In a press release this Friday, the B.C. government announced that it would invest $30,000 in the 38th annual Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon, set to take place this Sunday, October 8th.
The marathon regularly brings in thousands of participants and supporters from over 25 different countries, spelling a large boom for the city’s tourism economy.
The route will take runners through some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of Victoria, and has been ranked as one of the top destination marathons by Runners World Magazine.
A show of support for local economies
“Events like the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon support a growing tourism sector by attracting global attention and bringing visitors to our province who ultimately fuel local economies,” says Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The government’s support of the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon will help marketing efforts of this world-renowned marathon. I wish all the participants well as they work towards achieving their personal best.”
The B.C. Government annually invests around $50 million in Sport, and over $98 million in the tourism industry – funds that may have directly contributed to the 12.3% increase in international visitors to the province in 2016.
Not a bad investment at all, considering the fact that the tourism industry makes up the largest sector of British Columbia’s annual GDP!
