Information Centre were praised for their friendliness and extensive local knowledge, often providing more accurate information than online sources.

Overall, tourist feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the town's cleanliness and beauty, Worthing said. However, visitors have suggested areas for improvement, such as adding more bike trail maps, campsite hook-ups, and detailed maps of Northern BC, she added. 



About the Author: Binny Paul

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